Innovative educators, media specialists, and tech coaches wish that educational technology was adopted at a speedy rate.
There are a few reasons why everyone doesn’t jump on the shiny edtech tool bandwagon:
- It’s difficult to choose which technology tool to use.
- The necessary time to understand the full potential of an edtech tool is hard to find.
- Who has time to make plans for using edtech tools in meaningful ways?
- Educators like to use what is known to work.
There are so many great apps and tools available!
As Librarians, Library Media Specialists, and Technology Integrationists / Coaches we want our colleagues to use a range of edtech tools.
We know how engaging technology is for students. Because of this, technology and edtech tools benefit social-emotional and academic learning.

This is why we get so excited about the technology we use with our students!
So how do we spread that excitement and get more people using the tools we love?
Use EdTech Tools With Students First

Before recommending any tool to another educator, be sure to use it with students first.
This gives you first hand experience in how to use it. When we use apps and tools with students first, we uncover:
- Skills to pre-teach or front load.
- Areas that students may get stuck with and need more time with.
- Potential uses for the edtech tool.
- What another teacher may like about the app.
When we first use apps with students, we get to learn students’ response to it. We can gauge student engagement, and if the tool delivers as intended.
All of these are potential selling points when sharing an app or tech tool to teachers.
When using an app or tool in the library, find ways to share it with teachers.
- Tell them what students did during library class.
- Ask a student to share what they did during class.
- Have a student explain what they liked about the app or tool.
- Poll students for ideas of how they can use the app in their classroom to support learning.
When sharing apps and web based tools with teachers as a technology integrationist or coach, be deliberate and thoughtful about which tool you suggest. Know why you are suggesting it, and have a clear understanding of how it will benefit student learning and make the teacher’s life easier.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ENGAGING TECHNOLOGY:
Bite Sized Professional Development
Sometimes it is beneficial to provide teachers with mini professional development opportunities before or after school. Quick 20 – 30 minute sessions where they can learn about a new and exciting tool.
When structuring a session, be sure to:
- Identify and define the app or tool. Explain to them what it is and what it does in 3 sentences or less.
- Give teachers an opportunity to explore the app. Let them play around with it and uncover features. When they have time to do this, they learn how engaging it is first hand. This is great for apps where students will be creating. Think of apps like Scratch Jr or Toontastic.
- If time allows, have them do something with the app! This lets them see the engagement. At the same time, they will also begin to think about curriculum applications.
- Have teachers share ideas for using the app with their students. They can do this with a partner, small group, and / or as a whole group.
- Answer questions, and provide a time to meet with them to plan and support implementation.
Sometimes, it doesn’t make sense for them to explore the app or tool. When this happens, create an opportunity for them to use it. Think of tools like Quiver, Blooket or Plickers. It makes sense for educators to use these tools, and see how engaging it is as a learner.
Brainstorm and Co-Plan
Tech Tips:
Teachers need opportunities to see how any strategy, especially technology can be used with their students.
This is why it is critical to provide time for them to share ideas with each other.
If suggesting a technology tool to teachers during a coaching session, have some suggested uses ready. For example:
- Plickers is a quick way to take attendance and lunch counts in the morning. It’s great for polling and assessment, too.
- Toontastic and Scratch Jr are great for digital storytelling and reporting.
- Blooket is a great pre and post assessment tool. It’s also great for giving students practice with new content.
Once teachers know how to use the tool, help them identify opportunities to use it. If possible, schedule a time to provide support. Support could look like problem solving before using, co-teaching, working with a small group, etc.
The key to successful adoption of educational technology is providing teachers with the time they don’t typically get. Time to explore, play, and plan.
More than that, give them the freedom to test and fail without judgement. They will appreciate that as well!