Getting Started with Technology

Getting Started with Technology

Using technology to engage students sounds like a terrific idea, doesn't it?  Incorporating videos, blogs, web 2.0 tools, and various devices can be a super successful strategy or a time-sucking, terrible, trial and error experience.  Where should a teacher start? 

Technology doesn't have to be overwhelming, and chances are you already have a number of technology tools within your room.  Thanks to the ideas shared by the Edutopia article How to Integrate Technology  there are a number of ideas to assist in the journey towards increased technology implementation. 


Do you have an interactive whiteboard? 

• Check out the digital training available through your whiteboards brand 
• Promethean Planet
• SmartBoard Technology
• Mimio Whitebaord
• Check out interactive resources through Scholastic
• Check out interactive resources through PBS
• Take a look at flocabulary, the interactive videos and the teacher resources

Do you have a pod of 3-4 computers? 

• Use all of the above
• Incorporate exploration stations or a research bay 
• Dedicate time for collaboration using prezi, powerpoint, or google apps 
• Encourage student blogging using kidblog
• Organize your classroom using Google Classroom, Edmodo, or Schoolology 

Do you have a cart of tablets or devices? 

• Use all of the above
• Encourage students to use screencast technology 
• Develop plans for collaboration
• Try Padlet
• Try Mindmeister
• Try Lineo 
• Try Popplet
• Create digital stories incorporating narratives and art using StoryBird
• Have students create videos using Animoto
• Incorporate student monitoring systems 
• Try Socrative
• Try Plickers
• Try Kahoot 
• Try Nearpod

Are you still unsure? Don't be afraid to try something new.  You have to start somewhere and not all technology will work seamlessly the first time.  When you are putting something new out there, be sure to prepare for the lesson with enough time for a practice run, ask your technology coordinator questions regarding broadband strength and updates, and preview your lesson with an introduction on digital citizenship. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!