Seven Technology Tips for Younger Elementary

In conversations with educators in the lower grades, I often find that there is a sense of frustration or even fear in bringing technology into the classroom. These emotions have nothing to do with a fear or frustration with technology itself. In fact, many of these educators WANT to bring technology into their classroom but are boggled by how to train or prepare 6-9 year olds to create multi-step and engaging projects.

I won't pretend to be an expert, but after 3 ½ years teaching in a lab with Kindergarten through 6th grade students I have some tips.

If you feel overwhelmed, that's normal. There is a large learning curve when bringing anything new into your classroom. Don't think that you will achieve rock star tech integrator status within your first year of making the plunge. Don't get discouraged if you feel like your projects aren't complex or deep enough. You'll get there. Also remember that when in doubt, you can usually count on a student to help out. Even a few of my 1st graders can handle walking around helping their classmates save a file! The important thing is that you take that first important step.

Have some suggestions I may have missed? Leave them in the comment area!