K-12 Guide to Choosing Digital Tools

Step 1: Reflection

Selecting the right educational tool begins with understanding your unique context and tech preferences. We know! Reflection takes time and teachers don't have it! But by considering your preferences for technology, your students' needs, and your content goals, you can save time down the line (promise). Take fifteen minutes and consider these questions:

Start with yourself. Your next door neighbor may be doing the coolest things with a tool that simply doesn't interest or inspire you. The best way to honor yourself and your students is by recognizing your own needs, teaching style, and technical preferences. 

• What are three things that are deeply irritating about teaching right now?
• Which types of tech tools do you feel comfortable using in your personal life? Which ones are fun and which ones drain your energy?
• How much time can you dedicate to learning a new tool? 
• Are there any tools or platforms that are already approved by your school?

Okay-- time to think about the kiddos. Once you know the types of tools that you might be most interested in trying out, consider your student needs, preferences, and abilities.

• Will students use this tool in class, at home, or both?
• What are your students' current skills with technology?
• Are there any students who need additional support or challenges?
• What training will students need to use this effectively?
• Are there any accessibility considerations?

Sometimes it can feel harder to find a tool that supports learning than simply do what you have done before. But after considering your preferences and student needs-- although realistically you may be asking these questions all at once!-- consider where and how an ed tech tool might support your content goals.

• In an ideal world, what would this tool do? Would it support a specific learning objective, offer more options for student differentiation, provide pre-built content, etc.?
• Are you looking to organize, enhance, or create content?
• How will this tool integrate with your existing materials?
• What type of student engagement are you aiming for? Would you like them to collaborate or have additional options for showcasing learning?

Step 2: Find your Tool

Let's be honest: the number of ed tech tools right now is WILD. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, but after reflecting on your needs and preferences, it's time to hunt for a tool that might work for you. Remember that perfect is the enemy of good. You are looking for something that meets your basic requirements and seems manageable to learn, not the magic bullet that will solve all of your problems. Here is one way to approach your search:

Before diving into the vast ocean of educational technology, check what's already in your backyard. You might be surprised by what's available!

What tools does your school already have licenses for?

• Check with your tech coordinator or administration for a list of approved tools, or find that secret hidden list in the staff manual
• Review any digital resources that came with your textbooks or curriculum materials
• Ask about unused features in platforms you're already using (like your Learning Management System)
• Look into district-wide subscriptions that might be underutilized

Sometimes (almost always!) the best recommendations come from people who know exactly what you're going through. Your colleagues can be an invaluable resource for finding tried-and-tested tools.

What tools are other teachers using successfully?

• Ask teachers in your department or grade level about their go-to tools
• Connect with teachers who have similar teaching styles or student populations
• Join education-focused social media groups or online communities
• Consider tools that have worked well in professional development sessions

If you're still searching, it's time to look for tools that specifically address your needs. This is where your reflection work really pays off in saving time.

How can you find a tool that meets your specific content needs?

• Use educational technology review sites (like Common Sense Education or EdSurge)
• Search for tools specifically designed for your content area or grade level
• Look for solutions that address the challenges you face while teaching, as identified in your reflection
• Consider free trials or "freemium" versions to test before committing

Before you invest time in learning a new tool, do a quick check to make sure it's worth your energy.

What should you verify before moving forward?

• Check if the tool requires school or district approval
• Verify that it works on your school's devices and network (e.g. Chromebooks might not take to a Microsoft product)
• Confirm it meets student privacy and data security requirements
• Review the pricing structure (including hidden costs)
• Look for basic training resources or support options

Remember: You don't need to find the perfect tool right away. Choose something that seems promising and manageable, knowing you can always adjust or try something different down the line. The goal is to start small, build your confidence, and wait to invest a lot of time in training until you find a tool that moves from good enough to HOW DID I LIVE WITHOUT THIS?!

Step 3: Learning a Tool (Your Own Way)

Before diving into reviews or technical specifications, let's take a step back and focus on you – the teacher who will actually be using this tool. The most successful tech adoption often starts with understanding your own learning style and giving yourself permission to explore in a way that works for you. Remember that you are a learner as well! This isn't your first rodeo for trying out new technology, so set yourself up for success by taking small, manageable steps in a way that has worked well in the past.

PRO TIP: The best advice we have? Don't try a new tool while you're tired, hungry, thirsty, or generally feeling grumpy!

Let's think about Ikea here. Do you read the manual front to back? Have someone else do it while you watch? Prefer having a buddy to talk things through? Your interest in and familiarity with tech will impact how you approach a new tool, but so will your preferences for doing something new. Consider these questions before trying a new tool:

How do you usually learn new tools?

• I like to explore on my own and click around
• I prefer watching tutorial videos first
• I learn best when someone walks me through it
• I need to write down the steps as I go

What helps you feel confident?

• Having a clear goal in mind
• Knowing I can't break anything
• Having someone to ask questions
• Taking notes for later reference
• Setting a clear start and end time since I know I most likely won't be producing anything at first

If you had to choose your own adventure, what would you pick?

• Explore solo: Just click around and see what's possible
• Follow along: Pick a quick tutorial that interests me
• Buddy system: Schedule a short call with a colleague
• Create something small: Try making a simple activity or establishing an account
• Set a clear start and stop time: Barrel myself in the bathroom for thirty minutes and click around OR carve out a solid two hours to figure it out in one go

Once you have set the conditions that will help you avoid throwing your computer out the window, dedicate a small window of time to experimenting with a tool of your choice. Set yourself a bite-sized goal so that no matter what happens, you will walk away feeling accomplished. Learning something new takes time. Give yourself the gift of undivided attention and a clear outcome.

• Find a quiet time when you won't be interrupted
• Remember your preferences and take proactive steps to set yourself up for learning something new
• If you anticipate struggling, ask a tech-savvy colleague to be on standby
• Keep a notes doc open to jot down questions
• Establish a goal (set-up an account, watch a tutorial, create or find an activity, explore for 30 minutes, etc.)