How To Choose One Thing and Master It with Julie Smith, The Techie Teacher

Hey Hackers! I’m Julie Smith and I’m the The Techie Teacher®.

First of all, a huge thank you to the HackerNoon community and staff for nominating [me/us] for a 2021 Noonies award! I’ve been nominated in the Internet category for the following award; please do check out the award page and vote:

1. Best Tech Educator on Instagram

   
   

As a someone in the EdTech industry, I believe that the most exciting technology of the present is Google Drive because it helps me stay organized and is an easy platform for both teachers and students to navigate. Learn more about my thoughts and opinions on edtech and my journey in the tech industry via the interview below.

1. What do you do and why do you do it?

I am an Instructional Technology Consultant from Saline, Michigan and also work with 826 Michigan in the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor Public Schools. Also, I am the author of the blog The Techie Teacher®. I hold a National Board Certification in Early Childhood Literacy and am a certified Reading Specialist. Ten years of my career were spent as an elementary classroom teacher and I was an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher for several years when I lived in Virginia.

2. Tell us more about the things you create / write / manage / build!

I create digital resources for elementary teachers to quickly and easily use on their classroom devices to integrate technology in meaningful ways. I also provide tech tips and edtech teaching ideas on my blog and social media channels for all educators.

3. How did you end up on your current career path? Do you like it?

I have always enjoyed using technology in the classroom to capture students’ attention and tap into their interests. It is amazing how much communication and collaboration, both in person and digital, can impact student learning. I found that many teachers need help with how to integrate tech into their lessons so I set out to help them find a love for edtech and establish the confidence to enhance their lessons. I LOVE what I do!

4. What tech are you most excited or passionate about right now and why?

I really can’t choose. I love ALL tech! It is a win if I walk into a classroom and they have access to any kind of device whether it be Chromebooks, laptops, desktops, ipads, etc.. There are still many classrooms that lack adequate tech for all students :(

5. What tech are you most worried about right now and why?

Really just wifi access for ALL schools. There are still schools out there struggling to get internet access.

6. If we gave you 10 million dollars to invest in something today, what would you invest in and why?

I would immediately reach out to the schools that I know need devices and get them what they need. We need to bridge the gap to make learning equitable for all.

7. What are you currently learning?

I’m currently working with SMART Technologies to learn more about their new digital too, Lumio. It can be used on any device, no Smartboard required.

8. What’s the best advice you’ve ever given someone?

Choose one thing to dive into and master when it comes to tech integration. Once you feel comfortable and confident to use it with students then branch out to learn other tools to add to your toolkit!

9. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

You do not need to know everything about all the tech tools available. Choose the ones that you know are reliable and stay focused. You don’t need to do it all!

About HackerNoon’s 2021 Noonie Awards

The annual Noonie Awards celebrate the best and brightest of the tech industry, bringing together all who are making the Internet and the world of tech what it is today. Please be sure to check out our award categories, nominate, and vote for the people and companies who you think are making the biggest impact on the tech industry today.

The 2021 Noonies are sponsored by: bybit, Dottech Domains, and Avast. Thank you so much to these sponsors who are helping us celebrate the accomplishments of all our nominees.