Top Ten Technology Tips for Teachers

As students' lives become more enmeshed with technology, it will serve teachers well to incorporate it into their lessons. Here are some tips and thoughts for teachers looking to be more technology friendly:
1. Start by reading studies and books and attending seminars about using technology in classrooms so that you have a clear idea of what is needed to implement technology based lessons, as well as what sorts of programs and technology-based lessons work best for learning.
2. Think about why you want to use technology. Your students will learn best if you have a clear objective that benefits from technology.
3. Ask your students how they use technology. eg. What do they prefer to use? Laptops? Tablets? Cell phones? How are your students spending their time on these devices? Use that information to create your lessons.
4. You will probably need to learn how to fully use the technologies you plan on using before introducing them to the class. You want to feel in control.
5. However, you probably won't be able to anticipate all of the issues you and your students might encounter. Work with your students to figure it out.
6. Make sure you talk with the technology instructors and IT professionals at your school or district to see what they have already developed and to see how (or if) they can support your plans.
7. Consider your students before making any big decisions. eg. Do they have devices from home they can use? If not, can they procure them? Is your class easily distracted? What devices or programs can you use that will lessen the distraction? Do they have a strong technology background or will you need to teach them from the ground up?
8. Consider the parents. Make sure you can sell your technology decisions to skeptical parents who may not want their children on screens at school.
9. Using technology may take more time (both in class and for you as teacher) than a more traditional lesson. Plan accordingly.
10. Have fun with it! Your students will be more likely to enjoy a new way of learning or experiencing the material you're presenting if they can tell that you're excited about teaching it this way.