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.
Honestly, I think this point holds up really well. You don't want to use technology for the sake of using technology. It works best if you truly understand the technology and how it can support your lessons. You aren't using it to replace your teaching. You need it to supplement what you are already teaching.
2. Think about why you want to use technology. Your students will learn best if you have a clear objective that benefits from technology.
This relates to the point above. Have a clear idea of why you want to use it. Are you using it just so you look flashy to the principal and parents? Or is it actually a good use of your students' time?
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.
Yeah, because you really don't want to have to teach them how to use the device as well as the program on it, unless you are on the technology faculty and that's part of your job description OR if you are teaching young students without much experience with technology.
4. You will definitely 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.
There are few things as uncomfortable as watching someone fiddle with misbehaving technology when they're teaching. You may run into problems, but you want to prepare as much as possible to avoid that.
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.
See above...
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.
Please do this so you aren't doing work someone else has already done.
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?
You may a year with students who are going to excel at using technology in class but the next the students just can't handle the responsibility. Be prepared for that. You may need to change the technology for certain years or your lesson altogether.
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.
I also worry about this now from the perspective of job security. You want to have the parents behind you, and if you are pushing them to accept technology that they don't want their kids using, is it worth it? This is something to decide probably school by school, but be prepared for what you want to do to not match what actually is possible.
9. Using technology may take more time (both in class and for you as teacher) than a more traditional lesson. Plan accordingly.
Maybe don't do a huge technology lesson for each unit...
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.
Is it bad if I think that these held up pretty well? I honestly think they did. I now have a better idea of what technology will work in various situations, but overall, I think my theories have held up pretty well. We'll see when I actually get into the real world...
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