The technology we use is continuously changing. As a teacher who wants to use technology effectively in the classroom, I found it overwhelming to keep up. New classroom technology always seemed so important to administrators and the district that it can feel like you need to know everything. The good news is that you aren’t alone! You have technology gurus at your fingertips—all you need to do is utilize them!
When my district rolled out our 1-1 iPad program, and all of my first graders received their own iPads, it didn’t take me long to realize that my 6-year-olds knew more about the iPads than I did. This new classroom technology can feel intimidating to teachers, at least it did to me at first (and I even considered myself a pretty tech-savvy teacher.)
The truth I discovered is that my job as a teacher is not to be the source of knowledge but instead to be the guide of learning. It’s okay that my students know more about the technology than I do. In fact, this frees me up to do my job better because I have 22 technology experts right in my classroom!
New Classroom Technology Tips
As teachers, we don’t have to know everything. Instead, we can empower students to take charge of their learning. By guiding them along the way, we help them develop important skills like problem-solving and collaboration. Letting go of the need to have all the answers creates a space where students feel confident to explore, ask questions, and succeed. Here are 4 new classroom technology tips that I have learned over the last few years as I have embraced new technology by letting students have more active roles in technology implementation:
- Let students be the teachers: Students love being teachers! I created an “iPad Guru” leadership role in our classroom jobs. This student is in charge of learning our new apps and then teaching the rest of the class how to use them.
- Let students collaborate: Students learn so much when we give them the opportunity to learn with and from each other. Have students work on technology projects together—you will be amazed at the results.
- Let students troubleshoot: When students have a problem with their iPads, they don’t come running to me. They first ask a peer, and 90% of the time, their classmate knows the answer. They can also check with the student who is the iPad Guru at the time. By doing this we are also teaching them real-world skills that will benefit them longer than the time they are in our classrooms!
- Use it to learn: Embrace the technology as another tool for learning in the classroom. Use it for virtual field trips, collaborative projects, and more.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by new classroom technology. But did you know that by tapping into your students’ skills with technology, you can actually make learning more exciting and effective? When you let students use the tech they’re comfortable with, they feel more in charge of their learning. Plus, you get to show them how to use it in ways that help them succeed.
This teamwork approach helps students feel more responsible for their learning and helps you stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methods. So, by embracing your students’ tech savvy, you’re not just making learning more fun—you’re also making it better for everyone! New classroom technology doesn’t have to be scary.
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