Students need to be aware of the doors that readily available technology opens for them. Students in today's education system have a plethora of options available to them that didn't exist in years past, all thanks to the pervasiveness of technology. Assist students in recognizing the host of options that their access to technology creates for them and help them brainstorm applications for this useful technology. By educating students on how to use technology, teachers can ensure that their students are aware of their technology choices and able to utilize technology when appropriate.

Explore computer input methods. Before you can delve any further into the exploration of technology, students need to know how to input information into the computer. Explain and demonstrate how to use common computing tools such as a keyboard, mouse and scanner. Also, show students how to input information from digital photo and video cameras. Allow students to practice using each of these devices to input information, ensuring that they are capable of using these pivotal computer parts.

Demonstrate computer display options. After inputting information into the computer, students need to learn how to display this information for others to access. Show students how to hook up the monitor and use an LCD projector as these are the two most common display types.

Practice printing. Students can also print out their technological creations and provide the paper copy to individuals. Show students how to print from their computer, and allow them to practice printing.

Explore computer software one program at a time. Each computer program offers a unique assortment of options. Explore the programs on student computers individually, starting with the simplest and working up to the more complex applications.

Explain the basic functions of each program. As you tackle each new program, explain the options present in that program. When discussing Word, for example, tell students about their word processing and table creation options.

Brainstorm applications for the computer program. Once you have familiarized your students with each program, allow them to brainstorm real life ways in which they could use each program. Create a list of brainstormed ideas on a chalk or white board.

Practice using the basic features of each program. Move through the program and explore the most commonly used features. It is not feasible to complete an extensive exploration of each program, as there are tons of available features and tools. Focus your instruction on the tools that students are most likely to use, or those that are directly applicable to class projects that they will complete.

Engage students in an application project. As you conclude your study of an individual program, allow students to complete an application project. Either assign students a pre-designed project, or allow them to select a project from the brainstormed list. Allow students to use the tools that they have learned about as well as any other tools with which they are familiar to effectively use technology and produce a polished final product.