Technology doesn't always work?

I have been working at integrating more technology into my classroom. So, for my Personal Finance class I created an Excel spreadsheet for them to collect information on stocks they get to pick. So I was looking for a method of having the file available to all the students. I picked Box.com and uploaded my file and got the URL for the page. Then I went to bit.ly and shortened my link. Now all I had to do is let the students know the URL and boom they would be off and running.
All is good. At least I thought so.
I gave the students the URL they tried to go to the site and they had to sign up for the service. Bam!!!!!! My world came tumbling down, well at least I thought it was. So I was in the computer lab trying my darndest to come up with a quick solution. Nothing worked. So class ended and I was looking like a big boob (and not the good kind :) So I got to thinking, how can I get this out there to the students. Then it hit me. I created a new blog and embedded the file from Box.com within that blog. Now all they have to do is go to the blog and download the file. So hopefully that should work.
I have some tips for people looking at putting technology into their curriculum.
1. Always try it out on a different computer before you set the kids loose to use it. It's always best to try it on a different computer because your main computer usually has all the passwords needed to perform what you want.
2. In case something happens, have a backup plan. I should have had a backup plan, and since I didn't have another plan, I looked like a boob.

I guess you live and learn. And you almost always learn the hard way.
Live long and learn lots.
Mr. Love