FAQ: Making technology work in YOUR classroom
I have a new interactive whiteboard, and I have no idea what to do with it. Where do I start?
TeachersFirst includes classroom implementation ideas as part of our reviews. If you use the keyword search and enter “whiteboard” you will find examples of many ways a whiteboard can be used.
I want to make a simple web page, but I don't have time to learn software. Can TF help?
If you join TeachersFirst (free!), you can make a free, simple teacher home page that gives you a way to share announcements, home work assignments, policies, and --most importantly-- links to your Favorite TeachersFirst resources. You can even provide exact instructions for what students must do while using the resources. See more at Why make a TeachersFirst Home Page? Your home page will be useful for students even while they are at school, both in class and during study times.
I am required to show how I am improving my technology use. Can TF help me?
The most important thing is to set goals for improving your use of technology. Be realistic and plan to focus on learning one thing at a time. It also helps to have a buddy, either in person or in one of our sharing areas, to compare notes and provide moral support.
As a TeachersFirst member, you can use the My Professional Development (MY PD) area to view Favorites you marked for professional use. Be sure to tag them by topics, such as blogs, whiteboards, projector, webquest, etc.
TeachersFirst has many resources and tutorials to help you get started with new ways to integrate technology. Make sure they are in your Favorites. As you complete a tutorial and try the technology in your classroom, be sure to make notes on the PD Favorites about the activities you tried as a result of using that resource. These reflections will give you a “running record” of your efforts.
Finally, take the time to create a teacher home page on TeachersFirst and share the URL with parents, students, and administrators so they can see how far you have come! If you used a resource in class, include it on the site, telling parents and your principal what the students did and how it went. The Notes area is perfect for this!
I am supposed to learn about blogs and do them with my kids. Can TF help?
Relax! You can learn about Blog Basics for the Classroom, designed just for people like you. You can set up a safe blog for your class right here on TeachersFirst (coming soon). You can even participate in our TeachersFirst Stop Blog in our Teachers Share area to get some practice with this collaborative tool and exchange ideas. You will be an expert in no time.
What is a wiki and how does it work in the classroom?
Check out the TeachersFirst Wiki Walk-Through to learn all about wikis, play with one, and even set up a free wiki to use safely with your students. If you have a teacher home page, be sure to make a link to your wiki from there!
What can I copy from the web legally?
Copyright and Fair Use are tricky, yet important issues. You can find resources to help you understand this and many other “must knows” in our Professional area.
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