How to Teach Technology in the Classroom
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when figuring out how to teach technology in the classroom is the management. Likewise, the flow of the lesson when teaching the lesson while integrating technology can be a tricky balance. Especially as a teacher in the classroom, you are typically by yourself and are managing a new experience as the ONLY adult in the room.
Don’t let the numbers game intimidate you.
By setting up clear expectations, routines and models, using technology tools in the classroom can be a great success.
The biggest piece of advice I can give you is: NEVER assume kids know how to use the tools.
Even if the device or tech tool was used in previous grade levels, assumption is dangerous.
Assuming that the majority of students know how to use the tool using the processes you have in mind for the project can be detrimental. Level the playing field by setting up classroom expectations that are clear for all students in the space.
Prior knowledge from students will be helpful, but it’s also important for all students in the classroom to be successful with the given project and build a strong foundation.
How to Teach Technology in the Classroom: #1 Set-up Expectations
This is the key to ultimate success. The most common mistake I’ve seen teachers make is not isolating the tools and how they generally work before diving into a lesson.
Often times, teachers getting started with technology in the classroom will tell students to get their device, login, go to the lesson, leave the device open as the teacher teaches the lesson with the materials in front of students.
In the meantime, students are on various steps, someone doesn’t know their password, a device isn’t charged and the rest of the class isn’t paying attention to the lesson that’s actually being taught.
Does this sound familiar?
There is a better way to teach it!
When integrating technology effectively into a lesson, break-down the steps into smaller bite-sized chunks. Especially if it is the class’ first time using the tool, it’s better to go slow to go fast later on.
First, set up expectations of how to use the tool. For example, if it’s an iPad, younger students often need explicit steps in how to “wake-up” the iPad when it falls asleep.
This is a great time for adding in little phrases and rhymes you can repeat over and over again with a class. Just like those favorite commercials you remember as a kid… it’s because they are catchy!
Along with that, add in technology related vocabulary when explaining what specific buttons are, icons and tools. Students will start recognizing these markers and universal icons within other tools they use.
Here are some sayings I regularly use:
- “When in doubt, ‘X’ it out!” (If a page doesn’t load, something unexpected pops up on the screen, typed in the wrong web address…)
- “The iPads like to sleep when we aren’t using them so they can save their battery power for us! We are going to press the home button two times and say this at the same time, Wake-Up!”
- “Can’t find all the options, press the Three Magic Dots…They stand for, There Is More!” (Ellipsis menu for more settings)
- “Type it in exactly as shown, all one word, no spaces” (When typing in a website, username or password.”
- “Practice makes better!” Or “Everything New is Hard at First!” (When students get frustrated for using a tool for the first time and it’s not “working”)
- “T to type!” (When adding in a textbox, most platforms use the letter ‘T’ as the symbol to add in this feature on top of a workspace.”
How to Teach Technology in the Classroom: #2 Get Materials Ready First
Once expectations are set up (and yes, these need to be reviewed EVERY time before use) have students get their materials for the lesson set up first.
Model for students by visually showing what materials they will need set up to be successful for the actual lesson.
These are the physical and digital materials.
When modeling, students don’t have anything in their hands. This will force students to pay attention to the directions instead of their devices.
Model by going through the steps on the screen. It can also be helpful to have the steps written out with visual markers as well.
This is NOT the time to show them HOW to use the tools. This is all about WHAT tools will be used.
In turn, this is meeting multiple modes of learning and are great references for current and future lessons.
I will have ALL students get their materials ready first at their table, have everyone at their table get their “screen to match mine” and join me back at the meeting area with NOTHING in their hands.
While having the materials ready to go, students are now able to focus on how the materials will be used for the actual lesson.
In the long run, this will save time as students aren’t stressed about logging in and forgetting how all of the pieces will fit together.
Examples for setting up technology for a lesson
Primary Example: Students will be using Seesaw to complete an activity within the platform. Teacher will model the below steps first. Then, students will…
- Gather an iPad
- Wake iPad up
- Log into Seesaw
- Select the correct activity
- When finished, come back to the class meeting area, with nothing in hands
- Mini lesson on how to complete activity
- Students go back to set-up iPad to work on activity
Intermediate Example: Students will be researching using a Epic! Books, and taking notes on a digital document on their laptop. Teacher will model the below steps first. Then, students will…
- Gather their device & log in
- Log into Google Classroom & open up digital notes document
- Open another tab, log into Epic! Books account
- When finished, come back to the class meeting area, with nothing in hands
- Mini lesson on how to complete activity
- Students go back to set-up device to work on activity
How to Teach Technology in the Classroom: #3 Allow Explore time
First time using the tool? Allow explore time
This step can be skipped if the tool has been used before. However, this step is important to add in the lesson planning process of a unit.
In fact, once students materials are ready (as explained above), this exploration can be your ACTUAL lesson.
Realistically, students are going to want to explore anyway, so harness that curiosity in a positive and academic way. ESPECIALLY, if it’s a tool that will be used multiple times in the classroom or for a long project.
Instead of having a random exploration, make it purposeful with a goal in mind.
- What do you notice? Anchor chart
- Tips & Tricks You Want to Share (T-chart ,teacher & students)
- Create an anchor chart of important icons
- Guided Scavenger Hunt with small mini tasks
Through exploration, students will develop comfortability using the tool and be able to produce a high-quality assignment since that initial struggle will be sorted out.
How to Teach Technology in the Classroom: #4 Dig into the Assignment
Once students know the expectations of the tools, how to set up their materials and basics of the platform, it’s time to dig-into the actual assignment.
Again, these steps can all be done in an entire lesson, or broken up into mini-lessons throughout the week.
When truly integrating technology, the lessons should pertain to content standards and promote higher-levels of thinking.
Think about using tools that can allow students multiple ways to respond.
For example, speaking, typing or drawing all within the same platform can be great for differentiation.
As you become stronger in your technology lesson planning repitoire, you’ll notice more variety in students’ work and their ability to respond in ways that best show off their capabilities.
How to Teach Technology in the Classroom: #5 Build Independence Along the Way
As students are working through integrated assignments, new discoveries are bound to pop up.
Likewise, unforeseen technology issues as well.
Help build student independence by adding in the expectation of ‘Ask 3 Before Me’.
As the teacher, it’s easy for the students to see you as the gate-keeper of all the technology information, however, don’t take-on that role!
Your goal is to have students become equal experts as well. In fact, as a K-5 STEM teacher, I will step in only as necessary if it’s an extreme problem like an account it locked or there is a battery issue.
However, most problems are common like a student skipping a step or typing in a website incorrectly.
The process of ‘Ask 3 Before Me’ can solve most technology issues during work time. In turn, also create an ‘Expert List’ throughout a project or even the whole school year.
Instead of having one or two “tech-sperts” assigned as classroom jobs, recognize the skills of all students. Create an anchor chart to showcase the names of students (which they write themselves) of specifics problems they know how to solve.
That way, when students have a problem, they can recognize that problem instead of saying “It’s not working”. Then, they know who they can specifically ask for their problem instead of floundering.
Here are some categories that can be added to get your started on your Expert List:
- How to Log Into Device
- How to Log into (name of platform)
- Fixing Microphone & Camera Accept/Blocked
- Adding a Textbox
- Deleting Objects
How to Teach Technology in the Classroom: #6 Model Clean Up
The importance of caring or technology is just as important as learning how to use it in an academic setting.
When the lesson is complete, model how students should close out for the lesson an properly put the device away.
By being specific with these expectations, there is less of a risk for devices being damaged.
This is coming from a K-5 STEM teacher who taught over 500+ kids each year with minimal devices being broken. I am very strict about device care for good reason!
Teach and re-teach these lessons throughout the year to ensure best device care:
- Turning in digital assignments
- Closing Individual Tabs vs. All Tabs
- Logging Out of platforms
- Putting device away and plugging in
- Where to store login information
- Wrapping headphone cords and storage
- Cleaning devices
By having clear structures in place when integrating technology can ensure greater success in the classroom. Even if you are the only adult in the classroom.
It will take time and practice, but be as consistent as possible; with your expectations and technology use. The more students are using these routines, the better they will get for future assignments.
This process is tried and true for all elementary ages and will change the way you integrate technology into your instruction.
Resources mentioned in this post:
- How to Use Technology in the Classroom | Technology Troubleshooting Tips
-
Classroom Rules for Technology | Rules for Technology in the Classroom
Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:
- Create Your STEM Lab School Supply List by Naomi Meredith
- Why You Need a Station Rotation in STEM by Naomi Meredith
- Best Robots for Kids for STEM & Technology Lessons by Naomi Meredith
How can I help you navigate your STEM & Tech journey? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!
About the Author
Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.
With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.
She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!