Teacher to Teacher: 7 Steps for Integrating

Technology

Aimee BartisAimee Bartis is a thinker of big thoughts. She is a veteran teacher and an Educational Technology Specialist in Texas. Aimee loves presenting at conferences, connecting with educators and hanging out with her husband and three boys. Follow Aimee on Twitter @aimeegbartis or www.pluggedinedu.com.

1. Perfectionism and Control.

When using technology, perfectionism is out the door. If something can go wrong, it will. Try not to get too upset. Reassess and keep rolling.

1. Perfectionism and Control.

You are also going to have to relinquish some control. There will be times (lots of them if you’re lucky) where a student knows more about the technology than you do.

1. Perfectionism and Control.

The “influence” group is ripe for growth.

1. Perfectionism and Control.

Didn’t work out for these guys:

1. Perfectionism and Control.

This is an awesome and unique opportunity. Let the student help you. You have no idea how this can strengthen the relationships in your room. Students will feel trusted, smart and special. And that’s worth more than looking like you know everything

2. Converting Notice I did not say creating. Start by taking a lesson you’ve done before and transforming it.

2. Conversion NOT Creation

2. Conversion NOT Creation

TheFourC’s

2. Conversion NOT Creation

How can you use technology with the lesson? If you are discussing the causes of the Civil War, consider using Padlet and have students post the causes to the classes wall. Or have a silent discussion of a video.

2. Conversion NOT Creation

Create a Blackboard Survey and have students reflect on the video they watched. This can be tricky for students because they will want to interact with each other and reply to each other’s comments then all of a sudden they have no idea what’s happening in the video.

So start slow. This time they are just posting their reactions during the video and responding to others afterwards. Next time have them post their reaction and reply to only one of their classmates.

Make a pizza quiz in Blend Space?

After you have some converted lessons under your belt, it’s time to start creating your own lessons.

Ensure that you lessons are standards focused.

3. Lesson Planning

Don’t think, “Wow, I just found out about this really cool tool. I’m going to use it!” Instead think, “What tool will help me introduce or reinforce a standard?” Or “What tool will let my students show what they know the best?” After you know the standard you are teaching, decide what mastery of that standard would look like. Finally, you’re ready to choose a tool that will fit your standards and measure of mastery.

The wonderful thing about technology is that it opens so many opportunities for students to create.

4. Creating

Whenever possible, have students create something to demonstrate their knowledge. At the beginning of the year you may feel more comfortable having everyone create with the same tool.

But in the second semester, try letting them choose their tool. You’ll be amazed at what they can do!

Since MNPS has SkyDrive, utilize the collaborative features of Shared Folders and Office documents.

5. Collaborate

You can share a folder with a class , then everything you put in that folder will be shared with your students. Students can do their work in Skydrive and share it with you to be graded. Imagine the paper you’ll save! Students can work on a project together without having to be together.

6. Showcase Teachers are awesome at displaying student work. It lines the hallways, fills display cases, and decorates the library.

When you make the move to digital, there’s not that much to display. Sure, some things can be printed out and hung up but many more spectacular creations will only exist online.

6. Showcase

Soon enough, and with some creativity…

Opportunities to share student work will abound!

6. Showcase

First make sure you have parent permission then post projects on your teacher webpage. Most web-based creation sites will provide a link or embed code to the finished project.

7. Portfolios

Along the same lines of showcasing student work is saving student work.

We have entirely new ways to save and store student work now.

Skydrive means:Saved essaysSaved PPTsSave SpreadsheetsSaved picturesSaved screenshots

End of the year portfolios are easier than ever!

Integrating technology is an ongoing project. You are never finished. The key is to keep on learning.

Technology changes at a rapid pace. It’s almost impossible to master. So, remember that you’re a student too.

Keep learning and trying.

1. Perfectionism and control2. Conversion, not creation3. Creation4. Lesson plan5. Collaborate6. Showcase7. Portfolio

7 Steps for Integrating Technology