You're assisting a teacher with low tech skills. How can you tailor your approach to help them succeed?

1 Assess Needs

Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the teacher's current tech skills and their goals. This involves having a conversation about what they're comfortable with and what they find challenging. Understanding their starting point and what they hope to achieve with technology in their classroom allows you to create a personalized learning plan. Ensure that this plan is flexible and can evolve as their skills improve and their needs change.

2 Set Goals

Once you understand the teacher's current skill level and aspirations, set clear, achievable goals. These should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For instance, if they want to use a digital grade book, the goal might be to learn how to input grades and generate reports by the end of the month. This gives them a target to work towards and helps measure progress.

3 Simplify Tech

When introducing new technologies, break down the information into simple, digestible pieces. Avoid jargon and explain any acronyms or technical terms in plain language. For example, if you're teaching them how to use a Learning Management System (LMS), start with the basics like logging in and navigating the dashboard before moving on to more complex tasks like creating assignments or analyzing student data.

4 Hands-On Practice

Encourage hands-on practice with close support. Provide step-by-step guidance and be there to answer questions as they arise. For example, if they're learning to create a PowerPoint presentation, walk them through selecting a template, adding slides, and inserting text or images. Allow them to do the work while you offer tips and troubleshoot any issues.

5 Build Confidence

Building confidence is crucial. Celebrate small victories and provide positive feedback. If they successfully set up their first online quiz, acknowledge their accomplishment. This not only boosts their morale but also reinforces their capability to manage technology. Confidence will grow as they become more familiar with the tools and processes.

6 Ongoing Support

Finally, offer ongoing support and resources. This could be in the form of cheat sheets, tutorial videos, or regular check-ins. Let them know that it's okay to ask for help and that learning technology is a process that takes time. Your availability will make them feel more secure as they continue to develop their tech skills.