In 2017, PwC conducted a study that discovered out of 2,000 teachers, only 10% of K–12 teachers feel confident incorporating higher-level technology into student learning. Unfortunately, technology is on the rise in education but there are many educators uncomfortable using it. As educators, how can we effectively integrate technology into our classroom with confidence? We can't!
We want our students to be confident 21st-century learners. They should know the skills of technology literacy, media literacy, and information literacy. However, we have to lead by example. Let's get comfortable with technology before we start to integrate it into our classrooms. If we are effective then are students will be effective. So how do we boost our confidence?
You start with these four things I call ACAP:
1. Assess Where You Are
Before you start thinking about all the things you can't do, assess where you are. There are numerous teachers that believe they are amateurs when it comes to using technology. However, when they assess themselves they realize they know more than they thought. So take some time to complete a technology skills survey to know where you are.
2. Change Your Mindset
There is a powerful quote by Steve Maraboli that says, "Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside will change along with it." Education and technology are always changing. Therefore, it is essential to change your mindset when it comes to technology integration. When you develop a positive growth mindset, you allow yourself to be open and grow while learning new things. Read this wonderful article about building a growth mindset for teachers.
3. Attend Professional Development and Training
One of the best ways to build your confidence is to attend professional developments. Countless educators dread attending training because they are mandated by the school or district. Some of the best professional developments are the ones you take the initiative to attend. Technology training, conferences, or webinars help you develop a plan, incorporate, and execute technology lessons. They can provide you with countless resources and strategies that you will love to take back to your classroom.
Check out these technology courses for teachers.
4. Practice
This a word that many educators use with their students. Practice your spelling words. Practice the word problems. Why do we tell our students this? We say this because we know with practice comes mastery and growth. Your confidence and effectiveness with technology come with the amount of time you are willing to put into it. So remember PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!Share your thoughts about tech confidence in the comments.
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