Implementing new technology into schools can be very tricky business. We understand more than anyone, the barriers involved in transitioning staff members from one phase of educational procedure to another - that's why we've put together a list of 10 tips to appropriately incorporate the use of new technologies into a comforting and easier environment.

1. It isn't really about the tool it is about how you use it: It isn't the word processing software, the interactive whiteboard, the touch panel and so on but rather it's the skills and usefulness of these utilities. It isn't the presentation software or Starboard software, it's how to create a meaningful and effective presentation with these given tools.

2. Differentiate: Provide lots of different avenues for teachers to learn. Create visual handouts, offer group training, create video screencasts and provide one-on-one instruction. Maintain the use of interactive whiteboards to display this if possible.

3. Don't be the only teacher: Encourage teachers to work together and coach each other. Get students involved, let the kids be the teachers and provide opportunities for them to help their teachers out as after all, the young ones know best!

4. Ask lots of questions: If you are working one-on-one or with a small group try to get to the pedagogical goal for the tool.

5. Enlist your PLN: Reach out to your PLN for support and ideas, read blogs, follow folks on Twitter, read blogs, ask questions, share your frustrations.

6. Remember there is great teaching without technology: There are many ways to teach and many great lessons that do not use technology. Respect the expertise of your colleagues.

7. Acknowledge your teachers' anxiety and expertise: When working with a teacher who is having a hard time with something you find easy, always remind yourself of all of the things that person knows how to do that you don't know how to do. Teachers are not used to not knowing, looking "dumb" or feeling out of control. Teachers may sometimes say "I'm bad at this." Remind them how they respond when their students tell them they are bad at something. They aren't bad at it, they just haven't learned how to do it yet.

8. Start with the early adopters: If you are new to a school and are trying to make change, start with the easy folks, the ones who want your help. Once they are successful, word will spread and you will be able to get to some of the more resistant teachers. Don't beat yourself up about the hardcore resisters. There are some people that you just can't change - see number 6.

9. Observe your colleagues: If you can, try to get in and observe classes at your school. Go in without an agenda, just watch your colleagues teach. You will gain a greater appreciation for their skills, it will give you some ideas of ways you can support them and you will get to know them a little better. This is also really fun to do.

10. Don't touch the interactive whiteboard, touch panel or laptop: Tie your arm behind your back if you have to, but try not to take over control when aiding the use of IWB's and so on for other teachers. This is one of the hardest things to do, but also one of the most important. When people use their own finger-touch to control an interactive whiteboard driven classroom, they learn to do things themselves, when you do it for them they learn to watch you do it.


For a free quotation on supplying and installing interactive whiteboards, interactive touch screens, projection screens, iPad classrooms and many more of our audio visual options at , please contact our offices on (03) 9467-3777.