Learn how to follow blogs and podcasts, join online communities, attend webinars, experiment with tools, and seek feedback on technology in education.

If your school or educational system doesn’t already have an innovation team - a diverse group of teachers, students, curriculum leaders, administrators, etc., who regularly collaborate to test, review, and explore new educational technologies - then it may be beneficial to consider establishing one. As this team evolves, it’s important to invite not only tech-savvy teachers, but also those who may be slightly uncomfortable with technology. The most effective way to determine if new technology will diffuse across your school or system is by having a representative group that mirrors your system’s diversity

How can you stay on top of new technology in Education?

Technology is constantly evolving and changing the way we teach and learn. As an educator, you need to keep up with the latest trends and tools that can enhance your practice and your students' outcomes. But how can you stay on top of new technology in education without feeling overwhelmed or left behind? Here are some tips to help you navigate the digital landscape and embrace innovation in your classroom.

Key takeaways from this article

Create an innovation team:

Establish a group with diverse roles to explore new technologies. This ensures that a variety of perspectives are considered, leading to more inclusive and effective tech adoption.
Contribute to PLCs:

Get involved in Professional Learning Communities. Sharing insights on using tech in teaching can help others, while also enhancing your own understanding and skills.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

1 Follow relevant blogs and podcasts

One of the easiest ways to stay informed about new technology in education is to follow blogs and podcasts that cover topics that interest you. You can find a variety of sources that offer insights, reviews, tips, and examples of how to use technology effectively in different settings and subjects. You can also subscribe to newsletters or RSS feeds that deliver the latest content to your inbox or device. Some examples of blogs and podcasts that focus on education technology are EdSurge, The EdTech Podcast, The Cult of Pedagogy, and Edutopia.

Add your perspective

Giancarlo Brotto

Founder, Global Education Thought Leader, Salzburg Global Fellow
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Often, the difficulty lies not in discovering or becoming a part of online communities and networks, but in maintaining a consistent connection that brings value to your experience. One effective strategy I’ve found is to prioritize convenience. This could mean initiating a community within your own school or locality. Consider sending out an email or engaging in conversations with colleagues or students who might be interested in meeting on a weekly or monthly basis to share their top three new discoveries or readings related to technology in education.

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2 Join online communities and networks

Another way to stay on top of new technology in education is to join online communities and networks that connect you with other educators who share your passion and curiosity. You can participate in discussions, ask questions, share resources, and learn from others' experiences and perspectives. You can also find opportunities to collaborate, mentor, or be mentored by peers who have similar goals and challenges. Some examples of online communities and networks that foster education technology are ISTE, Edmodo, Twitter chats, and Facebook groups.

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Dr. Eric. K. Appiah-Odame (Doc./PBEd/MEd-BEd-BSc )

Principal & HS Physics-Math Teacher (OCT & MTS-Member)
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Become effective contributor to mini and mega PLCs at the school and divisional level. Contributions can be adding points of context to literacy and numeracy online discussion platforms. This can include how to share the use of a technology system to facilitate learning for students. For example, chunk work and consider that these studebtscsre at the initial learning curve, so they deserve to be given guided instruction and not to assume they know or are masters of what they are about to learn.

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3 Attend webinars and workshops

A third way to stay on top of new technology in education is to attend webinars and workshops that offer professional development and training on various aspects of technology integration. You can learn new skills, discover new tools, and explore best practices and strategies for using technology in your classroom. You can also interact with experts, speakers, and other participants who can provide feedback and support. Some examples of webinars and workshops that feature education technology are SimpleK12, EdWeb, Coursera, and EdX.

Add your perspective

Dr. Eric. K. Appiah-Odame (Doc./PBEd/MEd-BEd-BSc )

Principal & HS Physics-Math Teacher (OCT & MTS-Member)
Report contribution
The the seminars, ask probing questions and get help with hands-on to get familiarize with new gadgets. As a K-12 educator, and principal, ensure there is sufficient guide for students to effectively use technology to enhance learning, both at school and at home.

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4 Experiment with new tools and platforms

A fourth way to stay on top of new technology in education is to experiment with new tools and platforms that catch your attention or solve a problem. You can try out different apps, websites, software, or devices that offer new functionalities, features, or modes of learning. You can also test them with your students, colleagues, or yourself and see how they work in practice. You can also evaluate them based on their effectiveness, usability, affordability, and compatibility. Some examples of new tools and platforms that are popular in education are Flipgrid, Kahoot, Google Classroom, and Padlet.

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Rik Leaf

Music/Video Producer | Arts in Education Specialist | Songwriting/Video Storytelling/Slam Poetry Programs
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This is the goal of our Creative Development Mentorship projects in schools. Using the creative process of writing, performing and recording songs and filming elements for an accompanying video. Every student and staff are involved in ways that celebrate their strengths. It’s hands on learning as some gravitate to on camera roles, while others prefer to operate cameras, recording equipment and even playing instruments. The creative process lets participants discover strengths they may have never known they have. They have opportunity to develop those strengths into skills. And the safe, supportive environment provides a chance to experience a “WIN” and that produces the confidence they need to face the challenges in their life.

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5 Seek feedback and reflection

A fifth way to stay on top of new technology in education is to seek feedback and reflection on your technology use and choices. You can ask for feedback from your students, colleagues, administrators, or parents and see how they perceive and experience the technology you use in your classroom. You can also reflect on your own goals, challenges, successes, and failures and see how they relate to your technology use and choices. You can also use tools like surveys, portfolios, journals, or blogs to document and analyze your feedback and reflection. Some examples of tools that can help you with feedback and reflection are SurveyMonkey, Seesaw, Evernote, and WordPress.

Add your perspective

Dr. Eric. K. Appiah-Odame (Doc./PBEd/MEd-BEd-BSc )

Principal & HS Physics-Math Teacher (OCT & MTS-Member)
Report contribution
It is expedient to dig deeper by asking questions from seminar facilitators and colleagues to deepen understanding. For example, the use of Seesaw is one tool used for exchange information between class teachers and parents. When teachers relay information, parents are to seek for clarification, and by so doing, the two ways get routed into critical feedback and reflection.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Giancarlo Brotto

Founder, Global Education Thought Leader, Salzburg Global Fellow
Report contribution
If your school or educational system doesn’t already have an innovation team - a diverse group of teachers, students, curriculum leaders, administrators, etc., who regularly collaborate to test, review, and explore new educational technologies - then it may be beneficial to consider establishing one. As this team evolves, it’s important to invite not only tech-savvy teachers, but also those who may be slightly uncomfortable with technology. The most effective way to determine if new technology will diffuse across your school or system is by having a representative group that mirrors your system’s diversity

Like

How can you stay on top of new technology in Education?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Follow relevant blogs and podcasts

2 Join online communities and networks

3 Attend webinars and workshops

4 Experiment with new tools and platforms

5 Seek feedback and reflection

6 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

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How can you stay on top of new technology in Education?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Follow relevant blogs and podcasts

2 Join online communities and networks

3 Attend webinars and workshops

4 Experiment with new tools and platforms

5 Seek feedback and reflection

6 Here’s what else to consider

K-12 Education

Rate this article

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