You, as an inexperienced teacher, must start with simple technology, slowly. You should adopt the ‘KISS’ principle, that is, ‘Keep it simple, stupid’. Stay away from the “complicated teaching aids” represented by the latest technology.
That said, it is important to realize that no form of technology is the “being everything and the end” for a teacher. A teacher must be flexible and gain experience in all forms of technology to add real-life interest and data, as well as efficiency to their teaching.
Some teachers make the mistake of believing that technology replaces the humble chalk / whiteboard. No technology can totally replace them because they are quick and easy to use and can be very effective in the hands of an experienced teacher.
When starting your career, use only one form of technology at a time, aside from chalk or whiteboards. Plan carefully what you need to do. Practice beforehand. Make sure you have all the parts you need to make the technology work, for example a remote control. Check that it works and that the batteries are fresh.
Here are a number of guidelines to keep in mind before starting to use any form of technology in your classroom.
1. Always test your equipment / technology first to make sure it works.
2. Practice using it before the lesson.
3. Remember: you still have to do the teaching. Technology does not teach. It just helps the teaching / learning process.
4. Make sure all students have equal access to whatever technology you use.
5. Ensure that all students who need to use technology can use it as effectively and efficiently as possible.
6. If you use technology as a medium in your assessment, make sure that success in the task does not depend on the students’ experience in using technology.
7. Before using any technology as part of their assessment task, make sure that all students have practiced and honed the technology skills they need to be successful on the task, given that they know the appropriate learning job.
8. Develop an experience in using all the technology available in your classroom. This will give you the opportunity to use a greater variety of teaching strategies / pedagogues.
9. Always plan a backup strategy if technology fails, that is, have spare devices or an alternative teaching strategy.
10. When you have proficient students with technology skills, use them to help you as demonstrators or as mentors to your fellow students.
11. When looking to acquire new technology, be sure to research the true cost, including “behind the scenes” costs, such as service, as well as the benefits to your students. Ask yourself this question: “Does it offer a better teaching result than the other available strategies and old technology?” before spending the money.
One last point:
Remember that technology cannot teach you for you. In the end, technology, even with the powerful interactive computer software now available, will need your contribution somewhere to be truly effective for your students.