7 Tips for Conducting a Lesson with Technology

As I set out in my new job, I quickly realized that many teachers were getting frustrated with using technology because of logistical reasons.

“The computers take forever to boot up and half of them are dead or missing keys,” I would hear.  Another complaint I heard was that teachers couldn’t find the carts they reserved or, even worse, that other teachers would delete their reservation from the online calendar and make their own (yes, I’m serious).

I tried to address some of these issues with these 7 Tips for Conducting a Lesson with Technology.  You can read the list on your own, but here are a few tips I would like to emphasize.

First on the list is being able to articulate a valid reason as to why your lesson will benefit from the use of technology.  If you’re simply checking a box for the administration or trying to digitize something that works fine on paper, don’t use technology.  Think KISS.

As a teacher, I always setup the computers on students’ desks and turned them on before the students arrived. This cut down on time wasted as students fetched the computers (often creating a mess of charger cords in the process) and booted them up.  Also, laptops are less likely to get dropped and broken when students aren’t elbowing each other to get them.

I know, I know, this is more work for the teacher, but so is managing students as they get their computers and swapping out dead or malfunctioning computers.

#5: Monitor, monitor, monitor has to be one of my biggest pet peeves.  Unfortunately, a lot of teachers are under the false impression that the technology will teach all of their students for them. Students need to know you are available by seeing you walking around.  Ask them questions like, “Do you need any help?” or “Is their anything that needs clarification?”  Better yet, give them instant feedback on their work!  This is a great time to get a few extra words with those students you know need the extra help or motivation.

Finally, never hesitate to ask for help, especially if you have a technology specialist in your building (that’s their job)!  Of course, I’m shamelessly self-promoting here, but your specialist really wants to help, not judge, and he or she may have insights based on their experience that will save you time and angst.  No sense in making all of the rookie mistakes when you have a veteran at your disposal to show you the ropes.

Is there anything I missed on this list?  Feedback welcome.