By Michael B. Horn

As edtech buzzwords new and old swirl, it is easy for educators to get lost among the fads du jour, much less apply the principles behind lofty ideas to make meaningful progress for students.

In my visits to elementary, middle, and high schools around the country this past academic year, here are five tips I took away for how educators can get beyond the buzz to implementation.

1. Start where there is nothing
2. Go further and deeper
3. Sweat the school culture
4. Don’t let technology mishaps scare you
5. Give teachers control of their time