Top 10 Things Teachers Should Know About Technology....in AI

One of the new image choices for my blog generated with Adobe Firefly.

 It's a new semester, so I am switching gears a little to talk about technology in the library! This week I'm listing the Top 10 things elementary teachers should know about technology, though this post needs a little disclaimer. It was mostly written with ChatGPT. Yup. I did it. My kids were horrified thinking I was cheating, but this is the assignment - write it using ChatGPT. It was honestly an interesting process and I can see why it is both scary to teachers and intriguing at the same time. We're learning to work with it, hence the generated list. But it wasn't just one and done! I used a number of different prompts to get it closer to what I wanted to convey based on my experience in elementary school and our class readings. I think that's the key. Massaging and editing your writing. Don't discount my list or the content, just because it was generated on ChatGPT. 

But here is a big con from a teacher perspective, there are 0 citations. I have no idea where any of this info comes from or where/how it was synthesized. So that is a big deal and a big red flag in using and reviewing ChatGPT.

For teacher accountability here is my prompt list: 

1. The assigned prompt: top 10 things elementary teachers should know about today's technology
2. Tailor this for K-4
3. tailor this for experienced teachers
4. Condense this into a 1-page PD takeaway

I tried another prompt after #4 and it went too far into PD speak, so I backed up to use my previous results.  I also copied all my results to a Google doc to compare what I got back. In my final list, I changed a couple of points in the generated list to some of the language from a previously generated list. And here it is:

Top 10 Things Elementary Teachers Should Know About Technology

What hasn’t changed

• Strong instruction, routines, relationships, and modeling still matter more than any device.
• Technology works best when it supports goals you already teach well.

What has changed

1. Students’ tech skills are less consistent than they used to be
Many students are fluent with screens but lack keyboarding, logins, file management, and digital stamina. Explicit instruction is still needed.
2. AI is already embedded in learning tools
Autocomplete, speech-to-text, smart feedback, and image tools shape student thinking. The focus is responsible, age-appropriate use—not avoidance.
3. Digital citizenship starts earlier and needs repetition
Online kindness, privacy, safe clicking, and evaluating information must be taught regularly, not as one-time lessons.
4. Purpose beats novelty
If a tool doesn’t clearly improve access, engagement, or understanding, it’s not worth the time investment.
5. Accessibility tools benefit many learners
Read-aloud, captions, translation, and dictation support diverse needs and reduce barriers for all students.
6. Tech fatigue is real
Intentional screen breaks, offline work, and device-free routines improve focus and behavior.
7. Many students don’t have equal access at home
Some children use tablets daily; others rarely touch a device. Classroom tech lessons should never assume prior experience or home access.
8. Data privacy requires extra caution 

Stick to approved tools, limit student data sharing, and think twice before piloting new apps.
9. Simple tools often have the biggest impact
Drawing, storytelling, basic coding, and creation tools tend to outlast flashy platforms.
10. Professional judgment matters most
You don’t need every new tool—just the ones that truly serve your students and your teaching style.

Bottom line:
Great teaching comes first. Technology should amplify—not replace—what you already do well.