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My Top Ten Technology Tips for Teachers...UPDATED!


Way back when, I posted my Top 10 Technology Tips for Teachers. Our assignment this week was to take another look at those tips and see what we'd change, if anything.

My additions are in italics. In several cases, I combined prior facts into one point, or added more information to existing facts. I did strike-through a few tips to make space...

1. These technologies are tools to supplement your instruction, not replace it. Much as a great saucepan does not replace the need for a chef, an online solution doesn't take away the need for you — an excellent teacher.
2. If you’re new to technology, take a shallow dive into the pool. For example, lurk on twitter educational chats to see what it's like. Did you learn anything? Would you like to participate
3. Assistive technology is IMPORTANT and it EXISTS! Also, it’s not just for students who need it in an IEP sort of way. It can be helpful for all students. And, many assistive technologies come built in with Androids and iPhones. Become familiar with them so that you can mention them to students in a matter-of-fact way.
We're still in the beginning days of technology: remember, the iPhone is only 10 years old. If something isn't working and you're becoming frustrated, step away. It's probably a bug, or maybe you're missing a step. Take a breather, and then ask a friend or colleague if they've encountered a similar issue.
4. Don't know an answer? Googling is your friend…
5. But be cognizant of the fact that search results are tailored to you based on your prior activity. For example, take two people who google "safety of vaccines": if they have opposing viewpoints and have previously clicked on articles that support their viewpoints, they will have COMPLETELY different results. This is dangerous. We need to work hard to teach students to be critical consumers of information and users of technology. Being in a bubble harms us all.
6. Much as we frequently remind students to be kind in the classroom, we have to work together to remind students to be kind online and to be good digital citizens. 
7. If you would be embarrassed for your principal to see something you wrote online — don't write it. Nothing is truly anonymous, and nothing ever truly goes away. 
8. There’s an app for that: Do you want your students to give you video feedback? Would you like to host a video tutorial? Easily schedule a meeting among colleagues? There are tools for all of those needs. The sky (and often your budget) is the limit. Technology isn't just fun. It can make your life easier! Lesson planners, gradebooks, and more can be found online. And if you find a digital solution that could help school-wide, speak up!
9. This too shall pass. JUST KIDDING! Technology is here to stay. Though the platforms, software, and websites will undoubtedly change, the skills you learn today will help you in the future. Meet often with your LMS to chat about curriculum and ask if they have technology integration suggestions that would enhance or expand your lessons. And If there’s a workshop available that features technology, ask your school leader if you can attend. Cutting-edge technology is no longer a luxury, it’s a must-have. In addition, there are many professional learning communities that you can participate in via Facebook and Twitter. 
10. Maintain your students’ privacy. Can you assign them numbers for digital assignments to use instead of their names? If you post photos of students, obscure name tags and only use first names as identification (if one is needed). Is your page set to public? If so, change it immediately.
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