Setting Technology Goals for the New Year

New Year's Day is traditionally the time
when we look back on the past 12 months
and make resolutions for the next 12. If
you're looking to set a goal for yourself
professionally, why not focus on technology
integration? This year, think of an area
where you can grow!
Here are a few ideas of where to
concentrate your energy as you make
technology goals for the upcoming year.
Choose a New Tool Each Month
Whether you have one laptop or a class set
of tablets, there are tons of educational
technology tools to explore. Choose one
new tool to try out each month. This will
give you enough time to really see if it
works with your teaching style and if it is
relevant to the content you're teaching. If
you love it, add it to your technology tool
belt and keep using it for the rest of the
year. If it's not for you, at the end of the
month move on to the next one.
Join a Twitter Chat
All around the globe, educators are doing
exciting work in their classrooms. Instead
of just following a couple of your favorite
teachers and education organizations,
engage with your peers in a Twitter chat.
There are weekly chats on a wide range of
subjects. Follow the hashtag to read about
what other people are saying and post your
own answers to questions posed by the
chat's facilitator. You're sure to leave with
ideas and inspiration to take back to your
classroom.
Host a Google Hangout
Even if you just try it out with family first,
host a Google Hangout to connect your
computer screen with friends from around
the country. Once you're comfortable, try
using this tool for virtual office hours, in
place of committee meetings, or to connect
with former colleagues and alumni.
Use Your Phone
This year I've shared some of my favorite
technology tools that you can use straight
from a smartphone. If you're
uncomfortable using your phone during
instructional time, consider it as a handheld
device for entering grades, updating a class
blog, or scrolling through tweets when
you're on the go. A smartphone can be
used as a classroom and time management
tool.
Check Out Pinterest
Pinterest is a fantastic resource for
teachers! It's a place where educators can
gather ideas for organizing their classroom,
develop engaging activities and just get
excited about teaching. This year, set
yourself a goal of trying two new ideas a
month that you've found on Pinterest.
Instead of just bookmarking your favorites,
commit to putting these great ideas into
action.
Try Skype
It's so important to open students' eyes to
the world around them. If the days of pen
pals are long gone in your classroom, why
not find another class to Skype with?
Whether they're down the block, across the
country, or five time zones away, connect
with a class in a different community.