New Year's Resolutions

Each year I try to have a personal New Year's Resolution and one for school (some may call that work).  This year my school resolution will be about how to better use technology in the classroom.  Although we use it every day, there are always better or more effective ways of integrating. 

My newest challenge is to get the kids CREATING!  I have gotten better recently, but now that I am a little more comfortable with it, my goal is to make sure the kids "create" something at least twice a week.  I want to make sure they also have some choice involved in what they create.  Here are some things to remember when planning for technology integration...

• It doesn't have to be perfect.  Remember that your goal is not the technology as much as getting them to begin building their own knowledge.  For example, if they use Funny Movie Maker to have Teddy Roosevelt talk about the Panama Canal or the Spanish-American War, then don't worry if the video isn't perfect as long as they have the content.  If the time spent on the technology component outweighs that of what you want them to learn, then the technology integration isn't going to be worth it.  
• Make sure you give the students very specific directions, time limits and expectations for the finished product.  When kids have a time limit, they will stay more focused on the assignment.

Here are some tips to coming up with your own technology New Year's Resolution...

Which way is the right way?

 

• Look at what you are already doing with technology in your classroom or in your life.  
• Think about different things you could add slowly.  For example, do you have a little calendar you carry around with you?  Try starting a Google Calendar, but don't abandon the calendar you carry around until you feel comfortable with your online calendar.

• Whatever level of technology integration (whether school or life) you are currently on, just take baby steps.  If you go from very little integration to full blown BYOD, you are going to overwhelm yourself and give up.

• Don't reinvent the wheel.  There are lots of lessons, activities and apps out there that are just waiting for you.  Don't feel like you need to create new lessons for everything you do.
• Learn to adapt to this digital world, but learn how to make the digital world adapt to you as well.  Find a lesson that you like and adapt it to suit your level of comfort.  Is there a lesson that is written for full integration?  Take some components out, print some handouts, or have the kids work in groups on one computer or iPad.

Final words...

Don't put too much pressure on yourself, but accept that the world is changing and it is changing fast.  You need to be willing to be a little uncomfortable and make mistakes in order to grow.