Technology Tools for Teachers and Teaching

There are so many technology tools for teaching and teachers that it can sometimes be overwhelming to decide which tools are the best.

There is no doubt that technology and the internet make teaching easier in so many ways.

From ready-made curriculum plans and learning activities to software for different learning challenges, there has been an explosion of technology tools for teachers.

Technology is described in a variety of ways but for our teaching purposes let's break it down into the hardware and the software (which include web-based programs).

Technology Hardware includes computers, projectors, digital cameras, webcams, smartboards, document cameras, hand-held devices to record and send data, GPS systems, microscopes connected to computers, and cell phones.

Your school may have some or all of these, or possibly almost none of these tools. Access to technology varies greatly in our school systems.

Right now the best technology hardware that I am using is a document camera and projector connected to a computer. This was obtained through a grant.

There are many websites that give information about technology tools for teaching and review specific websites. You can do everything from planning your classroom layout to designing a rubric with ready-made benchmarks.

Some sites are open source and free, and others require a subscription. Each time I do an internet search I am amazed at the available resources for teachers, teaching and students.

Technology Software

There are hundreds of software applications that can be purchased for teaching purposes. Students can work on keyboarding, practice math facts, practice reading fluency and comprehension, and compose music. As you know these are just a few of the applications.

Your challenge as a teacher will be to find and test the technology tools that work best for you and your students at a given period in time. When you are looking at specific software for your students you will want to investigate it thoroughly, make sure it is something that will actually get used, and has a research base to back up its claims.

You also want to use technology to maximize your preparation time and your teaching time. For technology tools for teaching to be effective they must produce positive learning outcomes, be easy to use and be time efficient. If the technology cannot help you do something better and faster it is a waste of your time.

Another challenge in the 21st century is for our school budgets to keep up with the technology our students need to be successful, not only in school but in the professional world.

Remember that there are grants available for both hardware and software technology for teaching. The grant may also include your teacher training to use the tools most effectively.

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