Top 10 Things Teachers Should Know About Technology - Revisited

 One of our first assignments of this course was to create a Top 10 list of what teachers should know about technology using ChatGPT. You can find that article here. As our last assignment, we are being asked to revisit our list and see if we would change anything now that the class is over. So here is my ChatGPT curated list again: 

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.

And you know what? I still stand by this list. 

The information in this list is a general overview of what teachers need to know about the scary world of new technology. Simple is sometimes better, but both student and teacher work can certainly be enhanced by technology. Students need to know how to use technology in today's world and we can't just decide to go back to completely analog, but we can use technology to complement our teaching. I feel like this list coupled with my articles on Top 5 Tech & What to Do With My Smartboard, give a nice framework on how to start using technology in a classroom or library class.