What do you do if your educational technology skills are lacking and need improvement?

1 Assess Needs

To begin improving your educational technology skills, start by assessing your current proficiency level and identifying specific areas where you need enhancement. Evaluate the technology tools you're expected to use and determine which functionalities you're not fully comfortable with. This self-assessment is crucial as it provides a clear starting point for your development journey. Once you've pinpointed the gaps in your knowledge, you can seek out targeted resources or training programs that focus on those particular aspects of educational technology.

3 Find Resources

With your goals in place, search for resources that can help you improve your educational technology skills. There are countless free and paid online courses, webinars, tutorials, and forums dedicated to various educational technologies. Many professional organizations also offer workshops and training sessions. Choose resources that match your learning style and fit into your schedule. Engaging with these materials can provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge that will be invaluable in your development.

4 Practice Regularly

Practice is key to mastering any new skill, and educational technology is no exception. Apply what you've learned by incorporating new tools or techniques into your teaching practice. Start with low-stakes situations before using them in critical scenarios to build confidence. For instance, if you're learning a new student response system, try it out with a small group of students before implementing it in a large lecture. Regular practice will help reinforce what you've learned and make you more comfortable with the technology.

5 Seek Feedback

Improving your skills in educational technology isn't just about self-study; it's also about understanding how effectively you're using these tools in real-world scenarios. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or even students on how well the technology is being integrated into the learning environment. This feedback can provide valuable insights into areas that may still need improvement and affirm what you're doing well.

6 Join Communities

Lastly, consider joining communities of educators who are also interested in educational technology. These communities can be found on social media platforms, within your institution, or as part of professional organizations. They provide a support network where you can share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others. Engaging with a community can offer new perspectives and keep you informed about the latest trends and best practices in educational technology.