Week 14: Revisiting the Top 10 Things Every Library Teacher Should Know About Technology

My reflections on my initial list are in pink.

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. My wisdom comes from staying on top of the ever evolving changes in technology. If I remain current and well-versed in the tools I want my students to use, they are more likely to use them and understand how they can be used well.

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! This is a mantra (albeit a long one) that I remind myself of daily. I also find that now that I'm teaching technology, I find myself saying this to both students and teachers I am helping. 

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! Yes, yes, yes. I was very intimidated to facilitate Hour of Code at my school. I had the chance to observe the IT in my building run an Hour of Code. She also gave me some great suggestions to prepare myself for running an HOC. I'm feeling confident and excited to facilitate HOC my school in the coming weeks. 

4. Join communities online to get support and to learn about how you can implement technology in the classroom. I'm now a part of MSLA and I'm already finding it so helpful. I love the idea of having connections to LTs across the Commonwealth. 

5. Do not fear change. The unfolding changes in technology offer new possibilities to make your teaching more dynamic and your classroom more innovative. Words to live by. It can be scary, but knowing that I am creating a network of people who can help me is huge.

6. Share your experiences with technology with peers. Encouraging others to explore technology can create opportunities for colleagues to learn and explore together. This is so important. Encouraging staff who are more hesitant to use technology, or a new tool, has been really rewarding.

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. I still feel overwhelmed by the arrival of more and more tools, but reminding myself that I don't need to be the master of every tool (or even be proficient in each tool) is huge.

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. I've really kept this in mind the past semester. 

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. I've created newsletters for my principal and supervisor, yet I can be sharing these newsletters with the community at large. Good reminder for me!

10. Learning new technologies is a humbling experience and a great opportunity for teachers to empathize with our students on their educational journey. I feel this daily. Recalling how I scared I was to even use the OPAC at my school back in September has given me the opportunity to be extra patient with students, teachers and parents who are using Destiny.