Here's how you can elevate your technology skills as an educator.

Embracing e-learning is a key step, as it allows me to explore and integrate various digital platforms and tools to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. By using Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual classrooms, and multimedia content, I can better connect with students and personalize their learning paths.

With the ongoing improvements and development in technology any employee not only the educator needs to keep themselves aware of the new trends and how they can use them for their and the students benefits. Therefore, keep on learning 'lifelong learning' to be in top form as things are changing and the online courses and tutorials seem to be here to stay, if not because the pandemic, it is because of internationalization of education. Be committed to enhance your learning, balance your work and your learning. You need also to collaborate to gain more knowledge and understanding of the educational environment. You need to practice regularly whilst exploring the technology - attending workshops, but keep on reflecting and learning throughout.

Online collaboration is the new group study session, without the trouble of coordinating schedules. Fellow educators can be engaged on platforms like Slack, Discord, or even MS Teams. On these platforms, the exchange of resources, challenges, and tips can be done without hassle. By consistently exchanging ideas in a digital space, it'd be easy to expand on one's tech skills, while building a great network that offers valuable continuous learning opportunities.

I'd suggest trying to identify tools that might be marginally related to your field. I think it is not a good idea to just try stuff and see what fits your practice. It is much more proactive to identify what you do and what are the new tools that work for that teaching ecosystem. Once identified, use the tool to see if it is worth your while in the class setting.

Practice is the route to improvement. Technology skills are like muscles - they strengthen with regular use. As an educator, it would help to set aside each week time to experiment with new skills or refine existing skills. For example, you could practice creating a mock classroom on Google Classroom or practice using video editing software for recording lessons. Practice regularly and testify to the commensurate comfort and competence that comes with each day of focused practice. Real-time teaching scenarios have never gotten better.

The EdTech world is like a buffet - there's just something for every taste. As an educator, tools like Kahoot for interactive quizzes, or Nearpod for immersive lessons are worth exploring. There's a myriad of EdTech tools in the wild; experimenting with different tools would help you settle on the ones you feel most comfortable with and would enhance your teaching. This whole exploration of EdTech tools would help you stay current with educational trends, making you a more versatile teacher.

Participate in webinars and local training sessions focused on the latest educational technologies. Workshops are like tech boot camps - you're pushed to learn fast and apply what you've learned immediately. Workshops are eye-openers, giving you the opportunity to learn something new in the field. For instance, a session on integrating AI in the classroom could help with personalized learning. Sessions like this keep tech skills sharp.