Edtech Troubleshooting 101

Do edtech issues have you feeling like this?

via GIPHY

Want to learn how to tackle these problems head-on and feel like this?

via GIPHY

Considering how much teachers work to put together great lesson plans, it’s understandable to stress out when tech issues come up. But stay calm, getting a solution is sometimes easier than you think.

Before you freak out and admit defeat, see if you can work out the problem with some common tech troubleshooting tips. We’ve created this handy guide to follow the next time you or your students experience a tech issue.

Where to start

1. Try again. The age-old adage is never more true in this case. Technology is complex and something may have not gone right the first time. Go ahead and give it another go - just make sure you don’t click things a million more times than necessary.

2. Check the strength of your Wi-Fi. During these strange times, it’s likely that your house has become an internet-sucking machine. With several people using the internet at the same time, you’re bound to see some lagging. Internet speeds are crucial to the success of video chats or watching video through Edpuzzle. Make sure any excess streaming isn't being done in the house to slown down your connection quality.

3. Change browsers. We know how loyal you are to your preferred browser, but this little trick could really help! Try a different browser, especially when using web-based platforms like Edpuzzle.

4. Log out and back in again. A simple, but potentially life-saving thing we should always do.

5. Update everything. Tech tools are always updating to improve their product. Make sure that you’ve got the latest version of things (browsers, software, etc.) so that things will run smoothly.

6. Restart your computer/phone. Give your device some time to rest! It’s working harder than you think.

Get a little techie

We promise this is as technical as this guide’s going to get! But as technology becomes a more common part of our classrooms, it’s good to know what these basic internet concepts are and how they affect your devices.

• Enable cookies - Sounds like something Cookie Monster would say, right? Cookies are files created by sites you visit. They make your online experience easier by storing browsing information on your web browser. You need cookies to log in or sign up for most things. They are usually on by default for most browsers, but you should always check to make sure they are enabled on your device just in case.

• Authorize pop-ups - If you like using Google Sign in, then you’re a fan of pop-ups. Edpuzzle uses pop-ups when interacting with other websites, like when you sign in with Google. Issues with logging in to a certain platform may be a result of ad blockers that you’ve installed. Make sure to authorize pop-ups by checking the instructions for your specific browser.

• Check browser extensions - Extensions are small software programs that you add to your browser to make life easier. Check the upper-right hand corner of our browser and you might see little icons there representing different extensions. Sometimes, these can block certain features of an edtech tool. If everything works fine when using an incognito window or safe mode, we recommend that you test and disable your extensions to find out which one is causing the issue. Every browser allows you to disable and enable each extension individually.

• Clear your cache - Pronounced “cash,” this is a storage location that collects temporary data to help websites, browsers, and apps load faster. When the cache takes up enough storage, it might start to slow things down for you. If your computer starts to lag (i.e. an Edpuzzle video takes forever to load), it’s a good idea to clear your browser’s cache and delete any old data that might be interfering. A clean slate might be just what your device is asking for!

Want to check if any of these factors are affecting your browser? Here's how to enable cookies, authorize pop-ups, check browser extensions, and clear your cache.

Final steps

Considering how many different variables are at work with any edtech tool, your problem may need a more tailored solution. Here’s where you can find answers quickly, before writing to a company’s tech team.

Every company should have a FAQ or Help Desk page to look up step-by-step guides for solving problems. The Edpuzzle Help Center is a gold mine of information and even offers a section for students and parents!

You’re not alone in this technological adventure so don’t be afraid to ask for help from your peers. Facebook has plenty of groups devoted to supporting teachers with certain edtech tools or technology in general.

The Edpuzzle Coaches Facebook Group is one great place to get some insider help. Chances are someone has had the same issue you’re having and can walk you through how to solve it.

When you're at your wit’s end and have tried everything, we recommend contacting your IT department. If the issue has to with a certain platform or app, that company will surely have a contact page where you can get help.

The friendly people at Edpuzzle’s Tech Support team are always available to answer any questions or doubts you may have. We recommend including a screenshot or screen-recording with your message (when possible) so that our staff can see the issue through your eyes. It’s also helpful to include what type of browser or device you or your students are using.

And that’s it! Those are our best tips for tackling tech issues calmly, yet thoroughly. Sure, technology is unpredictable, but it is possible to learn how to conquer it! Teachers are superheroes after all.