My principal recently threatened to remove all LCD projectors and overhead projectors from our classrooms (yes, even overheads).

It got me thinking about how some use LCD projectors, and I actually can see her point — somewhat. If you are going to use an LCD projector to teach simply because it’s a new thing, then don’t!

An LCD projector should be used to enhance your instruction in a way that you couldn’t without it. I came up with a list of Dos and Don’ts for using the LCD projector:

DON’T use it for simple tasks that can be done without it. Use this tool for opportunities to excite and interest your students. Don’t spend four times the amount of time you would regularly, just to do it on the projector.

DO use it to help English Learners. Most of my students are or once were English Learners. Use the LCD projector to display media to help explain vocabulary or build background.

DON’T think of your teaching as an opportunity for another PowerPoint presentation. We have all suffered through long and tedious PowerPoint presentations. Why force your students to suffer? If you do feel compelled to make some sort of presentation on PowerPoint, please read Presentation Zen for effective presentation techniques.

DO allow your students to use it. If the LCD projector is something “just for the teacher,” then your students won’t show much interest. If you have student projects where they can utilize this tool, students will be dying to use it. Many of those projects could utilize Higher Level Thinking Skills.

DON’T forget who you are. As much as I love technology, I always remember that I am first a teacher. I always ask myself what the best teaching practices are. Sometimes those practices do not involve using digital technology.

I think if more of my colleagues followed these rules, my administrator would have less objection to using a new technology. (Let’s hope.) We are slated to get Promethean Boards and Smart Boards later this year. If we don’t employ their use properly and meaningfully, we just wasted tens of thousands of dollars.

Now as far as the overhead projectors go… If we can’t use those, we may as well go back to using the old-fashioned slates and chalkboards.