1 - Don't be afraid to try new things. You never know how successful something will be until you try it. Students appreciate it when teachers use different tools for helping them learn. In the process you’ll likely help out students that have a different learning style. Go for it!

2 - Don't let technology by the focus. The focus needs to be on student learning, not the technology itself. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest tools, but if the tool becomes the focus we’ve missed the point. Nobody looks at a garden and says, “Wow, they must have used the Roto-tiller 5800.” People look at a garden and notice the fruit or the flowers. Keep that same approach when working with students.

3 – Get to know your Technology Director/IT person or other key people and let them know that you are interested in using more technology in your classroom. They might know of helpful tools and resources you could try out in your classroom. From time to time, they might look for someone to pilot new projects or programs. And if you have an idea for something you would like to try in your classroom, talk to them to see if there is a way to implement it.

4 - Have a Plan B. Every technology is going to fail you at some point. Be prepared for this and have a back up plan for when this happens. It could be as simple as having blank paper in your classroom for students to use.

5 – Share what tools you use with others. Start a blog and tell the world. You might get some additional tips and help with how to make it work even better. Make sure to share your tools with coworkers. This is a great way for you to give back to others who help you.