Some ideas for insuring success with technology, from Mary Lou:
1. Build on what works in your classroom. Mary Lou explains that "...you have to think about what you do in class and what works well, and what might it look like using technology--you have to really think about this." By reflecting on strategies and techniques you use in the classroom, you'll be insuring that you're using technology to support good teaching and learning. If you're just playing around with it, or hoping it's going to save something that's not working, you may not be as likely to experience success.
2. Get help.
Even if you're someone who's comfortable using technology, Mary Lou suggests you make sure that you know where you can find help when you need it. WebCT can be really frustrating when you're first getting started with it, so it's good to have someone available who can provide tips and tricks.
3. Go look at what some of your colleagues have done.
Chances are, many of your colleagues have already had some success with technology. Go and find out what the tools are that they've been using. Ask them how they've been used. Ask what didn't work as well as what did--sometimes you can learn even more from the potential pitfalls.
4. Keep it fresh.
If you're putting up a web site or supporting the course with online discussions, Mary Lou emphasizes the importance of keeping the information fresh and constantly updated. If students keep coming to the site and not finding anything new, they're less likely to keep returning. Give them a reason to come back.
top
