If you’re looking for tech tips to keep your classrooms running smoothly this year, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up a list of top apps and websites to help teachers streamline classroom management, streamline parent communication, improve SEL, and more!
These quick tips will make you more productive and help you teach with pizzazz.
1. Stay Organized
Technology is a huge part of today’s world, but it can also be daunting and distracting. Teachers who have to manage a multitude of digital devices and platforms often feel like they are always running behind, which can cause them to lose focus and get overwhelmed.
There are a few tech tools that can help teachers keep up with their workload, from scheduling assignments to tracking attendance to managing student behavior. For example, the Remind app is a two-way texting application that lets students and teachers connect without having to use email or phone calls.
In addition, Google Drive is a great tool for organizing documents and collaborating with teachers. It allows you to store files online, and you can share them with others in a single click.
Many educators are still using a desktop computer to handle schoolwork, so a cloud-based solution can be a big time saver. It is a good idea to set up a shared online calendar that allows you to post assignment due dates, class events and other important announcements in one central location for everyone to access.
This way, you don’t have to worry about losing valuable work. You can even set reminders for yourself so that you don’t miss a thing.
The most popular and effective technology tools are those that help you streamline tedious tasks, thereby giving you more time to do the things you love most. It’s no secret that teachers spend a lot of time on administrative tasks, so tools that make those tasks easier are a win-win for both sides of the classroom.
A little bit of research goes a long way when it comes to finding the best tech tools for your teaching needs. If you’re looking for something a little more complex, it might be worth your while to hire a teacher technology consultant to do the heavy lifting for you.
2. Take a Day to Unplug
Technology can make it harder to get away from your device, but taking a day to unplug is a great way to clear your mind and focus on other things. It can also help you save money on your electricity bill by turning off phantom power (the energy that devices use even when they are technically turned off).
One of the best ways to unplug is to set up a digital-free zone in your home where you can go for a break. You can also designate a specific time to unplug throughout the day or week.
It can be challenging to completely unplug from your device, but it is essential for mental and emotional health. You may find that you enjoy taking time to unplug more if you can set goals for yourself and commit to them.
Another way to unplug is to try new things and hobbies. For example, you could try learning a new skill like crocheting or painting. You could also spend time in nature, which is known to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
You can also start a game night with friends and family. This can be a fun way to unplug while also having a great time!
To avoid getting tempted by notifications or ringers, temporarily turn off your push notifications and silence the ringer. You can also re-organize your apps so you don’t have to constantly see them.
If you don’t have a lot of free time, a day of unplugging can be a great way to clear your mind and recharge your batteries. It’s also a good way to start a habit that will benefit you for the rest of your life!
3. Try Something New
Using technology to enhance your teaching is nothing new, but it can be difficult to keep up with all of the latest and greatest tools. So we combed through dozens of tweets and how-to videos from educators across the country to round up a few top notch edtech tools to help you get the most out of your digital devices and your classroom. From instructional supports to organizational gizmos and even some old fashioned fun, this is the definitive list of the best apps and sites to try out in 2022. The best part? You can try them all for free. Whether you are looking for the best SEL app or the coolest video display to help you turn your class into an interactive learning lab, this list has it all.
4. Listen to Podcasts
Podcasts can be a great way to get some fresh air and take your mind off of the stresses of teaching. Whether you’re in the car, on a walk or simply relaxing at home, there are podcasts to suit every need.
The best podcasts are a great source of inspiration and encouragement, so why not pick one up today? There are many out there that will be able to meet you where you’re at and help you to thrive as a teacher.
If you’re a teacher who loves to think creatively, you should check out the Thoughtful Teacher podcast. This podcast aims to connect you with education innovators, thinkers and policymakers who can share their ideas and empower you to make meaningful and positive changes in your school.
It’s a really great way to stay on top of educational trends and learn the latest in EdTech, so you can implement new technologies in your classroom. The podcast is full of interviews with a variety of people, from TEDx speakers to education leaders and students, so you’ll be sure to find something that fits your needs!
Another great podcast for teachers is Betsy Potash’s Talks with Teachers. She shares so many practical, relatable teaching ideas that will help you to stay on top of your game and make an impact on your students.
She also tackles the difficult topics that often feel taboo in a teacher’s career like equity and social justice. She’s especially passionate about being empathetic and seeing the world through a student’s eyes, so her podcast is a must-listen for any educator.
There are so many amazing podcasts for teachers to listen to that it can be hard to know where to start. To make things easier, we’ve created a list of our favourites below.
5. Have Fun
During the last 2 years, many teachers have sharpened their tech skills and utilized sophisticated tech tools to facilitate learning both in and out of the classroom. But like any area of expertise, there are always smart ways to streamline workflows and increase accessibility. For that reason, we combed through dozens of tweets and how-to videos from educators to curate a lean list of teacher-tested tips focused on getting more out of your everyday tech tools in the 2022-2023 school year.
For instance, if you’re looking for a way to get students working collaboratively online, try incorporating a website such as Google Music Lab into your curriculum. This tool will allow you to upload a picture and turn it into an online jigsaw puzzle that your students can work together on. This can be a fun activity for your class and a great way to build community among your students. Other ideas for integrating technology include having students complete a Two Truths, One Lie activity on Flipgrid before doing a unit on the topic. You can also use the spectrogram feature of Google Music Lab to connect your lesson on sound waves with music. There are many other ways to have fun using your everyday technology!
