Teachers Keeping Up With #EdTech
Learn the best ways for teachers to keep up with edtech
Introduction
How in the world are teachers supposed to keep up with all these rapid changes in technology?! Classrooms are pushing out the paper and pulling in the technology to better prepare students for their future schooling and careers. Teachers are at the center of this phenomena trying to sort through the mess to effectively and efficiently teach their students.
1st Step: Willingness to Adapt
Teachers must recognize their school's shift and reliance on technology and be willing to adapt to these changes. In addition, teachers must embrace the change with open arms and be excited to teach their students in a new way! If teachers are not excited or open to these changes, how can students be? The key to keeping up with these changes is be open-minded to all the amazing opportunities they can bring!
2nd Step: Stages to Overcoming your Fear
Teachers: it is OK to feel this way! Realizing there are steps to overcome can help you feel comfortable and transition in a natural way. The transition from stage 2 to 4 is the most important. Just because you feel like you have mastered technology does not make you an expert! You must use your mastery of technology to teach and learn with and from your students.
3rd Step: Use These Tips to Stay Ahead
Keeping up isn't easy. It's not all about tracking the newest and greatest technology, it's about learning to adapt your students to technology so that you can incorporate new technologies in a transparent way. Some of the most important steps include:
- Give Students Choice
- Start Small
- Start with Learning Objectives
- BE CONSISTENT
- Always Have a Plan B
Takeaways
Keeping up with technology is not simply about mastering the technology, but rather about mastering the process behind integrating it into your classrooms. Once you develop the skills you need to adapt your students to new and exciting apps and online resources, any new resource introduced into your classroom can be transitioned in a fluent and efficient way. The most important skills are being patient, humble, consistent, and adaptable.
Tools to Keep Up
Webinars
- There are a ton of free webinars online
- These are a great way to learn tips and find inspiration
Social Media
- Twitter: follow professionals, participate in twitter chats
Resource & Community Websites
- Great source for articles on topics of interest
- Ex. OneStopEnglish.com
Blogs
- Stay up to date with discussions and the newest technology
Email: mallorymcewen@yahoo.com
Website: https://mallorymcewen.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @mallory_mce
Technology in Education