Using Technology Effectively
In order to effectively and seamlessly integrate technology into your classroom, you must be very familiar with its operation. Do not present a computer program to students that you have not practiced using first. You should know the ins and outs of the program, so that when students run into problems you have the answers ready. Without this initial experience, technology will always be awkward and will take more time than it is worth.
You should also have an alternative lesson ready whenever you use technology, in case there's a glitch. If you are using the Internet, your connection might be down. If you are using a computer program, something could have happened to corrupt the disk. In other words, make sure that you are prepared in case the worst scenario happens. Do not lose precious teaching time by failing to have another lesson prepared.
Veteran teachers are often resistant to innovations and new technology. As a newer teacher, you will find that some teachers might discount your innovative ideas as not workable. If you believe in the integration of technology, do not allow their negative attitudes to stop you from trying new resources.
There are many activities that you can do with the technology that is available today. Research, for example, has been made so much richer with the advent of the Internet. It used to be that students were limited to the books and periodicals available at their school or local libraries. Now they have many more options available to them. Further, programs such as the World Book and Grolier's that are available on CD-ROM can provide interactive experiences to help enhance traditional encyclopedias and textbooks.
