Take it easy

There are many ways to integrate technology into your classroom.  I try my best to inform you about anything that I think is valuable to learning with technology.  Does that mean you should be doing everything I mention?  Absolutely not.  It is my job to keep you informed and excited about new things, but please keep it in perspective.  I know too many teachers that feel so overwhelmed about using technology that they give up before they really even try.  First of all, start with one thing at a time.  Think about something that you are excited about using, and that you think would enrich your teaching.  Find a way to introduce it to your students with a small activity, allowing everybody (including you) to get used to it without it feeling threatening.  As time goes on, and you feel more comfortable with it, allow it to become a bigger part of your day.  Remember, kids are natural explorers, and they will soon be naturals as they continue to use whatever technology you are implementing.  It is also important to understand that if something feels like a failure - then that is not a reflection on you.  Trying new things is always an experiment, but it is important to ask yourself and your students about what went wrong, and analyze what could be changed for next time.

A big part of the hesitancy that I see is also feeling as if you cannot answer every question the students have about the program or technology that you are using.  This is completely normal.  I know, as a teacher, I hate it when I cannot answer a question about something that I'm expecting my students to use.  I think in these moments, we need to take a breath, and just be honest with our students.  Does this question my authority or role as a teacher? No.  It confirms my role as a human being that does not know absolutely everything, but is willing to do what it takes to figure it out.  I think it is refreshing for a student to hear his teacher say "You know, I'm not quite sure how to do that, but let's see if we can figure it out." It is also amazing what a little thing known as Google has done for answering questions of all types.

Technology is something that should make life easier.  Before you think about all that could go wrong, remind yourself of all that could go right.  I'm happy to help if I can.  Just let me know what you are thinking, and we can get your class set up for your needs.