Reflecting on Tech Need-to-Knows

I originally created my list by asking ChatGPT to "provide me with a list of 10 things every teacher should know about technology." Here is the brief version of my list:

  1. Digital Literacy is Crucial

  2. Adaptability is Key

  3. Personalized Learning Opportunities

  4. Cybersecurity Awareness

  5. Collaboration Tools Enhance Learning

  6. Digital Citizenship Education

  7. Flipped Classroom Techniques

  8. Accessibility Matters

  9. Professional Development is Ongoing

  10. Balancing Screen Time

While I still agree with a majority of my list, here is my updated version:

  1. Digital Literacy is Crucial

    • Duh!

  2. Adaptability is Key

    • I won’t say “duh” again but…

    • Seriously though, this one is so important to remember. Sometimes it feels like I cannot possibly get to know another tool or application but it’s crucial to keep up with the times!

  3. Personalized Learning Opportunities

    • I enjoyed getting to explore new tools and apps to use with students. To me, being able to give students options for how they obtain information and demonstrate their learning is a way to offer personalized learning opportunities.

  4. Cybersecurity Awareness New! Spend Time Exploring New Technologies

    • This course really encouraged us to just explore. I appreciated the opportunity to use new tools and apps. Having an extended amount of time to do so helped me determine what was useful for my practice (or not!). It’s so important to know what works for you and you won’t know unless you get out there and explore! 

    • I would also encourage teachers and librarians to allow students opportunities to explore the digital tools that are available to them and will help them the most. 

  5. Collaboration Tools Enhance Learning

    • Something I would add to this point is the use of games in the classroom and library. From our module on gaming, I learned about Blooket which my students absolutely love! I also realized that not every game played in the classroom has to have a crystal clear content connection. Instead, educators can use games to enhance problem solving skills and encourage creative thinking. This module was a great reminder that learning can be fun and when it’s fun, it’s more authentic. Plus, these kinds of games help students build connections with each other thus strengthening the school community. 

  6. Digital Citizenship Education

    • Definitely still on the list! I’m curious to see what I learn about this topic in other SSU courses. 

  7. Flipped Classroom Techniques New! Learn from Others

    • After our module that included information about #BookTok, I was so excited to make a TikTok discussing books that I had read and enjoyed. Then I got on TikTok and was like “What the heck? How do I use this thing?” I eventually had to ask one of my students to show me how to get images in the background of a video. Our students know so much about technology and they enjoy being our teachers for once! Educators should know what apps students are using and they should get to know them. This helps them understand their students better, it builds relationships, and maybe they can use that technology to enhance their own practice.

    • Students aren’t the only ones who know something about technology! I learned so much from my classmates in this course and from my colleagues. My favorite suggestion from a classmate was Slidesgo. I just made the cutest presentation using one of their templates! 

    • Ultimately, educators should be talking to people and finding out what apps and tools they’re using!

  8. Accessibility Matters

    • I originally said I wouldn’t have thought about this in my list without the help of ChatGPT. I definitely learned more this semester about assistive technology. I had never thought about AT as something that enhances productivity and engagement. During this module I discovered Stay Focused (an extension that can be used to limit time spent on certain websites) and Kami (a tool with tons of features that allow students to interact with PDF documents in various ways). 

  9. Professional Development is Ongoing

    • I really enjoyed the assignment where we were asked to create our own PD. I now would add here that professional development is ongoing for everyone and sometimes the librarian is going to be responsible for that PD! Don’t be scared to share what you know! You don’t need to be an expert!

  10. Balancing Screen Time

    • It seems that this will be hard to maintain in the future as everything seems to be going digital! This one ties into the gaming module for me as games don’t always have to be online! Students really enjoy hands-on activities such as manipulatives, collage making, etc.

In conclusion…

I made this using Slidesgo. I'm obsessed! It's so cute (if I say so myself).
This might be my gateway to Canva...



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