Thoughts on Olsen's "Top 10 Things Every Teacher Should Know About Technology"

 

                                                                        

On her Classroom 2.0 blog, K. Olsen invites educators to list their "Top 10 Things Every Teacher Should Know About Technology", in an effort to prepare useful professional development materials. Several educators responded, and one thing that struck me was how many folks spoke about the need for teachers to use new technology as an opportunity for collaboration and exploration with their students. The idea that we can learn both from and alongside our students may be a foreign concept to some educators, but if we shift the narrative a bit, it can be one of the best, more powerful ways to humanize ourselves to our students, and empower them as both learners and collaborators. 

Similarly, several commenters reflected on the need for educators to embrace the idea of experimentation and exploration as gateways to learning to navigate otherwise intimidating technologies. If we approach tech as a challenging exploration, rather than being intimidated by it, we can open ourselves up to new and engaging formats for teaching and learning. Given the time constraints and overwhelming expectations teachers already face, it would be wise for administrators to facilitate professional development opportunities and dedicate time for these endeavors. 

Here are the top 10 things I think every teacher should know about technology:

1. Have a growth mindset. Be willing to try new things and learn from your colleagues! Be willing to explore and push out of your comfort zone.

2. Use your schools IT person as a resource, and if you don't have one, find a student or colleague who can fill that role.

3. Get the students involved! They often know more than you, and it's great practice to solicit their feedback.

4. Do your research. Be on the lookout for what's new and exciting in educational technology.

5. Get to know your OPACS, your MARCs, your Libguides, etc. And learn how to develop your own website, in case there is nobody to help you.

6. Attend professional development about technology whenever possible.

7. Try things out yourself, don't expect to have your kids use an app or tech tool that you haven't even tried.

8. Have a back-up plan! Think printed images, read-alouds, paper copies...just in case.

9. Get to know Google, because it's a main source for the fundamentals.

10. Be patient with yourself...it's okay to not know everything, all the time!