What should teachers consider first when using technology in the classroom?

When using technology in the classroom, teachers should first consider curricular learning objectives. This focus ensures that any technology integrated into the learning environment serves a clear educational purpose and aligns with the goals of the curriculum. By prioritizing learning objectives, teachers can select tools and resources that effectively enhance student understanding and engagement with the material.

For instance, if a lesson's objective is to improve collaboration skills, a teacher might choose collaborative software that allows students to work together on projects, thereby directly supporting the desired outcomes. The emphasis on curricular alignment helps maintain a coherent educational focus and maximizes the impact of technology on student learning.

While student preferences, cost of technology, and availability of resources are all important factors to consider, they should be secondary to the educational objectives, as technology should fundamentally serve the learning process rather than dictate it.