April 7th, 2021
Andrés Porras
Teaching tech lessons can give even seasoned teachers trepidation, especially when it comes to implementing technology that they’ve never used. If you’re like me, you probably worry about how you’re going to manage your classroom during these lessons. Here’s a few tips that’ll make your next lesson a success.
Common Misconceptions
It’s a common misconception that just because it’s STEM or STEAM related, students are going to be automatically engaged in it. Nothing could be further from the truth. Students will mirror the level of engagement that their teacher shows. In other words, if you’re excited about it, they’ll be excited about it too.
Clear Expectations
Children can only be successful when they know what is expected of them, and this especially true during a technology lesson. For example, if they’re using Minecraft, you need to make it clear that they’re to use it as a tool, not as a game. If you’re using peripheral technology like a Makey-Makey, your students need to know that they can only touch it when you give directions, if that’s something you want them to do. These clear expectations will ensure that your disruptions are kept to a minimum and that your lesson is as successful as possible.
Short and Sweet
Remember the old saying, leave them wanting more. Technology lessons can be fun, but if they go on for too long they can lead to frustration, troublemaking, and distracting activities. You’ll find more success if you break up long and complex activities into smaller lessons and your students will have an easier time staying on task.
Final Thoughts
Like with anything related to teaching, relationship is the centerpiece of any lesson. If you know your students, craft your lesson around it, and set them up for success you’ll have a much better and easier time teaching your tech lesson.
Did you know Coded Minds is a pioneer in iSTEAM and one of the first companies to integrate it into their learning objectives and educational programs? To enroll your child in iSTEAM learning or learn how to integrate iSTEAM into your educational program or curriculum, CLICK HERE.
- Andrés Porras