Being Prepared...Technology Malfunctions

One of the biggest issues with technology is the risk factor of things not working. On multiple accounts, I have had a lot happen to me.

One day, my smartboard stopped working with my computer, I was forced to write on a side whiteboard, because I couldn't work on the board. Basically I had my class turn their desks to face the side of my room and I went with the flow.

 

Another time my LCD projector's bulb burned out. It made the loudest pop possible and was out of commission for several days. I was lucky enough to have our tech person sign me out another projector in which I rigged it to a card table, but with cable restrictions, it was angled oddly at my board. Did it work...yes, was it the desirable...no...actually my eyes would hurt from the angle alone.

Sometimes my iPad is having issues syncing to my computer and it requires that I teach at the front of the room. Sometimes one of the clickers I use doesn't work and I have to give a student a paperclick to click in their answers.

Flexibility is the name of the game when it comes to technology. It is great to have, but you can't always count on it working. Ever need to make a copy and the copier was down? You managed to get through that day somehow.

Activities can be spiced up by creating
an objective

I recommend some generic back-up plans in case you need something to fall back to. I respect my students enough to ensure that they are always engaged and learning from bell to bell. Often, I take old state tests and convert them to mini-station activities that students can participate in. I also make my own questions, print them on colored construction paper and call it the rainbow activity, where the students must collect one of each color and make a rainbow (done by answering questions)

Having a back-up is essential. To wrap-up, usign technology effectively is important, but also using your time effectively is just as important, being prepared with some back-up activities will make or break your use as an effective and innovative educator.

As always,
Stay Effective!

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