No matter how fancy the tool, it is not going to implement itself into your classroom. Implementation takes time and planning. It takes careful consideration of why you are using the tool for a specific student or classroom. Implementation of technology is where/when the we often fall flat on our faces. The software, hardware is on the computer system but the teacher is not sure what to do with it, how to use it or when to use it. The words "Use it often and at your discretion don't have much meaning". With that said, my blog is going to take a turn. I am going to move away from showing the new big thing and talk about the important thing how do these tools get used in the classroom with all students.
First things first – technology is not about the bells and the whistles. You do not have the newest and greatest to be in the technology forefront.
Second thing – it is not about the STUFF. You can have a classroom of stuff but still have nothing.
Third thing – it is about using what you have and what you are comfortable with. Once you start using, what you are comfortable with you will start to feel eager to try something new.
Fourth thing – admit it and own it. Admit what you do not know. Only way to get help with something is admitting you are not sure about how to use the tool or what features it has. There is no way you can use it with your students if you cannot use it yourself. Yes, there are students that can run circles around us adults. Once you admit where you need help you own the problem but you are also own the SOLUTION.
Fifth thing – Search and FIND. You are not the only one out there that is struggling with implementation or learning how to use a tool. All you have to do is go to your favorite search engine and type name of the tool you are trying to work with and you will be amazed on what you will find.
Favorite sights for tutorials:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/HA102184981033.aspx Tutorial for MS office products.
http://www.youtube.com has various tutorials.
http://www.teachertube.com/ has various tutorials.
excellent resource for assistive technology tutorials.
http://eduscapes.com/sessions/smartboard/short video tutorials on the smart board. The best thing is the ideas on the website.