As more and more devices, apps, and tools are utilized in today's classrooms for learning and instruction, teachers must be equipped with an additional skill set beyond instruction.... basic troubleshooting skills. Most districts are blessed with very knowledgeable and helpful technology departments that provide technical support for teachers. Some areas even have a designated person on campus to support technology and help with technology integration in their classrooms. But there are times when an issue may happen and no one is readily available. What do you do? The following are some basic troubleshooting tenants that I advise teachers on my own campus to try. Not only does this empower teachers to take control of a technology situation, but it also provides great modeling for our students of that great F.A.I.L acronym and perseverance. Modeling tech troubles and solutions is very much part of today's teaching process. Bring on those teachable moments! Yes, some technical issues require calling in the "big guns," but most can be handled with some of these steps. What would you add to the list?
- Logout / Login
- Reboot the device, ie. Restart
- Power Off, wait a few minutes (5 seems to do the trick) then Power On
- After powering off (if you can), Unplug / Plug In then Power On
- Check all cord connections - to the device, to the wall, power blocks...
- Try a different browser
- Completly close out of the app that isn't acting properly then reopen
- Delete then re-install the app
- Is there an update for the app or the device that needs to be installed?
- Is the device charged?
- Check network / WiFi connection
Until next time... remember to follow your treasure map for learning!
S~
