EdTech - Where Do I Start?

When we think about educational technology (edtech), we may picture in our minds a teacher using PowerPoint during a lesson, or a room of computers with students huddled around screens, or individual students working on laptops that are perched on desks. We may visualize iPads with educational games located at student learning centers, or clicker systems used in the classroom for both engagement and assessment, or particular software that students participate when home. Certainly, these are all examples of educational technology tools; however, before implementing any technology with students, the first step is for teachers to ask, “What is the purpose of educational technology and where do I begin?”