Technology can be Overwhelming

Let me first say that I LOVE technology.  I love computers, television, mobile phones, cameras and whatever else you can imagine.  We must never forget that technology is not just the computer you use to surf the web.  Technology is (the below definitions were found with a web search but no clearly defined source):

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, esp. in industry: "computer technology"; "recycling technologies". Machinery and equipment developed from such scientific knowledge. Let's put ourselves in a classroom as a teacher.  When you arrive at school you: * get your mail * maybe have a cup of coffee * make sure all copies and lessons are ready to go * turn on your computer * check your email Those are just a FEW things teachers do before their students arrive.  Then when they arrive it is a constant rush with not much time to stop.  Checking your e-mail is the last thing on your list, you save that for the end of the day or even when you are at home. The point here is - when do teachers have any time to begin incorporating technology into their lessons when there is so much.  Not only is there alot to do - but when it comes to integration, where do you start?  For example, you have: Wordle Blogging Typing Twitter Prezi Photo Story Story Bird Google Earth LiveBinders MashUps The list goes on and on and on; it seems to be a never ending list.  Where do you begin?  First things first - choose ONE application and learn it.  Find ways to use it in your classroom to excite your students.  When they see you using new applications they are going to be more in tune to what is going on in the classroom. Us tech "geeks" do realize that the amount of information that is thrown out to you can be overwhelming so remember - you do not have to learn it all at once.  Think about it this way - children begin learning Math in Kindergarten.  Now, when Math is introduced to them do we throw every concept at them at once?  Absolutely not, we take steps (not baby steps by any means) in the learning process.  You learn one concept and then build on that concept. Look at technology integration, or moving into the 21st Century learning community, as learning to ride your bicycle.  Take it slowly and just tackle one thing at a time.