I always enjoy how the holiday break gives us a chance to reflect, recharge, and re-engage at the halfway point of the year. Many of us use this time to catch up with family, read a great book, or plan some new technology ideas for the new year.Here are some ideas on how you can become more tech-savvy in the new year!
1. Join Twitter
Twitter has literally changed the way that I operate as a teacher. Whenever I needed ideas in the past, I would spend hours searching through Google. Now I ask my PLC on Twitter! There are literally millions of other like-minded educators like yourself, sharing ideas, participating in Twitter chats, etc. Why not try it out?
There are some great chats out there! I personally love #21stedchat on Sunday evenings from 8 - 9 pm EST. Who knows? You might learn something! :)
2. Don't Be Afraid to Ask
Teachers are creatures of habit. We often feel the need to have all of the answers and maintain control at all times. In a fast-paced technology-driven world, it is impossible to keep up with everything. It is virtually impossible to know everything about every single technology that exists.
Why not ask fellow colleagues for advice? Why not ask your students to help "teach" you how to use certain technologies. You would be amazed at the dynamic and respect this creates in any educational situation.
3. Read Blogs or Ed-Tech Websites
There are thousands of educational technology blogs and websites out there, which can help give you ideas on how to use technology effectively and efficiently. Make the investment of reading new ideas for 5 to 10 minutes each day.
Sign up for email updates, RSS feeds, or bookmark your favorite blogs. Some of mine are Free Technology for Teachers, anything on Edutopia, and Ed Tech Magazine. Don't box yourself into one or too many! Select a few that you find value in and that are helpful. Of course, I would love to have you add this blog to your list too!
Conclusion:
You might be overwhelmed with the amount of technology available to you, wondering where and how to begin. In the words of Teddy Roosevelt, let me leave you with some basic advice, "do what you can with what you have, where you are at."
The most important thing is to take baby steps. Spend a few minutes each day reading, experimenting, and talking with others. Don't try to do everything at once; however, learn something new each day. When you do this, you are literally planting a seed of knowledge that will grow exponentially - if you keep investing your time and efforts into becoming the best version of you that you can be.
DECEMBER CONTINUES CLICK FOR A CAUSE!
Ayden Murray is from Wrightsville, PA and was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. He is receiving treatment at Hershey Medical Center and needs your prayers and support. For every time someone visits my blog until the end of December, myself and several donors will donate to his medical fund "Prayers 4 Ayden."
How can you get involved?
- Keeping doing what you do and read my blog! Every visit counts!
- Email me to become a Change Partner to donate a penny per click
- Learn more about Ayden Murray at facebook.com/Prayers4Ayden.
- Donations can be made at www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/prayers-for-ayden.
- Upcoming events will be posted on the Facebook page.
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