How Do I Use Technology and Be A Guide On The Side?

When we first started to use computers in the classroom, they were big clunky devices that were always against a wall, with the student screens hidden usually from view.  Teachers complained about their students getting into racy or downright disgusting websites.  The result was the use of filters on the desktops that eliminated access to sites as defined by the schools and administrators.  But teachers most often did not walk around and work over the shoulders of their students to help them.  So nothing much was accomplished.  If we want our students to learn about the technology and at the same time, create or research or read specific bits of information, we have to anticipate the questions the students will need the answers to and then walk around and teach individually to the students struggling.  The advent of wireless technology and the growing competency of students with their devices opens up a door to us to become guides on the side working intimately with students as they sit at their desks with their devices.  We need to know what each student is able to do and where we want them to go with their technology. So we have an opportunity to be guides on the side directing students each on their own path just the same way coaches watch their players and work on the skills they need to enhance.