Teaching Using Technology Takes Time

Today is orientation. This means a kick off to the new school year, a new beginning. Students are proud to tote their new school supplies that have been labeled with their names. A lot of them are wearing their new uniforms and shoes with their heads held a little bit higher than last year. So much opportunity is ahead of them. Just like their teachers, this is a student’s fresh start. They have new teachers with a new group of students and new courses to learn. Students walk with their parents from class to class so they will know where to go on their own in the coming days. I watch students walk through my door somewhat hesitant until they quickly see all of the computers. They are instantly curious when they realize they are going to be taking a computer class. I teach high school courses to 7th and 8th grade middle school students. I also teach keyboarding to 6th graders. All of this being said, technology is all I do. The only piece of paper my students will get from me all year is their syllabus. This can be overwhelming for students and parents, but the thought of technology can be overwhelming for teachers also.

As a computer teacher, I realize that a parent’s idea of technology and mine are completely different. When the parent sees all of the computers in the room, they are quick to tell me how well their child does with technology. My translation--the child can login to a social media site! More often than not, a student is much better with technology than their parent. The parent will say, “My son/daughter will do well in your class, they know a lot about computers.” This is simply not the case! There is a common misconception that students today are born knowing how to use technology--again, not true! Parents believe when their child can show them how to do something with their phone that they are good at technology. Teachers often believe the same thing. Teachers want to try using technology in their classroom and will assume the students will just know how to do it. The teacher will become discouraged when their students and themselves fail using technology. All that needed to be done was for the teacher to take the time to teach the students how to use the technology or program first. As teachers, we should not assume the students just know how to use a computer simply because they have one.

Students have no idea how to use technology to be productive. Sure, they can post their status or an image, but they cannot save a document, use Google docs, or know what it is to be good digital citizen. They lack sufficient keyboarding skills that will help them in other classes. When students are placed in a computer course or with a teacher who uses technology, they quickly realize how much they lack the basic skills to be able to function in that environment. It them becomes up the teacher to ensure each student has the skills needed to be successful in their class.

As the start of the new school year is here, it is important for teachers to take the time and teach students what they need to know about technology for each class. This is a time consuming job, but if a teacher puts the time in for the first few weeks until the students get the hang of it, they will have the rest of the school year to watch them excel academically while using technology. As a computer teacher, I do this everyday all day. I have heard often from other teachers about the time and patience it takes. Teachers have often said, “I don’t know how you do it! I have to repeat steps over and over. It takes so much patience!” This is a true statement. It is time consuming. It requires patience. It means going over things for a week repeatedly each class. It will be worth it in the end. Students are usually very receptive to technology and enjoy the challenge of using a computer and a new program. It is usually the teachers who need more convincing.

Take time to teach the technology basics at the beginning and set the expectations to make the whole school year go smoother. Technology will eliminate behavior problems and make a teacher’s life much easier. It will take time to teach students how to use the technology, but it will be worth it in the end. If you need any technology resources to help make your year better, check out www.walledtech.com. If you do not find anything you think you can use, contact us. The website has resources for students, parents, teachers, and administrators.