Some ed tech folks on Twitter have been discussing technology tools teachers should be able to use.
Based on my interactions with teachers through my website and blogs, I’d suggest a list of technology use practices teachers need to apply. Few items on my list have to do with actual teaching with technology. (I’ll save those for another post.) Teachers should:
- Use school email only for school-related business.
- Use their own personal email account, not one shared with a spouse or family.
- Write an email subject line that indicates the topic of the message.
- Compose email with the essential point in the opening paragraph.
- Use an email signature that includes basic contact information.
- Before sending attachments, ask intended recipients if they can read files in the selected format.
- Use alternatives to attaching files to email, such as providing a link to a Google doc.
- Distinguish between blogs and websites.
- Download files without calling for tech support.
- Provide basic information about their computer operating system, ISP and web browser when reporting a web problem.
- Have available and use more than one web browser.
- Have available and use a screen capture software program for things such as showing an error message or website problem.
Teachers who have these technology skills have a much easier time getting information they need in a timely manner than those who muddle through doing whatever is comfortable for them
