Kids today are born with a digital DNA and educators in the sector are from a not so tech savvy time.
With the need of integrating technology in education in order to make students future ready, educators have started embracing the change. However, we all know that change can be a little tough to adapt sometimes. Because technology doesn’t come naturally to the educators, it sometimes becomes very difficult for them to cope up with the everchanging technology.
Understanding this, the post is for educators who are trying every day to get a grip on the use of technology for a better future of their students. The tips mentioned will help these educators to use technology and get good with it, OVERTIME.
1. Reflect
It’s not that you are completely unaware of the technology. You may not be skilled at handling all the technology but you must know something that you can do. Make a list of all that you can do. Social media, Blogging, Apps or anything. Make a pick and work on the strong points. See how your knowledge can help you with exploring more of the technology.
2. Tiny Steps
There is no rush for you to do it all at once. Take small steps with one thing at a time. Try one app, one activity or one project. Starting small is the key to get the grip with using the latest technology. Rushing things would only leave you confused and unlearned.
3. Create Reasonable Standards For Success
If you do the above, you’re basically creating standards for success that are reasonable for your students in your classroom with you at the helm. Don’t hold yourself to any other standard other than adopting a mindset to try new things, and improving with them every day.
4. Define Learning Objectives & Don’t Get Swept Away With New Tools & Technologies
Now that you have started to get a grip on technology and things seem exciting to you, it is essential that you focus on the learning objectives and make wise use of technology. It is important for educators to understand that technology is just there to aid the learning and the driving force still remains the teachers. Don’t get varied away on the look of new tools and technologies, understand your requirement and integrate tools accordingly. It would be wise if you use the new tool personally apart from the class time and bring it in class once you’re sure of the value it brings along.
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Let Your Students Teach You
A huge help to teach students is the students themselves. When it comes to technology students can really help you as they are the digital natives and all these tech hitches comes naturally to them. So don’t be afraid when that student helps you when you get stuck with technology.
6. Be Consistent
Consistency is important. Keep exploring and learning about new technologies on your personal front because with time you will be need a lot many other things in your classroom. So it is important that you remain consistent with your will to learn and explore about the new innovations in technology.
7. Reach Out To Your PLN
Your PLN is your strength. Reach out and discuss with them about the new tools that they use. Try them to see if they are of value to you. Keep updating your knowledge bank.
8. Think 40/40/40.
Read more about the 40/40/40 rule here, but in short the idea is that if you are thinking big picture–especially if you are able to plan backwards from that big picture–the frustrations in the short-term are less distracting, less meaningful, and ultimately–well, ultimately less frustrating.
All in all, it is important for educators to take risks & get out of the comfort zone because comfort and growth doesn’t fit in together. Also, it is essential to embrace the change in order to sustain in the times we are leading to. It can be challenging for those who are completely new to the technology but the need overpowers the challenges faced. Hence, educators must pace up with their technology game as to lead in the 21st century.
Did you find these tips useful? What would you advice to educators new to tech?
Share with us in the comment section below.
