Tips for Teachers that Want to Become EdTech Leaders and Champions

I was recently asked to put together a one page document titled, “Tips for Teachers that Want to Become Education Technology Leaders and Champions in their Schools”. I thought readers of Literacy is Priceless might enjoy reading the tips as well. Feel free to add your own tips in the comments section of this post!

Anna

@bon_education

1) Always keep learning!

Technology changes rapidly! Therefore it is important to stay on top of the latest news, trends and research. Here are a few recommended resources to start with:

• International Society for Technology in Education – articles, advocacy kits and conferences about education technology
• Edutopia – videos and articles about education best-practices
• eSchoolNews – K-20 technology news
• Mashable – Learn about the latest applications and trends in social media
• A mentor – Find someone that knows a lot about education technology. Meet and share ideas and feedback regularly.

2) Share your knowledge.

• Help other teachers in your building learn how to use and teach effectively with technology by hosting workshops, coaching and mentorship sessions.
• Keep a classroom blog. Make sure to tell other teachers and students about it!
• Post your technology-infused lesson plans on open education resource sites like Curriki and OER Commons. Or, on sites like BetterLesson and the Ras al Khaimah Teachers Network.

3) Don’t be afraid to experiment.

See a new technology that could be effective in your classroom?! Try it! Remember, it is okay if the students know how to use the technologies better than you do! As teachers, we learn so much from our students and they from us. By trying new things, practice and an open mind, we can learn and do many great things in the classroom, for and with our students.

4) Start an education technology passion project with your students!

• Use technology and social networks to facilitate an exciting project with your students.
• Need ideas? Check out ePals, ThinkQuest, the Microsoft Imagine Cup and the Flat Classroom Project for inspiration!

5) Stay connected.

• Teach and learn from education technology enthusiasts from around the world. Become an active member education social networks like the ISTE LinkedIn Group, Classroom 2.0, the Global Education Collaborative and the Ras al Khaimah Teachers Network.
• Microblog! Join Twitter and converse with education tweeters like those featured on the TweepML education list.
• Attend local education technology conferences! ISTE and NECC are two big ones

6) Reflect!

• Keep a teaching journal. Document what went well in your lessons and what you would like to improve in the future.
• Solicit feedback from your students! What do they enjoy doing in your class? What are their challenges? How can technology be used to address some of these challenges and to inspire enthusiasm towards learning?
• Create an education technology professional development plan for yourself. Do it! Have fun!

(Image CC by Brian Hathcock)

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