Description

Start technology class with no-prep elementary technology warm-ups that get students thinking, choosing, explaining, and discussing from the moment they arrive! This collection of computer lab bell ringers includes more than 115 technology-themed questions and activities. Project one slide at the beginning or end of class to encourage meaningful conversation, build classroom community, activate prior knowledge, or fill a few extra minutes with purposeful learning.

Students will compare technology tools, share their preferences, consider responsible digital choices, and explore bigger questions about online safety and artificial intelligence. The variety of lighthearted choices and deeper critical-thinking prompts makes it easy to select an activity that fits your students, lesson, and available time.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

TECHNOLOGY THIS OR THAT

Students choose between two technology-related options and explain their reasoning. Topics include:

• Computer devices and tools
• File organization
• Learning preferences
• Digital creation
• Coding
• Online research
• Technology skills

TECHNOLOGY WOULD YOU RATHER

Students respond to engaging technology scenarios involving:

• Computers and devices
• Keyboarding and shortcuts
• Digital projects
• Troubleshooting
• Inventions and future technology
• Passwords and online choices
• Organization and accessibility

TECHNOLOGY PICK ONE TO KEEP

Students decide which technology tool, program, or creative activity they would keep. This set also includes a technology tier-list activity students can use to rank tools and skills from favorite to least favorite.

THINK LIKE A TECHNOLOGIST

These open-ended technology discussion prompts invite students to think more deeply about digital citizenship, artificial intelligence, responsibility, creativity, relationships, jobs, and the future of technology.

Topics include:

• Online kindness and responsible choices
• AI-generated art and writing
• Creativity, ownership, and credit
• AI companions and emotional dependence
• Responsibility and human oversight
• Rules and ethical decision-making
• AI’s effect on jobs and learning
• The future humans should build with AI

The Think Like a Technologist prompts are especially well suited to upper elementary students who are ready to explain, defend, and reconsider their ideas. There may not be one “correct” response—the goal is thoughtful reasoning and respectful discussion.

WAYS TO USE THESE TECHNOLOGY WARM-UPS

• Computer lab bell ringers
• Technology class warm-ups
• Whole-class discussion prompts
• Turn-and-talk activities
• Morning meeting questions
• Technology-themed brain breaks
• Back-to-school icebreakers
• Classroom community activities
• Early-finisher discussions
• Exit questions
• Opinion-writing prompts
• Digital citizenship lesson starters
• AI unit discussion questions
• Emergency sub-plan activities
• Fillers for the final few minutes of class

STUDENT RESPONSE IDEAS

Students can respond by:

• Raising a hand
• Holding up one or two fingers
• Moving to one side of the room
• Turning and talking with a partner
• Explaining their reasoning aloud
• Writing a quick response
• Voting before discussing the results
• Defending their choice in a friendly debate

WHY TECHNOLOGY TEACHERS WILL LOVE THIS RESOURCE

• No preparation required
• Flexible enough for short or extended discussions
• Encourages participation without requiring students to log in
• Builds speaking, listening, and reasoning skills
• Helps teachers learn more about their students
• Connects naturally to computer lab lessons
• Includes both fun choices and deeper critical-thinking questions
• Works across multiple elementary grade levels
• Provides a purposeful activity for transition time

These elementary technology warm-ups are designed to do more than keep students busy. Each question gives students an approachable opportunity to practice communicating ideas, listening to different perspectives, making thoughtful technology choices, and beginning to see themselves as capable technologists.

Make the first—or final—few minutes of technology class meaningful with ready-to-project computer lab bell ringers your students will look forward to discussing!