Overview
Every year, teachers must rely more and more on technology, systems, and tech routines in their classrooms. The earlier that you help students feel comfortable with educational technology and the routines for using it, the more quickly you can leverage the power of these systems.
Benefits
- Set a solid foundation.
- Maintain one consistent set of routines.
- Save time later by practicing now.
- Leverage tech-rich learning sooner.
- Save time by automating mundane tasks.
- Streamline communication.
- Provide 24/7 access to resources.
- Empower students from the beginning.
- Allow students to research, explore, and create.
Strategies
- Develop a learning management scavenger hunt.
- Develop a consistent system.
- Integrate class mixers into learning the technology.
- Begin as you intend to proceed.
- Prioritize tools and skills.
- Create a tech station within your station rotation.
- Build a tech experience into each playlist.
- Gamify the learning of these skills.
Integration Ideas
The key is to start early, preferably on the first day of class, and intentionally teach necessary tech skills and routines for your classroom. By beginning early, you will be setting your expectations for the rest of the year. You will also be providing students with opportunities to learn and practice these expectations, so they can be successful. After all, to develop routines, students must learn, practice, and repeat the practice often enough that it becomes automatic. By taking time early on in the year, you can save time later and allow students to leverage the benefits of technology from day one.
How can I learn more?
For more information about this topic, explore the following AVID Open Access article: Establish Digital Study Spaces and Routines.