Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some practical dos and don’ts for educators to stay up-to-date with technology and digital skills for the classroom:
DO: Create a Personal Learning Network, use social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or educational forums to connect with other educators and experts in the field of educational technology. Engage in discussions, share resources, and learn from their experiences.
DON`T: Underestimate the value of collaborating with colleagues. Avoid working in isolation and instead use the expertise of your colleagues to share resources, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences.
DO: Set aside dedicated time for professional development. Schedule regular time for exploring new technologies, attending webinars, or taking online courses related to educational technology. This could be during planning periods, after school, or on weekends.
DON’T: Disregard the need for ongoing professional development. Technology is constantly evolving, so it’s crucial for educators to engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and best practices.
DO: Collaborate with tech-savvy colleagues who are proficient in using technology or have expertise in specific tools or platforms. Collaborate on projects, share best practices, and learn from each other’s experiences.
DON’T: Assume all students are tech-savvy. While many students are proficient in using technology, not all have equal access or skill levels. Avoid assuming that all students are tech-savvy and provide support and guidance as needed to ensure equitable access to technology resources and opportunities.
DO: Encourage student-led exploration. Create a classroom environment where students feel free to explore and experiment with technology. Provide opportunities for them to research, create, and present using digital tools relevant to the curriculum. Use their knowledge for flipped or each-one-teach-one lessons.
DON`T: Limit yourself to traditional teaching methods. In today’s digital age, traditional teaching methods alone may not effectively meet the needs of students. Avoid limiting yourself to traditional approaches and instead explore innovative ways to integrate technology into your teaching practice. Embrace technology-enhanced instruction to create engaging, interactive, and personalized learning experiences for your students.
DO: Stay informed about educational technology trends. Follow education technology websites, journals, and research publications to stay updated on the latest trends, research findings, and best practices in educational technology. Visit conferences, fairs but also exhibitions.
DON’T: Overwhelm yourself by trying to master every new technology. With the rapid pace of technological evolution, it’s impossible for educators to master every new technology tool or trend. Instead, focus on exploring a few key technologies that align with your teaching goals and student needs.
DO: Explore online tutorials, guides, and resources provided by educational technology companies, educational institutions, or educational YouTube channels. These resources often offer step-by-step instructions and practical tips for using specific tools or platforms. You can find many resources as well on Beyond Zoom, and on platforms such as the resource database of EPALE or the Erasmus+ Results Platform.
DON’T: Rely on outdated resources. Using outdated resources or teaching methods can hinder student engagement and limit the learning experiences. It’s essential to continually evaluate and update teaching practices to meet the evolving needs of students in today’s digital age.
DO: Experiment with educational apps and tools. Explore the variety of educational apps, websites, and digital tools that support teaching and learning in your field. Evaluate their usability, instructional value, pricing, licenses and alignment with curriculum standards before integrating them into your teaching practice.
DON’T: Allow fear of failure to hinder experimentation. Fear of failure can be a significant barrier to adopting new technologies.
However, it’s essential to embrace a growth mindset and view failures as opportunities for learning and improvement. Encourage experimentation and innovation in your teaching practice, and be willing to take risks to enhance student learning experiences.