Do's and Don'ts for Teaching with Technology

As you know already, technology can enhance your lessons and empower your students. But there are effective and less effective uses of technology in the classroom. Here are a few dos and don’ts: 

• Do embrace technology that furthers student learning. Use tools that are relevant to what you teach and have a clear purpose. Talk with other teachers to learn what they use and how they find it beneficial.
• Don’t abandon successful traditional teaching methods. Technology use for the sake of technology use isn’t the goal. Find ways to amplify your teaching with technology, not completely upend an approach that works.
• Do use technology to make your administrative tasks easier. Many tech tools and apps allow you to be more efficient at what you do every day: grading, answering questions, offering research resources, tracking student progress, and more. Take advantage.
• Do make sure any apps used do not replace deeper thinking. There are so many different learning apps available that can help students quiz themselves, reinforce concepts, and much more. But be sure these apps are used appropriately and not in place of other activities that facilitate deeper analysis.
• Do use technology to engage students. Technology allows you to infuse exciting, dynamic content into your daily lessons. Digital storytelling, interactive lessons, live surveys – the list of options to transform your classroom is long.
• Don’t consider technology an add-on. It’s easy to stick with what works, but be careful not to just do what you’ve always done plus add in some technology. Ultimately, technology should help you achieve learning outcomes and improve your instruction. 

Technology can strengthen your teaching and your students’ learning. Take the time to ensure any tools you use will help you to achieve your objectives and to be the most effective teacher possible.