Top Ten Technology Tips for Teachers 

(in no particular order)

1. Don’t feel like you have to master every product out there. Choose one of each type to know really well. 

2. Exception to tip #1: If you are like most districts which rely heavily on Google: you need to know everything Google.  Take the time to learn it well and keep abreast of new applications.

3.  Most of us have our a particular computer/operating system that we feel most comfortable with, whether it is a Apple product, Windows, Android or Chrome. You need to be able to use them all!

4. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help from a variety of sources. Within your own school you will find a surprising breadth and depth of technology knowledge. Everyone has their favorite and they just might have the answers you need.  Also, students are a great resource!

5. Don’t exhaust yourself by trying out every new technology as soon as you hear about it.  It is okay to wait to see how others like it before taking the plunge.

6. Remember that technology is supposed to help you to teach and your students to learn.  Don’t fall into the sunk cost fallacy of keeping doing something because you’ve invested time (or money) in it. If it isn’t working, be willing to scrap it and try something new.

7. Do your research and talk to colleagues about what the like and dislike before investing the time into learning something new; remember though that everyone has different needs and skill levels so take theirs and yours into account when evaluating suggestions.

8. Using technology such as a website or blog is a great way to communicate with parents but you need to keep it up to date--nothing is worse than a website that was started with the energy of a new school year and then languishes after a few months.

9.  Model technology use in the classroom.  This means more than just posting assignments and grades online or using a smartboard.  There are lots of applications that enhance learning and are also fun for students. Get them hooked!. 

10. Take advantage of any technology trainings your district offers.  You might learn something you didn’t know that you didn’t know.  There are lots of really cool tools out there--have fun and explore!