Below are the Tech Tips I believe are the most important, for the full list click on the author's name.

Top 20 Tech Tips for Teachers

MARCH 20, 2018 BY KASEY BELL

1. Shift Your Mindset

Mindset is the biggest battle to overcoming technology fears as well. I hear this phrase all the time, “I’m just not good with technology?” Make up your mind to be positive. The classroom is full of obstacles; technology is no different. Maybe you aren’t as quick to learn with technology as your peers, but never let that become an excuse. If your mind is holding you back, you have some internal work to do. Take the time to reflect on your current mindset and approach technology with a positive and flexible attitude.

2. Take Risks

The magic happens outside of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to step out and try new things in the classroom. Model risk-taking in your classroom. Let your students know when you fail or make a mistake so that they understand that is okay. Find ways to push students out of their comfort zones, give them new ideas, perspectives, and ways to approach a problem that can help them see the value in failing forward. Taking a risk during the learning process is a gamble, but one that can pay off big time. The difference is that a risk in the classroom may not guarantee success, but if truly guided with purpose toward the learning goals can garner valuable learning along the way.

3. Start With the Why

When you are planning a digital learning experience, be goal oriented! Begin with your learning outcomes, not the technology. This idea is perhaps the most important tip of all. Everything we do as teachers should always come down student learning and doing what’s best for kids. Just because you are using technology doesn’t ensure you are meeting any objectives or learning outcomes. If you cannot explain how the digital tool enhances or improves the learning experience, you are just using technology for technology’s sake. If this is the case, start over!

7. Be Consistent

When technology changes so fast, and new digital tools become available every minute, it can be tempting to try something new in your classroom every day, but learners need consistency. We all know how frustrating it can be to try something new that requires additional set-up time and then doesn’t really do everything you had hoped. Risk-taking with new tools is great, but not every day, that would risk too much instructional time. Stick with your tried and true tools, that your learners already know how to use. Then sprinkle in the new stuff! Be consistent so that your students have an opportunity to learn in-depth, focus on the learning goals, and become savvy with the best digital tools. Balance tried and true tools with sprinkles of new stuff to keep it interesting. You don’t want to be so consistent that it becomes predictable and mundane.

8. Don’t Integrate Too Many Tools At Once

Start small. Along with being consistent, resist the urge to integrate too many digital tools all at once. App-smashing is fun if guided by purpose, but if you try to do too much at once, you risk shifting the focus to the tool and just using technology for technology’s sake. If you love tech like I do, it can be easy to keep adding more ideas and tools to your lesson. But you should gradually build your student’s digital toolbox. It doesn’t have to happen in one day!

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Let Your Students Teach You!

Our students have a lot of knowledge and skills, especially when it comes to technology. Long gone are the days of the teacher being the gatekeepers of knowledge. It’s okay if you don’t know the answer when it comes to the technology, and students will love the chance to help teach you! As you are designing your learning experience, and you wonder about how a digital tool works or if there an app for that, ask a student! And even if they do not know the answer, they will be willing to help you figure it out!

14. Give Students Voice & Choice

Giving students voice and choice is a vital component to creating student ownership of learning. There are many ways to do this. This may be as simple as giving them a choice in the digital tool they use to demonstrate their learning, or it could involve more student voice and choice like incorporating Genius Hour into your curriculum. For me, learning menus (aka choice boards) helped me to find easy ways to give students more choice in their assignments and provide a more flexible learning path. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but you will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome and the depth of understanding when you give students a little extra room to make their own decisions in their learning.

20. Share Your Voice

I am a firm believer in sharing your story, your reflections, and your journey, and this is something we can also cultivate in students. This is a different type of sharing than sharing for collaboration and feedback. This is about sharing something more personal: the story of your learning. Reflection is an important part of the learning process, and when you are bold enough to share an honest reflection about your fears, what went well, or where you failed, it helps students cultivate a growth mindset. They begin to understand that the process, the good, the bad, and the ugly were all part of the learning journey. Help students to document their learning, reflect, and share with the world continuously.