Not unlike that crazy movie with Ed Norton and Brad Pitt, there seem to be certain #EdTech rules.

Which Rules Stand & which Rules to Challenge?

Wait, You Don’t Talk about #EdTech?

Challenge this Rule.

Obviously, #EdTech entusiasts are not interested in being silent about the potential of #EdTech. The #EdTech community is not interested in replacing effective learning, but we would like to amplify it. The #EdTech community is not interested in replacing teachers with computers or programs, but we would like to see teachers utilize appropriate #EdTech to allows for more one-on-one learning time for students. The #EdTech community

Seriously, You Don’t Talk about #EdTech?

Challenge this Rule.

That needs to change.

#EdTech can amplify good teaching and learning and bring learning to life for students – which part of that are you not interested in as an educator?

If Someone Says Stop…

Challenge this Rule.

It depends on who the ‘someone’ is.

If a teacher says stop because s/he does not want to update the deliver of teaching or how they accept work from students that is suspect. The leader(s) of that teacher needs to be involved in challenging that situation.
If a student is telling you they have the need for instruction to be delivered in another way OR if they have a way they want to demonstrate understanding which does not involve #EdTech that is always acceptable.

The teacher should never be the bottleneck for #EdTech that students want – either for their instruction or how they demonstrate their understanding to the teacher.

One At A Time

This Rule Stands.

In evaluating or using an #EdTech tool it is a good idea to narrow the goal or limit the tools as possible.

For teachers, s/he might try out one different tool for flipped videos each unit of instruction. They can then look at student understanding, engagement, and take the opinions of the students when evaluating which tool with which to move forward.
For students, the teacher might set forth the goal of creating a video, but not dictate the tool. The students can then pick the #EdTech tool they like best for this purpose. This can benefit the student by leaving the selection of the right tool for the job up to the student; less of a learning curve and more knowledge of the #EdTech out there for the teacher when the work is presented.

Educators will “know” when to deviate from this rule, but it will often be the exception rather than the rule.

No Shirt, No Shoes

Challenge this Rule.

I mean, please everyone wear all your clothes. I think that was just a rule catering to the physique of the actors in that film.

It will go on as Long as it Has To…

This Rule Stands.

It isn’t like it takes a standard set of classroom hours to master all video apps out there. It is not as if there are a finite number of animation options and then you are done.

This is an opportunity to model life-long learning to students.

This is an opportunity to grow as a professional while allowing your students the chance to be experts in #EdTech tools and teach you.

If this is your First Time Here…

This Rule Stands.

If you are reading this, you HAVE TO try some new #EdTech.

It won’t hurt, just follow the rules.