Robinson's Podcast

Robinson's Podcast

Leading Teachers in Technology Use

Why is technology important to me as a teacher?

            Utilizing advanced technology should be a staple in today’s classrooms due to its widespread availability as well as the enhancements it can provide to instruction. Although it is the students who are most engaged by and sometimes more familiar with technology, it is extremely important that a solid understanding and use of technology for educational purposes begin with the teacher.  It is just as important, if not more important, that school administrators also be cognizant of uses of technology in classrooms for students in order to be able to support teachers with technology use as well as provide recommendations or suggestions as to how technology can enhance the learning environment. Use of technology in today’s classroom will require a great deal of commitment, enthusiasm, open mindedness, and professional development from teachers and administrators in order to be implemented effectively. Chapman (2004) stated, technology “has the capacity to affect the quality and efficiency of basic education throughout the world in dramatic ways – both positively and negatively” (p. 19).  It is essential, not only that teachers utilize technology in their classrooms, but that they utilize the right technology.

Technology & Professional Development

Professional development and administrator support are key components to ensuring the effective use of technology as an instructional tool. Noeth and Volkov stated, “The most critical element in technology use is the preparedness and skill level of those who employ it,” (p. ix). While technology use can be an exciting and innovative thing to utilize in the classroom, it can also be a very daunting and frustrating task for teachers, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. In addition, it can be a very time consuming task to fit into a teacher’s already limited time. McCrea (2012) stated, “Without adequate support and motivation educators will retreat to their old ways of teaching,” therefore, it is important that administrators both at the campus and district levels provide that support and motivation so that the possibilities of technology use can be realized in classrooms. Administrators can motivate teachers to use technology in a number of ways including providing incentives, providing training at various times to fit various schedules as well as in a variety of formats, and allowing teachers to determine the extent which they would like to utilize technology, rather than forcing it upon them (McCrea, 2014). Fortunately, there are a number of resources available for professional development in technology, even if limited availability is provided by one’s school district or campus. With a simple Google search for “technology professional development,” a number of resources come up that provide face-to-face professional development opportunities in your area in addition to online or distance learning opportunities.

Using Technology Effectively

Another key component to successful implementation of technology in classrooms as an instructional tool is in choosing and encouraging the use of effective resources. The keyword in the previous sentence is effective. When integrating technology into classrooms, teachers must first determine what the technology is being used for. There are countless numbers of apps, websites, programs, etc. available for a variety of needs or activities in schools. There likely is not a single program, system, tool, or website that is a one-size-fits-all program that will be the only tool utilized for all technology-related tasks. Therefore, it is important that a great deal of thought, planning and teacher familiarization with the technology take place prior to introducing it to students to ensure that it is appropriate for the purpose of its use. “Simply providing access does not ensure that technology will effectively enhance teaching and learning, and result in improved achievement,” (Noeth and Volkov, 2004, p. 2).

Why Evaluate?

Frequent evaluation of the technology being utilized should also be planned in order to measure the effectiveness of the technology and to determine whether to continue its use or look into other resources. Noeth and Volkov (2004) quoted Milone and Russel stating, “Evaluation should depend on the educational needs, goals, setting, technology application and expected outcomes,” (p. 11) further emphasizing the importance of having a plan and purpose for a given technology tool before introducing the tool to students.

While technology tools have the potential to be excellent instructional tools to enhance the learning environment and experience, they are only as effective as the teachers who plan for, prepare for, and familiarize themselves with their use. In today’s world I believe learning how to integrate technology into classrooms is just as essential as teaching basic reading, writing and math skills. It is vital that our teachers lead the way with creative and innovative uses for technology in the classroom.

To view some suggestions about using technology in classrooms, click here

Technology in the classroom powerpoint from DeechyWeechy