world-shaker:

thingsforteachers:

I think a lot of teachers at my school don’t try to use technology in the classroom because they aren’t 100% confident with it. Ask lots of questions beforehand, but try it even if you are still nervous- a lot of times, you won’t find out the pros and cons, kinks and bugs until you try it out. Check out this blogger’s tips by clicking the link.

Wonderful!

The school year is barely over and I can already feel the anxiety that new teachers are feeling for the fall. A lot of their stress revolves around how to successfully integrate technology into their classrooms. While I wouldn’t necessarily make this my primary concern, I thought it would ease some minds if I offered a few thoughts on the topic.

Be ok with a messy process the first time through
I do think I’ve ever used a tech tool in a lesson plan where there wasn’t some kind of glitch or another. Like with anything new, you and your students won’t have a process established yet, so of course there are going to be a few glitches. Embrace the fact it isn’t going to perfect and don’t let it throw you off your game.

Don’t feel like you have to be an expert in order to use a tool
Don’t wait to use a tool until you are an expert in it. For the most part, I’ve found that anyone younger that I am is a bigger risk taker when it comes to tech tools. As long as you give your students time to explore a tool and encourage risk taking, they’ll figure out how to use it in no time.

Ask for help
There are probably more ed-tech people on Twitter than any other category. Most of them are more than willing to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid of looking stupid. Ask your question and get on with things.

Have a definite reason for choosing a certain technology
You should know why you are using a certain tool and the reason should be good. If a piece of butcher paper and magic markers can get the job done better and faster, use that. There’s no prize for using the most tech in your room.

Debrief the experience with your students
Ask your students about their experience using the tool. Don’t be afraid to let them shoot down the tool’s usefulness. Remember their not judging you, their evaluating the tool.

Any other words of wisdom to add?