Information and communications technology (ICT) contribute to school education offering new lines of work. As teachers, we must use them to develop digital skills in children and young people.
Part of our work in this regard is to explore the current proposals in terms of technology that will help us to enrich the learning environments in the classroom. When we apply ICT with our students we are teaching, but at the same time, we are also learning.
Here are 10 tips on how to use them.
1. Be persistent.
In many cases, students are better at handling some technological tools than we do. Do not be discouraged if the first experiences with ICT do not turn out as planned. As the philosopher Lucio Anne Seneca said: “Persevere and you will succeed.”
2. Apply the trial error.
If you always do the same things, don’t expect to have different results. Each course group is different and therefore there is no absolute truth, however, over time you will see that there are strategies that will be more optimal than others. Don’t be afraid to try.
3. You are not alone.
There are various web platforms such as blogs, social networks and educational communities where you will find new ideas, examples and experiences of colleagues who are or were in the same situation. educrea.cl is an example of the support that can be useful in this and other topics.
4. Don’t be afraid.
Students value much more a teacher who is encouraged to use ICT, even if he is wrong because you are entering his everyday language.
5. Let your students teach you.
In this way, they learn to explain and you will be showing them how valuable they are.
6. Do not lose the objective.
ICT should be a tool, that the conclusion of the class is “Today we learned” and not “Today we use”
7. Don’t pressure yourself.
Do not feel obliged to use ICT at all times, use it only when you think it is necessary to improve your classes.
8. Do not transform your personal life.
In your life outside of school, you are not obliged to use ICT. As a teacher you are required to know them and using them will give you the security to use it with your students.
9. Using ICT does not guarantee motivation and learning.
But they allow us to apply other methodologies, which together with the ones we already use, strengthen our teaching work.
10. Always have a Plan B.
This is because there maybe no internet connection. The website you chose is out of service. The computer is being used by another colleague, etc.
