ODYSSEYWARE

Grants, incentives, and initiatives for innovative education reform have budget-conscious administrators blazing trails into new technology-rich territory. For some teachers, the terrain is fraught with hidden dangers, instilling fear in the hearts of heroes who could once, with only textbooks and a chalkboard to defend them, handle a whole classroom full of teenagers without a bead of sweat on their brows. What is it about embracing instructional technology that makes knees knock and anxiety shift into overdrive?

While the details may be different, the simple answer is fear.

Adapting to change is often a challenge. In the Digital Age, it becomes even more difficult when the natives have a seemingly inborn knowledge of tools you’ve never touched, and a technology IQ that can be downright intimidating. They know things you don’t know. Breathe easier. The remedy is within your control. You, after all, have a lifelong love of learning. So log on and learn. Read education blogs. Visit online magazines. Take professional development courses. Create or be part of a personal learning network (PLN). Educators who are excited about technology-driven tools and the possibilities offered by the Internet are thrilled to share what they know.

Another great but often untapped source of information is your students. They get it, and you may be surprised at how much they can teach you. They are often proud to strut their stuff. In addition, it can build relationships in your classroom that facilitate learning – not just for you, but for your students.

Taking small bites is the key. Choose one or two digital tools or sources that interest you. Learn all you can, then implement them in your classroom. This will, in most cases, spark your interest in some other fascinating resource. Try that next. Before long, you’ll be speaking the language of the natives.

Though you’re accustomed to being the expert in the room, it’s time to admit that you don’t have all the answers. More importantly, it’s time to accept that it’s okay. Considering the speed at which technology advances and new information becomes available, no one has all the answers. Being flexible and willing to change with innovations is one of those 21st century skills that is essential in the Information Age.

Technology might be the key to connecting your students to their future, while it connects you with your students.

At ODYSSEYWARE®, we believe that inspired teachers inspire learning. Because our online learning environment for students in grades 3-12 offers tools to streamline the administrative tasks inherent in the job, it gives teachers more time to teach, more time to encourage, and more time to inspire.