It can be really hard not to take control of a student’s mouse/keyboard/computer/iPad and solve problems for them. I have to constantly remind myself that learning isn’t about having students (or teachers) watch me solve their problems, and that I am doing students a disservice when I sacrifice their learning in the interest of speed. I often remind students to ask peers who are sitting nearby before asking me for help. This is to encourage the idea that we’re a community of learners and can learn from each other, not just from the teacher. Here’s one more idea to encourage student efficacy in technology use.
Create a board somewhere in your classroom of the tech skills/tools that you use. Have students write their name under each skill/tool that they can help others with. Allow students to go to each other for help in solving problems. You can limit the number of times that a student posts their name on the board. It’s also helpful to establish protocols on when and how students can get help from classroom experts. Consider how an expert may be able to indicate a desire to work undisturbed for some time.