Practicing What I Preach

Originally published in my 21st Century Classroom Blog on 3/17/13

Teaching other educational professionals how to use technology tools is actually a bit daunting. With the rapid change of technology and how educators across the globe are integrating technology, the role of being the technology instructor, or integration specialist is about staying current, flexible, and participatory. In some regards I am a preacher, and in order to have a meaningful connection with my 'students', I need to know what I'm talking about.

When it comes to using technology tools, I don't feel a need to have used every website, app, or tablet that rolls along. Instead, I need to stay current on trends and look for ways technology can have a true impact in the classroom and beyond. I blog. I use social media for learning and sharing. I have a website and use wikis. I manage my classrooms using an LMS. I do presentations using a variety of tools. I use mobile technology in my classroom. And, I post videos on YouTube on a regular basis. This list evolves and grows. So do I.

My willingness to use these tools, allows me to show others how they can do the same. I also feel comfortable talking about the merits of other technologies and even teaching about things I've never mastered. There isn't time to master it all. There is time to answer questions, do research, have educational discussions and share my thoughts.

When it comes to using technology in the 21st Century Classroom, I am a preacher, a teacher, and a perpetual student.

---

Chad McGowan is a high school technology teacher and professional development specialist in educational technology. Over the past 16 years, Chad has taught a variety of math and computer courses for grades 7-12. Since 2000, Chad has been guiding other professionals, pre-k-12, in educational technology. Follow Chad on Twitter @ahstechteacher and through this blog.