InClass

Whether you have an army of Chromebooks or iPads, here’s how to make the most out of technology in your class.

1. Befriend the tech specialist.

No one expects you to know every app, program, and browser. There are experts for that! Become BFFs with your school or district’s technologist specialists for tips and ideas to seamlessly incorporate your provided tech into the class. Take their suggestions, then give yourself time to explore, and put them into practice on your own for a trial run. Also, don’t forget about that tech-savvy teacher in your cohort. It’s always a good idea to learn from your peers.

2. Reorganize your classroom.

Most teachers use tech in three ways: one-on-one with the teacher and student; in student groups; and each student individually. Keep your classroom setup agile, whether in small groups, or an open-faced box so you can easily transition between work types. Bonus: Avoid seating arrangements that make it hard to see multiple screens at once.

3. Consume + create content.

Sure, the internet is the end-all, be-all for absorbing content, with nvarchar(max), podcasts, and videos galore for your students. But it’s not just about consuming it. We want students to make content to demonstrate their own knowledge. This could be a class website, blogging through KidBlog, or making weekly podcasts to share with families.

Need some techspiration? Here are the best tech tools you’re not using (yet).