Sunday, July 28, 2013

Back to School Edtech Checklist

It's almost August! Time to get cracking soon. Here's a list with back to school edtech to do's.  I'm sure more than a few will apply to you (this is the same list in my head, or, in a few cases, actually written down somewhere).
  1. With Your Administration and IT Team...
    • Confirm the budget for edtech needs.  Order anything you have the budget for so it's at school before the year starts!
    • Update your Acceptable Use Policy.
    • Make sure carts are set up right - do they charge devices, is the timer working? Enough power supplies?
    • Device tune-up: Check batteries, replace missing keys, wipe them down, update/refresh/re-image, add apps...
    • Tune up/double check your Google Apps for Ed policies and settings.
    • Determine where you'll store 'the new gear' for the year (hopefully this already happened...)
    • Understand or develop a procedure to check-out/check-in devices.

    In Your Classroom…
    • Create a Tech Boot Camp agenda ("How do I...?") for students and roll it out by first week of school.
    • Determine your go-to techie kids (after school starts, of course).
    • Develop your first (one, or three, or five...) ed tech integrated lessons.
    • Confirm all the wireless access points are plugged in and functional (summer cleanings and all).
    • Update student lists - add to Google Apps for Ed, LMS, SIS, online edu sites, etc.
    • Make sure document cameras, projectors, etc. are functional. Do you have a spare lamp?
    • Confirm the location of digital cameras. Make sure they’re charged up. Create a signout sheet.
    • Develop a brief communication to parents about your edtech plans (i.e., why is this important?).
    • Freshen up your class webpage for the new year.

    For Yourself…
    • Partner up with another teacher to grow your edtech knowledge and skills.
    • Find a blog that will help you learn more about new tools, tips and techniques.
    • Add one new thing to your tech tool belt.

    What other items can you add to this? Let us know!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

For the classroom, I suggest using educational technology that is offered through your school district. Oftentimes this is overlooked. Attend technology training or call the Instructional Technology department to find outwhat is available to you.

Jacqui said...

Good list. Thanks.