Communicate .. Create .. EdTech

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!