These are truly incredible times to not only be a learner but an educator as well. The access to information we have is unlike anything we’ve had before. And the tools we have to create a learning environment where all students can succeed are ever increasing. While these are incredible times, it can be quite daunting as an educator to look across this ever-changing technology landscape and feel unprepared.
Using the ISTE Standards for Teachers as a guide, it is important for students to have educators who create learning environments that allow them to innovate, invent and create in ways that are only possible through the use of technology. Educators must also be prepared to continuously move forward, always seek out the best pedagogy and tools to create learning environments students need and deserve.
Being a Tech-Savvy Educator doesn’t have to be either daunting or complex. It doesn’t mean completely changing our practices or abandoning what already works. It means looking to the tools of technology to supplement those strong pedagogical practices already in place.
There are six areas of development every Tech-Savvy Educator needs to focus on:
- Collaboration with Students
- Collaboration with Colleagues
- Innovative Communications
- Effective Productivity
- Reflection
- Formative Assessment
The Tech-Savvy Educator: 6 Areas Of Development
Area
|
The “Why”
|
Sample Tools
|
Collaboration with Students
|
Collaboration with students in and out of the classroom is a building block of being Tech-Savvy Educator. Learning is a social process and should be promoted amongst students. Collaboration comes in many forms from allowing students to work together to solve problems to fostering an environment where students can build off the learning of others.
| |
Collaboration with Colleagues
|
| |
Innovative Communications
|
It is essential for Tech-Savvy Educators to build effective School:Home Communications. Using innovative tools you can meet parents and the community where they are and share the amazing stories that happen in the classroom every day.
| |
Effective Productivity
|
Tech-Savvy Educators need to work smarter not harder. Having workflows in place streamline the day-to-day demands will only serve to make life easier and better.
| |
Reflection
|
Reflection is something Tech-Savvy Educators do on a regular basis. It is also something that is promoted amongst students as well. Reflection comes in many forms and can happen a variety of ways.
| |
Formative Assessment
|
Tech-Savvy Educators understand the need to know where students are in their learning as soon as possible. Through the use of formative assessment we can best understand not only how students know what they know but how our teaching can respond to individual needs.
|
There are so many more tools that can fit into each area of development. And some tools definitely overlap. Want to learn more? Grab a copy of the Tech-Savvy Teacher presentation and download the resource guide!
Download The Graphic