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Choose It, Use It, Improve It: A Practical Approach to Choosing (and Using) Edtech Well

Description

Most classroom technology decisions happen at the lesson or unit level—trying a colleague's recommendation for one assignment, swapping in a new tool for a student project. Teachers already ask good questions before trying something new; this session builds on that instinct with a simple, repeatable process: choose it, use it, improve it. Participants work through real classroom scenarios using a short set of guiding questions for each stage—choosing a tool for a lesson, using it, and deciding afterward what to keep, adjust, or drop. It's not a checklist to memorize—it's a process that fits naturally into decisions you're already making to enhance student learning, ready whenever a new tool crosses your desk.


As a result of this session, teachers will:

  1. Evaluate whether an instructional technology tool or approach fits a specific learning goal before using it in a lesson or unit.

  2. Check whether an edtech tool is being used intentionally and whether there are clear norms for students.

  3. Decide whether to keep, adjust, or drop a tool after using it.

Get Started Now!

Notes from the Moderators

This section gives you everything you need to make the most of your session. Review the recommended accounts before you join, track your checkpoints during the session, and follow the certificate instructions when you're done.

 

The pre-session preparation and certificate requirements in this section will be updated a week before the session with any information that you will need to prepare for the session.  This will include accounts you might need, lesson ideas to prepare, and/or specific device capabilities. We will also list the session checkpoints so that you will be able to know what assignments you must complete in order to receive a certificate.


Before You Begin

  • You will have the best live technical experience using either the Chrome or Firefox browser. (Note: we have also had success with the Edge browser.) Safari is NOT recommended. There is a TrainerCentral Learner app for Android and iOS.

  • Your lead facilitator recommends having accounts ready for the following tools before the session begins. Taking a few minutes to set these up in advance means you'll spend your time learning, not troubleshooting.

Session Checkpoints

Checkpoints help us verify your participation and are required to earn a certificate of completion. Here's what to expect during the session:

Checkpoint 1 — Say Hello

Introduce yourself in the chat within the first 10 minutes of the session.

Checkpoint 2 — Schema Activator

Participate in the opening poll or activity.

Checkpoint 3 — [Placeholder]

[Description]

Checkpoint 4 — [Placeholder]

[Description]

Checkpoint 5 — [Placeholder]

[Description]

Checkpoint 6 — Poll and Go

Complete the closing poll before you leave.


If you experience technical difficulties during the session, hands-on checkpoints can be completed up to one week after the live session date. Reach out to your facilitator if you need assistance.


Earning Your Certificate

To receive your certificate of completion, you must complete all six session checkpoints and submit the post-session feedback survey. The feedback survey is how you request your certificate and is required for all participants — including those seeking state continuing education credit.


Certificates are typically issued within three weeks of the live session date.


Educators in Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Montana:

Additional information required for state continuing education credit will be collected through the feedback survey.