ALL ABOARD…the tech train is leaving the station

Just as the calculator replaced the slide rule and the computer replaced the typewriter technology will continue to change the educational landscape.  Like it or not, technology is changing the way our students learn and in turn should be changing the way we teach.  Our students learn differently than we did, so we should not be stifling their learning in an attempt to teach the way we were taught or taught to teach.

If you walk around any junior or senior high school you will see a staggering amount of iPhones, iPads and other new technology devices.  But, when the students get back to class what do you see?  Pencils, paper and books.  Why the disconnect?  How long do you think it will be before those students take out their technology when they leave that classroom?  How many pieces of technology will they touch before sitting down to do homework that night?  We should think about these questions when we wonder why students may not be performing at the level that we ask of them.  If students want or need to be surrounded by their technology…and teachers want them to be focused on their schoolwork, why not try to incorporate them together to get what we all want, need and crave?

Whether or not educational technology is worth the hype will always be up for debate.  Educational technology is not a matter of opinion, educators need to embrace the current trends or they will be constantly battling them.

 

The Hype is Here to Stay!

A question of the “worthiness” of the hype surrounding the use of technology in modern education seems almost moot.  That ship has sailed and we’ve entered the vast ocean of the digital age as a society.  Similar to a Pandora’s box, society has bought into the hype of technology (both figuratively and literally) and technological innovation cannot reverse course.   Therefore, use of technology in education must attempt to prepare today’s learners to meet the demands of tomorrow.  Weather or not education rides with or resists the waves of change within in the classroom, the momentum of a technologically dependent economy and society will continue.  Our students will grow up within a society that demands a proficient and prolific use of multiple technologies.  They need support from educators to navigate the vast ocean of information technology and the intellectual skills necessary to survive and thrive in our modern digital world.

One key benefit of the technology hype in education has been the re-examination of the role of education for the 21^st Century.  Technology has made access to information fast, easy and prolific.  Education therefore serves less as an access point for information, but rather a community within which to develop ones ability for purposeful, skilled and intelligent use of information.  Successful education now includes a pedagogy that allows students to discover personal interests through choice, enhances intellectual capacity to discern between and utilize various sources of information, improves ability to collaborate with peers and mentors to create, develop, and publish authentic works or applications of information and provides opportunities for students to engage in real-life experiences in our rapidly changing society.  In a way, education must play “catch-up” in this digital age and learn to utilize technology that today’s students want to and already interact with.  Further, technology can assist educators in guiding students to become solution oriented citizens prepared to face the challenges of a multifaceted and diverse world.

However, the hype to use the latest and greatest technological innovation must serve as a secondary concern for educators and educational institutions.  In essence, focusing on the type of technology used in education rather than the purposeful use of technology could grant teachers access to the technological tools without any vision for what to build.  Education must primarily focus on developing life-long learners with the ability “self-educate” utilizing the vast quantities of online information, digital media, digital learning communities and applications (free and otherwise) as a means to a purposeful, productive and self-driven end.

Is Educational Technology Worth the Hype?

This is a tough question. I think some technology can help pique students’ interests on previously dry topics, and also promote collaboration in ways previously impossible. For instance, it is now possible to have an online discussion in groups using shared documents with each group answering specific questions and/or parts of documents all together at the same time, and at the end have one digital document only containing all the answers for later synthesis. It can be seen as an improvement over the usual one at a time turn to speak in a discussion where time can be limited and social group dynamics can influence one’s answers in ways that don’t always necessarily reflect the true message the person wants to get across (and sometimes, these points are also forgotten). Sometimes, written feedback is easier.  Technology can also help learners with different speeds with time-shifting content delivery at their own pace.

On the negative, some argue that too much exposure to screens and pre-formatted content hinders students’ abilities to concentrate and focus on active learning (vs. passive consumption of content). On the same level, some argue that memory abilities are not as developed when using digital content exclusively (as opposed to, for instance, reading/writing and creation of an answer when confronted to questions that aren’t multiple choice etc.).

Ultimately, educational technology must be implemented in a way that enhances the learning of the students in a particular community.  If done right, student voice and choice can be key components of the learning process.  If both teacher and student are in sync with the process and purpose the hype is well worth the hype.  I truly feel there are teachers that can actively engage students and instill a passion for learning without technology.  To force educational technology upon such a situation may be counter-productive.  Differentiating learning may or may not involve integrating more technology, and that realization would show a more complete understanding of the hype surrounding technology.

Is Educational Technology Worth the Hype…Or Not?

“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”

-John Dewey

Educational technology permeates daily life for all stakeholders of the school community ranging from curriculum and instruction to an invaluable communication tool.  Educational technology is worth the hype, but the school leader and his/her decision-making team must assess the value of these new technologies.  Education is at a crossroads, transitioning from rote learning into teaching 21^st century skills and project-based learning, which are driven by essential questions fueled by student voice and choice.

Teaching 21^st century skills requires a change in student, teacher, and parent mentality.  It is a shift that demands of the participants the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn—to be adaptive, creative, risk-takers, problem solvers, critical thinkers, communicators, and team players.  The goal and desire of educators is to spark a student’s interest and nurture a lifelong learner.

Educational technology facilitates student learning and engagement while allowing students to interact in a global educational arena.  Without quality teachers, educational leaders, or parent engagement, educational technology is only a product.  It is through the incorporation and interactions of technology that students build the skills and the thought process needed to creatively and innovatively solve the problems of tomorrow’s future.

Is Technology Worth The Hype?

 

Is technology worth the hype?  It depends on how we define technology use in the classroom.  Teachers can use technology in a variety of ways; though for it to be worth the time, effort and learning curve to implement it needs to be an underlying force of change within the classroom.  If the technology just going to be used as an assistive device (e.g. document cam) then the time for a teacher to learn how to use the document cam and implement its use into the classroom is not worth it.  This is simply an expensive and glorified overhead projector.  Though, paired with a smart board and text to survey websites for implementation into an ongoing instant assessment of student learning and understanding is a change in how instruction and learning is taking place in the classroom.  In this second example the document cam is paired with other technology and is no longer a fun toy but an improvement in how a teacher assesses and adapts instruction to student learning.

When educators use technology solely as an assistive device; technology is not worth the hype. The technology lacks any meaning to the students if the technology is used as an assistive device.  If a teacher uses a document camera, on a daily basis, it is no different than using an overhead projector.  It becomes just an alternative presentation method.  On the other hand, when technology is a force of change and alters the underlying goals, meanings, or objectives of the lesson/classroom it is worth the hype since it is fully integrated into pedagogy.

At a district level, technology is definitely worth the hype.   As the litmus test for determining the usefulness of technology at this level we are no longer looking at a change in instruction delivery and student learning but as an analysis of teacher effectiveness.  For example many of the new website based programs for data aggregation and analysis are useful to determine what instructional methods work within the classroom.  Teacher time is always at a premium and any program that can increase the data tracking and management functions of teachers should improve their productivity and allow more time for lesson plan development.  Programs such as Aeries, that take attendance, track state testing scores, and graduation requirements allow teachers to target certain populations of students within the classroom.  Programs like SEIS allow teachers and district level service providers to share a computerized IEP file.  This allows all involved to add to, amend, and access a student’s file electronically.  Again providing an increase in effectiveness.

Technology can easily be used in a productive manner for data gathering with programs such as Illuminate, SEIS, and Aeries.  Technology is worth the hype, depending on if it is used effectively either in the classroom or at a district level to change how instruction and learning are done or in improving the effectiveness of the teacher in the classroom by saving time and increasing productivity.

It All Depends

Is Educational Technology Worth the Hype?

Yes and no – it depends on how it’s used. Technology is worth the hype in the classroom if it’s utilized in powerful ways that improve teaching and learning. So what does this look like? Technology supports a more collaborative process, which turns the old fashioned ‘banking’ paradigm of teaching on its head. Technology can be used to just deliver content, just like the old days. Teacher explains content and students listen. Adding in technology, the teacher shows a video instead of just talking. But this doesn’t really change the student experience very much. Instead, teachers can raise essential questions and students can research a multitude of topics and questions, find answers, and share them with each other. The teacher can provide feedback to the different research projects going on.  All of the information and feedback can be shared on a wiki.

Technology makes it possible for deeper, more frequent, and more efficient student interaction and response. Students have always been able to discuss their learning and assignments, but technology makes it possible for students to collaborate in profound and creative ways – for example writing in real time together on a google doc, understanding other ideas for improving dialogue in a short story. 

Another way that technology can have a profound effect on teaching and learning is in terms of differentiation. Various programs can be used that respond to student work and offer more or less challenging tasks, depending on students’ answers. We all agree that differentiation is essential to maximize student engagement and growth, but it is difficult and time consuming for teachers. Students need consistent and timely feedback to improve math skills and reading; technology can help.

Furthermore, literacy today means something different than it did when most of today’s teachers were students, or even student-teachers. To be active in civic life, participate in post-secondary education, and qualify for good jobs, today’s young people must be comfortable using a variety of media platforms. This new reality of what ‘literacy’ means is an equity issue. For students with fewer resources, it’s the responsibility of the public school system to support students to access and know how to use these different platforms. And we must help them to be critical and savvy users of media and technology.

And finally, if we want students to be excited and engaged, we simply have to integrate the use of technology into our classrooms. Students today may not all have equal access to smart phones and fancy computers at home, but nearly all of them see the world differently than the majority of their teachers. Their daily lives are filled with posting photos to Instagram, looking up information online, sharing music, and making youtube videos. Our best chance to connect with our students and make school come alive for them is to figure out how to use technology in creative, personalized and engaging ways.

 So technology may be worth the hype, and it may not. It all depends on how it’s integrated into the teaching and learning process.              

Worth the Hype and So Much More…

Educational technology is a multifaceted tool that serves many stakeholders in the educational process. It is worth the hype and much more. Technology reaches everyone: teachers, parents, administrators and most importantly the student benefits when technology is used correctly and efficiently. There are numerous examples to illustrate how each stakeholder is incorporated in the process. If invested into learning with technology everyone connected can transcend traditional learning norms and take education to new heights.

In the class room educational technology can directly serve the student in the acquisition of knowledge. Students that are engaged in relevant learning experiences make long lasting connections with the material. Besides engaging students it can also serve to individualize learning. Many tools now can give students the chance to answer questions and move on to harder ones or can analyze that a student needs to go back to an easier question and receive additional instruction. Engaging students and meeting individual needs is not the only way technology can serve students, it can also help them learn job relevant skills. It opens the door to understanding the future demands of the work world. Authentic learning connections that are engaging and individualized serve students directly.

The teacher is another stakeholder in the educational process. Technology can help teachers to efficiently convey information. Communicating to students in multiple ways and multiple modalities is pivotal. Teachers can also utilize technology to communicate with students and importantly parents. Posting information online and allowing for transparency in the learning process builds trust between teachers, students, and parents. The ubiquitous ability of technology allows for information to be communicated with ease. Lastly, teachers can facilitate lessons rich in information and visual acuity.

Educational leaders in a school community can support the hype on technology by not just creating access and supplying resources, but by genuinely investing professional development time. Leaders in a school need to not only be the cheer leader for the hype but they need to be the coach. Strategically planning and supporting teachers for success with technology blended lessons is necessary for effective and efficient use. If training is in place technology can be guaranteed to be maximized for the students benefit.

The parent is important in the educational process and technology ties them in. Parents can stay connected to class room lessons, their students’ progress, and communication with the teacher. The transparency that technology creates allows for a collaborative learning environment; a back and forth with the parent, child and teacher can only work to motivate and reinforce learning.

A collaborative, transparent, individualized, engaging and efficient learning environment can ensue if all members of a learning community buy into the hype. Making a commitment to use technology as an integral part of the learning environment can transform learning for every student.

Worth the Hype

Yes, blended learning is worth the hype.  In a day and age where the world is quickly changing, educational methods need to adapt.  Technology is designed to aid communication in our ever changing world and is constantly being updated.  It often becomes quicker and easier, at least that is what marketing tells us.  It takes some time and effort to move forward with technology.  However, once the effort is put in, the rewards are beneficial for teachers and students alike.

Blended learning is ideal for meeting the needs of all students at all academic levels.  It allows higher level education to continue without being limited by distance, location, or economic status.  At the same time, it provides additional, supplemental support for students that are struggling to meet grade level standards.  The biggest trick is informing teachers of the educational opportunities that exist when it comes to technology.

Many schools offer online grading systems, as well as computer support in such areas as language arts and mathematics.  Testing scores can be viewed over the internet and compared to other schools within a district.  There are even online programs to help boost these test scores.  Classrooms have computers, Smartboards, LCD projectors, and document cameras.  Some students even have smart phones and other handheld devices to further make the transformation of information possible.  What next, WASC accreditation without paper?  Maybe!

Perhaps some schools jump ship when it comes to technology without further exploring all of the possibilites that exist within one program.   At the same time, these programs should adapt to changes and constantly be upgrading features.  Before spending additional money and adopting a new program, why not be sure the sought after feature does not already exist in a program that the school is paying for?  For example, there are many features present in the Rennaisance Place math and language arts program at our school.  I discovered, through investigation, that I was not accessing all of the capabilities that I could for my students.  The school was paying for the full package, and I as an educator was not accessing all that I could be.  The only thing I needed to spend was time, not money.

This brings me to another key point, money.  Edmodo is free for everyone, students as well as teachers.  It does not require students to have an email address.  The only thing students need is internet access, whether at home, school, or the library.  In addition, Edmodo  has a grading component, as well as the ability to post assignments that can be done online.  I love the online grading system that my school pays for called Schoolyard.  However, it does not have the capability of online assignments, YET.  After putting time and effort into the study of technology, I remain optimistic.  It will continue to adapt and improve, meeting the needs of our society, and thus further advancing communicaiton between people.  So let the hype continue, anything that will help save educators time and money.

Of Course Educational Technology Is Worth The Hype!

After my most recent experiences and exposure to more forms of technology, I strongly believe that educational technology is definitely worth the hype! As a teacher I realize all the benefits technology has in assisting teachers in driving instruction. It provides the opportunity to bring learning from textbooks to life. It is a wonderful tool in providing different techniques and strategies for teaching and learning. It gives students the opportunity to learn at their pace and through multiple methods. Technology is a tool that takes learning into a different realm and exposes students to information that they may otherwise not have access to. To formulate various lessons that enhance my students learning and provide more engagement I have found various resources through technology. Many websites are available to assist in teaching various lessons and printing worksheets that correspond with lessons. Another element of technology I was fortunate to witness was students conducting power point presentations in conjunction to their essays. It was wonderful to see how proud the presenters were of their projects and how engaged the class was. Technology is and is becoming a reliable form of learning, and it is the responsibility of educators to provide our students with the foundation to utilize this important tool. By implementing technology in our classrooms we are achieving a wide range of understanding that leads to a wealth of knowledge. Tools such as LCD projectors and document cameras provide teaching and learning to be spontaneous, with less planning. Technology is a wonderful source of communication and allows the world to connect. As educational leaders technology offers the ability to bring forth communication with staff and the community within a more effective manner. Back to School Night information can be given through a power point presentation in the multi-purpose room, so all in attendance are abel to visually follow along and important information, such as data and graphs is demonstrated accordingly. Staff meetings can also be conducted in this manner and training’s will be much more beneficial, because it is insightful when you are learning to access certain programs as you are seeing them in action. Parents are also able to access technology tools to keep track of their students learning by viewing homework assignments, school/class bulletins, attendance, grading etc. This provides parents with information of their children’s schooling 24/7, and it definitely provides commodore between home and school. Technology provides schools, parents and the community to work together to ensure students receive a successful education. By providing a wide range of communication, technology opens up doors that builds a strong relationship between parents and teachers. Technology is ever evolving and by experimenting into the various educational tools that are offered, it is mind opening and provides insight to many aspects of education. Educational technology is worth the hype because it involves awareness that otherwise does not exist.

Yes, Educational Technology is Worth the Hype…

Is educational technology worth the hype… or not? Guess what? It is. Including  Educational Technology and supplementing the more traditional schooling process is the perfect marriage of progressive education. This creates a more engaging learning situation for students while creating a stable, community- minded setting. Educational Technology lends itself to the media that students are exposed to the other 17 hours they are not at school. Schools would do students a major disservice by not “giving the kids what they want” by not  teaching students in the ways that motivate and interest them the most. Should the baby be thrown out with the bath water? and classrooms totally move away from the “conventional way of teaching” as we know it? Definitely not, but there should be a major push from schools around the country to start integrating technology into their lessons. I am also not in favor of  doing a total overhaul of the brick and mortar structures we call schools. Turning towards  for- profit online schools is not necessarily the way to go either. Studying online will strip students of learning and experiencing  social skills: learning how to make friends, speaking and listening skills. The skills aforementioned are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to skills students will be void of if online school, like Stanford begin popping up and gaining popularity. The fact that they are for- profit doesn’t help their case either. Who’s to say that they won’t just hand out diplomas to the highest bidder, and what will happen to those who  can’t afford these new digital schools? Will they be given sub- standard education from schools who reflect the 1940’s and 1950’s educational philosophy? On the flip side of the coin, I don’t think giving each student a laptop will be the cure-all either. In an article written by Tom Vander Ark he generously states that blended learning will “benefit low income kids.” Where is the research for that? How do we know that this educational technology is accessible for low income kids? That is definitely an overzealous statement. Many educators think the flipped classroom will be the savior for low performing students, while others think it should stay out of the classroom. The traditional classroom infused with supplemental technology is the perfect combination. It will engage students while allowing traditional teaching strategies to support student learning.