TOP TEN THINGS EVERY TEACHER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TECHNOLOGY

1. Even with the growth of technology in the classroom, nothing replaces (or compares to) a teacher passionate about the subject s/he teaches. Students need your wisdom and experience to help guide them as 21st century learners.

2. Navigating a new app or Social Media tool is easier than you think. If it were too complicated, a company would not produce it because it wouldn't make money. You are savvier than you think when it comes to technology!

3. You are not expected to be an expert on any one piece of technology-- ask for help, especially from teachers who you feel use technology supremely well!

4. Join communities online to get support and to learn about how you can implement technology in the classroom.

5. Do not fear change. The unfolding changes in technology offer new possibilities to make your teaching more dynamic and your classroom more innovative.

6. Share your experiences with technology with peers. Encouraging others to explore technology can create opportunities for colleagues to learn and explore together.

7. Be flexible. You may feel like you've mastered your favorite digital tools or strategies for teaching with technology, but there are always new tools being created, and new ways to approach technology as the field unfolds.

8. Don't get too caught up in all of the "bells and whistles" of a particular piece of technology. Make sure your students are using that technology as a vehicle for their learning and to create new knowledge.

9. Use technology as a new way to communicate with parents is relatively easy but offers a big impact. When parents get a regular peek into your classroom to see the excellence occurring, you are not only communicating with parents, but you are cultivating advocates that can support and defend education and educational policies.

10. Learning new technologies is a humbling experience and a great opportunity for teachers to empathize with our students on their educational journey.