Getting Started With EdTech

If you are a first year teacher, or don't consider yourself to be very "techy," having iPads or laptops added to your classroom, whether shared or 1:1, can be overwhelming. There are so many apps out there for the K-5 crowd that it is hard to decide where to begin, especially when you are also trying to plan lessons, learn new curriculum, keep up with paperwork, etc. The start of the year can be daunting to say the least. 

However, integrating technology doesn't have to be scary and you shouldn't feel intimidated by those who are able to dive right in. Slow and steady can still win the race.

First of all, don't overwhelm yourself. If you aren't ready on the first day or week of school to get those iPads/laptops out, then don't. Get settled first.

Make goals. For me, I suggest three apps for the year. Seesaw, Freckle, and Epic. All are available for both iPad and laptop and fit into your curriculum naturally.

September: Seesaw

• Set up your class at Seesaw.me
• Take a few photos of the kids in action and upload them into Seesaw.
• Print the QR code for families and put it out at Back to School Night. This way, you'll know parents are all signed in and excited to be an audience for their child's school experience.
• Make September "Seesaw Month." Just focus on getting the kids used to taking photos of work they are proud of, recording themselves to reflect or explain, and generally showing all of the wonderful things they know!
• Create a "Student Tech Team." These students can close apps, charge iPads, and make sure all iPads are signed out of Seesaw, etc. There is no need for you to be the one in charge of this every day. Let them be in charge of it.

Seesaw also has a great set of YouTube videos titled, "PD in Your PJs." Check it out for all sorts of lesson ideas and how-tos for your classroom.

November(ish): Epic Reading
Go to getepic.com and set up your class

Take some time to learn the app yourself. This video will help!

Epic is great for all genres but especially nonfiction. You can project from your device to model reading skills and strategies, create a station to look for nonfiction features, make a listening center using the "read to me" or "audiobooks," or have students use Epic as a resource for nonfiction research projects. They even have videos!

January (ish): Freckle Education

• Go to Freckle.com and set up your class
• Freckle has a free version and a paid version. You only need the free version.
• Here is another short video walkthrough to get you started:

February until June:
Your Tech PD goals for the rest of the year should be to use these three apps as effectively as possible to best benefit student learning. If you decide to do more, great! If not, that's ok. Next year you can make some new goals!