You Gotta Learn the Tech

Friends,

I won't sugar coat it....if you want to move forward in your career, you will have to learn the technology tools. More than once in the last few days, I have spoken to educators looking to make moves into something new. Their first words are somewhere along the lines of "...but I'm not techy". They have a desire to shift, but also a resistance to learn new skills. After a quarter of a century in the edtech industry, I have worked with nearly all forms of digital tools and hardware. There is a LOT to choose from and very easy to get overwhelmed.

The good news is that many edtech tools do a lot of the same things. So my advice is to learn a  few that will maximize your productivity and buy back your time. It is also likely that whatever school system you work in, they are probably already available to you for free. I am all in favor of you focusing on earning more money for your talents. Unless talent scouts are knocking on your front door to recruit you, then you will have to learn new ways to get eyes and ears on what you have to offer. Digital channels of creation and communication will have to become your go-to tools. Here are my recommendations for what you need to focus on in your journey to upskill yourself for a career in the digital age of learning.

#1 - Video:

Whether it is video conferencing or video creation, you will need to be proficient in the basics of creating visual images for teaching, training and presenting online. Oscar worthy video production is not the objective, but being able to create and communicate using short clips to illustrate a concept is required. Focus on screen casting, which where you share your computer screen while presenting in a videoconference. Learn how to present confidently on a webinar and engage any audience, so you don't find yourself speaking to a bored virtual room. My free eBook "Beginner's Guide to Present Like A Pro" is the perfect reference guide to get you started.

#2 - LMS:

According to EdWeek.org, roughly 96% of school systems have adopted a learning management system, or LMS. Only a little over 56% of teachers feel confident using theirs. However, the embedded tools in an LMS cover most of what any digital age educator needs without having to search the web for any additional tools. Spend time getting to know the assessment and auto-grading features to gain some shortcuts you desperately need in your daily routine. Focus on the engagement tools your LMS may have, like discussion forums and polls. These tools can be great for collecting feedback and informal data from your learners.

#3 - AI:

Don't put your head in the sand on this one. Anyone that is remotely comfortable using AI tools will have a huge edge on the rest of the workforce. ChatGPT is one generative AI tool that is free and readily available to you, but tech giants like Google and Microsoft will have features embedded in most of their applications by the time you read this. One thing you must learn is how to create things that will increase your productivity and buy back your precious time. Open YouTube and search "how to use ChatGPT to create rubrics for teachers" to start your learning. Once you get hooked on that task, the ideas will begin flowing for other ways to use the tool for your benefit. Work smarter, folks.

Hope this information helps. See you online!

Dr. Akilah Willery