How to Choose What Technology to Use in the Classroom
1. Free or Low Cost
The school district can only pay for so much and teachers are not always able to pay high costs for every one of their students. Therefore, it would be much more convenient if the tool could be free. Of course, not all of the necessary tools may be available at no cost. In such a case, it is important to make sure the tool is at an affordable cost based on the school district or educator, which will vary from school to school.
2. Limited and Appropriate Advertisements
First, some advertisements can be distracting. The appearance and formality can take away from the importance of a tool. If a student is using the tool for educational purpose, but sees a popular or intriguing advertisement, it may make the tool seem less powerful and less educational. In addition, since the tool will be used in the classroom and/or for a class, the advertisements need to be completely appropriate
3. No Personal Information Required by Students
Educators at the elementary and middle school levels must keep in mind that students younger than 13 are unable to provide personal information/email addresses to sign up for websites due to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. However, if the students are older than 13 years of age and are able to create logins, it is important to make sure that signing up for the tool does not require a great amount of personal information, and if it requires an email address, the educator must make sure the site uses the given email addresses in a secure and appropriate way.
4. Promotes the development of 21st Century skills
Technology may engage the students, but it should also strengthen students' 21st Century skills. As the education system is changing, it is important to remember that technology has the potential to play an important role in the development of important skills such as collaboration, cooperation, and critical thinking among others. Therefore, while searching for technology tools for the classroom, educators must think about creating a lifelong learner.
5. Provides students with a deeper learning experiences
If students can have a similar learning experience without the use of the tool, then integrating that technology into the classroom is not necessary. Far too often, educators use technology in the classroom simply for the purpose of having technology, rather than considering the importance of furthering the students' learning. For example, students should not be given an iPad simply to read an article that they could have read on a hard copy. Technology can be used in many ways to differentiate learning, deepen understanding, give students a more authentic experience, etc., and therefore educators should take advantage of its many benefits.