Some things to think about...
Before you integrate any technology in to your classroom's programming, it is worth thinking about the following items:
As you are aware, the students in your classroom have different skill sets and strengths as well as learning styles. Some enjoy movement, others like drawing, and still others prefer listening. Most of the time, you can connect a student's likes in some way to his/her strengths. For instance, a student who enjoys sports may also enjoy movement and being active. Knowing your student's likes as well as strengths will help you select the best type of technology to integrate in to your programming.
Try using the following link to test for your or your student's learning styles.
Also, you can use Google Forms to create a quick survey of your students' likes and dislikes.
- Your students' strengths, interests, and expertise
As you are aware, the students in your classroom have different skill sets and strengths as well as learning styles. Some enjoy movement, others like drawing, and still others prefer listening. Most of the time, you can connect a student's likes in some way to his/her strengths. For instance, a student who enjoys sports may also enjoy movement and being active. Knowing your student's likes as well as strengths will help you select the best type of technology to integrate in to your programming.
Try using the following link to test for your or your student's learning styles.
Also, you can use Google Forms to create a quick survey of your students' likes and dislikes.
Here's an example of a survey you could create using Google Forms: Technology Survey for Staff @ Earle Miller Public School.
- Technology currently available
Sometimes there are many resources within a school that are not being used. They are stored in a room and collecting dust. Other times, colleagues keep the resources in their classrooms for their students to utilize. Ask your colleagues and principal, search the storage room(s), and any other place or person who may know about the technological resources available for student use, and take an inventory.
- Expertise in your school
Seek out colleagues who integrate technology in their classrooms. They may be able to guide you through the process of selecting, planning, implementing, and troubleshooting. At the same time, they may be able to mentor you, until you feel comfortable enough moving forward.
- School & Board Appropriate Use Policy
Once you have decided to integrate technology, you should familiarize yourself with your school's and board's guidelines for appropriate use. Some boards allow students and staff to connect their personal devices (e.g., 'bring your own device', BYOD) to the Wi-fi network, others do not. Some Web 2.0 tools require an email address to log-in. Before you design lessons using the technology, make sure you are within the confines of your board's and school's appropriate use guidelines.
Here is an example Cathedral High School Acceptable Use Policy.
- Budget
Approach your principal with your plan and the reasons why you believe the technology you have chosen will benefit the students in your classroom. You should make it clear that the technology you have chosen will have a positive impact on all students in your classroom.
If your principal is receptive to the idea of integrating technology in the classrooms in his/her school, then consider the information on the Computer Lab Vs. Classroom Setting tab on this site.
- Learning Goals
In order to select the most appropriate type of technology (i.e., information, computer, both), you must have clear goals outlined for your students. You might start with a backwards design model. First, determine what you want the students to learn and how they will demonstrate their learning. Once this is determined, you can then select the most appropriate piece of technology to integrate. Such a process will ensure that the technology students are using is supporting their learning, and not simply adding to it.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Technology
Be sure you know many of the ins and outs of the program or device before you let your students utilize it. Though your students may already know more about the technology than you do, it is good practice to be aware of the tool's full capability. This way you ensure that the school's and board's property as well as the student's safety is preserved. There are many great tutorials and videos on Youtube as well as company websites which can guide through the process of utilizing the technology.
- Connect with Your Board's Information & Technology Technician(s) (ITT)
Your board's ITT person is not unlike your secretary when it comes to technology: he/she will be able to provide you with insight to the ongoing projects, upgrades, applicable and available programming, server's capacity, etc. And just like your secretary, they can help you troubleshoot and problem solve reoccurring or difficult issues.