The First Tech Lessons Shouldn’t Be About Devices. Here’s What to Focus on Instead…
As elementary tech teachers, one of our primary goals is to equip young learners with the skills they need to navigate a digital world. However, many teachers have realized that the first technology lessons of the school year shouldn’t center on the latest gadgets or sophisticated software. Instead, they focus on foundational skills that foster teamwork, clear expectations, digital citizenship, critical thinking and resilience. Here are some ideas for how to concentrate on these fundamental areas as you design your initial tech lessons.
Get To Know You/Team Building
Sometimes, getting to know your students and letting them get to know each other is the most important place to start.
“I have my kids play card games like apples to apples or family/kid versions of cards against humanity type games. It helps me learn about each kid. Who is the literal, who’s the dark humor, who doesn’t care, who might be the creative one, who might be well read. I like to take the first week just to get to know them and they are none the wiser, just thinking they are playing games.”
-June S. from our Tech Teacher Community on Facebook
This suggestion comes from understanding that knowing your kids better will help you teach them better.
Collaboration and Communication
Collaborative projects or any kind are a great way to illustrate the power of technology for teamwork. Design lessons that require students to work together, whether virtually or in-person, to achieve a common goal. This can be something as simple as creating a digital presentation together. Fostering collaboration will not only enhance their communication skills but also encourage students to learn from one another.
Basic Digital Literacy
Before diving into specific devices or applications, it’s crucial to first establish a foundation of digital literacy. This means helping students understand what technology is and its basic functions. Simple activities, such as explaining how computers work or familiarizing students with everyday technology around them, can cultivate a sense of confidence and curiosity. Take a look at our 5 Tips for Teaching Students about Hardware and Tips for Teaching Students About Software for a place to start.
In addition, you should encourage discussions about how technology impacts our lives, guiding students to think critically about its role and significance.
Expectations & Procedures
Classroom & device expectations may seem stuffy, or even perfunctory. But taking the time to understand Rules and Procedures for the Elementary Computer Lab can have a real impact on students… especially those who need to learn to treat devices with more care than their playroom toys. You can use our Technology Use Agreement and Presentations if you like!
Practical pointers for Keeping Your Classroom Devices Clean and Organization & Cleaning Tips for Classroom Technology will help your students keep to those procedures.
Being well versed on how to manage Behavior Management in the Computer Lab will help you set your students up for success as well. Furthermore, make sure your teaching team has set up Behavior Communication Systems to Keep Specials Teachers & Classroom Teachers on the Same Page to keep expectations clear throughout the day.
Digital Citizenship
Along with the respect for devices and classroom expectations students need to learn, they also need to conduct themselves respectfully online.
As soon as students are introduced to technology, discussions regarding internet safety and digital citizenship must be integrated into the curriculum. Teach young learners about responsible online behavior, how to protect their personal information, and the importance of respecting others’ digital rights. Using age-appropriate activities, such as role-playing scenarios, can help students understand the nuances of being a good digital citizen. These Free Video Resources to Teach Digital Citizenship will get you off to the right start, and plenty of Ideas to Teach and Review Internet Safety as well.
Password Practice
You may want to begin by taking time to talk to your students explicitly about passwords. It may seem like we should be able to breeze past these basic concepts, but every stable building has to be built on a strong foundation! Teaching Your Kids About Passwords and Teaching Students How to Log In is the practical gateway to so many other learning opportunities.
Goal Setting
Your students may or may not be mindful enough to ask themselves the question “Why are we taking a technology class?” However, whether they are or not students will still take more stock in the class if they understand why learning about technology is going to be useful for them down the road.
We have a Technology Teacher Guide to Planning and Measuring Student Learning Goals to equip you for preparing this type of activity.
Critical Thinking
Technology is a powerful tool for problem-solving. To instill a mindset geared toward innovation, create lesson plans that emphasize real-world problems students can tackle using technology. For example, engage them with challenges that require brainstorming solutions, collaborating with peers, and using creative approaches. Fostering a mindset focused on problem-solving will prepare students for more complex tech-related tasks in the future.
Creativity and Design Thinking
One of the most exciting aspects of technology is its ability to unleash creativity. Instead of focusing on specific tools, introduce concepts of design thinking, where students learn to empathize, define problems, ideate, prototype, and test solutions. Provide opportunities for students to create storyboards, sketches, and designs for projects, allowing them to explore their creativity without the pressure of mastering complex software during the first tech lessons of the school year.
Growth Mindset and Resilience
Finally, instilling a growth mindset in your students is essential in a tech-focused learning environment. Encourage them to view challenges as learning opportunities rather than obstacles. This will push them farther towards becoming successful in their endeavors than almost anything else you can teach them!
Share stories of innovators who faced failures before achieving success, and foster a classroom culture where perseverance is celebrated. This positive attitude will not only aid in their academic pursuits but also prepare them for real-world situations where resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.
Now Go Teach Those First Tech Lessons!
By focusing on these foundational areas, elementary tech teachers can create a nurturing learning environment where students can thrive. You can take a look at these 3 Tips for the First Week in Technology for even more ideas for what to teach during your first tech lessons. As we guide our students on their technology journey, let’s strive to empower them with the skills they need not only to use the devices in their hands but for life as well!
