10 Questions to Ask Before Going Digital (with a FREEBIE)

As schools introduce more and more technology into their classrooms, teachers feel the pressure to use these digital tools and incorporate technology into their lessons. This has been an ongoing issue ever since I started teaching technology. However, implementing these tools is easier than you think, and you may already be doing it. Before introducing technology into a lesson, here are 10 questions to ask before GOING DIGITAL.

As teachers, it's our job to model best practices, and this includes technology. The use of technology in the classroom should be seamless and a natural fit into the curriculum. It should be readily accessible for teachers and students. So, ask yourself these questions before you infuse technology into your lessons or units:

1. Is Digital a good way to teach or enhance the lesson?

• There may be more online resources available for your activity that allow students to gain a better understanding of the information.
• You may have an activity that requires written collaboration. Therefore, collaborative websites or apps may make working together easier.
• Your students may need to produce something using the computer or iPad.

2. Am I also teaching technology skills?  Or, are students just consuming information?

As a former technology teacher, my goal was to ensure that student learning was meaningful. I wanted the students to know when to use technology as a tool for learning, communicating, collaborating, and producing. I infused technology into units that were being taught in their classrooms and extended their learning with the use of technology.

• Is there an opportunity in the lesson to teach or reinforce tech skills?

3. Does the lesson or unit extend or lead to more curiosity or deeper learning?

• Do students want to learn more about the subject? 
• Do they ask you what other resources are available? 
• Are you able to connect with experts so students participate in real-world learning?

4. Am I incorporating 21st Century Learning?

It's important for 21st Century Learning Skills to be infused into the curriculum throughout each day. With the use of technology, students have the opportunity to be creative, problem-solve, and think critically. They can become global citizens by collaborating and communicating with people all over the world. Technology is a natural part of our students' everyday lives, so it's important for us to teach them ethical use and media literacy.

• Can students responsibly implement 21^st Century skills with technology in this lesson?

5. Is it best to go paperless? Is technology supported at my school?

I'm a firm believer in going paperless. In fact, there are many schools that have gone paperless. But, sometimes an activity may be taught best through task cards, or paper and pencil. Some younger students may have trouble with keyboarding skills. It may take forever to complete an assignment that requires a lot of typing.

Do you have the technical support you need to teach using digital tools? Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with network problems and other outdated tools that constantly need to be repaired. 

This unit was once paper and pencil. Now, it's easier for students to do their research, add information, and images while using Google Slides. Teachers still have the option of printing.

• Can students use the technology successfully in a time efficient manner?
• Do I have the equipment, network, and support issues needed to implement the technology? 

6. Am I comfortable in using this technology tool?

Teachers should investigate to find the best tools available in teaching a lesson.  I recommend that teachers become experts in a few tools before they try apps or websites they are not familiar with. Then, teachers will be more comfortable to try new tools. 

Students are more intuitive than we are, and they can quickly figure out how to use these tools. There are times to use applications that are for drill and practice, and there are times to use technology as a tool for learning.

• Do you have enough knowledge about the technology to implement it with success?

7. Is the activity more engaging by using technology?

Let's face it. Technology is a fun way to learn. To keep our students engaged and motivated, we need to look at using iPads, computers, or other digital devices to learn. Using mobile devices enables students to learn anywhere and anytime. Students do not have to just sit at their desks. Many students have computers available at home so they can extend their learning. 

For example, with Google Floor Planner, students can design their own room and add furniture, windows, doors, and other details. Plus, it presents a 3-D view. What fun! 

• Could your students be more engaged in the lesson if they use digital tools?

8. Am I addressing different learning styles or differentiation?

Through Voice and Choice, I provide differentiation in my Project Based Learning unit. Students are given a choice of apps and applications for their research and presentations.

9. Is it an activity I can use again or adapt for different lessons?

I love to create templates so I can use them for other lessons. Have you tried creating editable PowerPoints or editable Google Slides? Here's an example of an editable PowerPoint. I just change the date each year.

• With some simple changes could I use this again?

10. Do students need to communicate or collaborate for this activity?

This is a great time to use Google Drive or Google Classroom. There are also other apps and websites that will allow students to communicate and collaborate on projects.

• Would a digital tool facilitate my students’ needs to collaborate?

To download your own Going Digital Checklist, click on the image below.

So, before you implement technology into your next lesson, make sure to answer these 10 questions to ask before going digital. If you find yourself answering “YES” to some or all of them, technology is already on your side.