Tips for managing Tech - my love letter to you

Today’s post is my valentine for all of you, it addresses the task that at times is beyond overwhelming; I’m talking about keeping up with TECHNOLOGY. I find it near impossible – but, I saw this great graphic created by the amazing @SylviaDuckworth and it is a perfect reminder for all of us who strive to be on top of our technology game. 

   The first tip is key, let’s face it there are not enough hours in a day to keep up with it all. So, don’t try. The second tip, is the key—use social media to keep up with latest trends and tools. Personally, I find Twitter to be a great source of info regarding technology. Follow tech people who are doing things you admire. Technology is fun and enhances education.

  

Here are a few I like to follow on Twitter: the incredible @sylviaduckworth, @efitz_edtech, @MsMarshallCMS, @Hamm_Ed, @TheWeirdTeacher, @MsVenturino, and my good friend Naomi Bates @yabooksandmore. These people are critical to my tech practice. I gain valuable ideas and connect to great tech tools that make me look like a rock star with my teachers and students.

   Another great source of new tech trends are your students and teens! They are on trend before it even becomes a “thing.” 

Numbers 2 and 3 really go together like PB&J, tech in education, or Buzz and Woody in Toy Story. The third tip also serves as a needed reminder to share our tech tools – I find that when I share, my Personal Learning Network grows and I learn even more through the collaborative process.

   Number 5 is huge! One of the big pitfalls, is that we tend to try too much all at once. For me, it works best to try something new, play with it awhile and see where and how it is best used before adding new tools to the mix. Another reminder I like to make in my workshops is that you need to use the new tool within a few days. It’s definitely a use it or lose it thing. I’ve gone to some incredible workshops—taken copious notes annnnndddd walked away with every intention of coming back to it only to forget and leave it behind… 

   There are some incredible tools out there—but remember to make sure the tools are relevant to your students and what you are teaching. Using a tool for the sake of using it, is not best practice. Any tool you use should have a specific purpose. When we use a tool in a way that brings meaning, we help our students learn more deeply. 

  

Keeping track of tools is a challenge (Tip 8), curation doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be as simple as setting up an IFTTT (If This, Then This). Every time I email myself a tweet, it goes into a Google Spreadsheet. The possibilities are endless.

   Tip #10 is awesome and overwhelming at the same time. I love conferences! The connections and collaborative nature of conferences make them a must for your tech practice. But, be mindful of the other tips, use your time to make connections with others, and share, share, share! 

   Lastly, start a blog or something that will give you a space to share your success. I am so glad I did, it has been a great tool for keeping me on track with my tech practice. It has also given me opportunities to connect with other Teacher Librarians and Librarians around the country/world. 

   Happy Valentine’s Day friends! I hope you are feeling the love today. 

PS-- The latest issue of School Library Journal has my article on the benefits of having a coloring station for students to enjoy. Cheers.

Big thanks to @SylviaDuckworth for the use of her amazing sketch.