So why do so many teachers use the wrong technology tools to address student understanding?
As an Instructional Technology Facilitator, I tell teachers repeatedly that they don't need technology for this or that part of their lesson. Shocking, right? But my job is not to "sell" technology to them or make their lives more difficult by making them learn a new tech tool. My job is to help them do a few important things:
1. Help their classes run more efficiently
2. Help them integrate technology in meaningful and appropriate ways
3. Help them model good digital citizenship for their students
So when a teacher asks me what tech tool can replace their long-standing paper project, I ask him how the project fits with the content and objectives of the unit and why they want to move this project into the digital sphere.
If adding the tech component is meaningful, if the project is made better with the integration of that technology, then go ahead. If the teacher doesn't know why he wants to use the tech, then his students won't be invested either. If the tool isn't right for the job, you're not teaching effectively.
Some activities work better on paper. Some are made better with the right technological tool. Using technology for its own sake without letting the goals and standards drive instruction is like taking a hammer to a hard drive - you'll make a big mess and it'll still be broken.
So how do you go about choosing the right technology for your lesson? Here are some guidelines:
- Know yourself & know your kids' needs - It's okay to step out of your comfort zone with technology, especially if you have a tech support system in your school, but understand your capabilities and limitations and those of your students. Trying to use a new flashy tool nobody understands will only make everyone frustrated.
- Put the cart BEHIND the horse - We have all gotten excited about a new app or website and couldn't wait to try it. Don't. Think about your objectives and your content before choosing a tool. Remember, the first priority is to master skills, not apps.
- Get opinions - Ask other teachers. Ask students. Ask your tech facilitator or the really tech-savvy teacher down the hall. Check out the blogs. Investigate.
- If you use it, evaluate it - Compare student performance. Experiment. Use a tool with one class and compare the outcomes with another class. Use pre and post assessments. Figure out if the tool is really contributing to student understanding. If not, don't feel bad about getting rid of it.
Good teaching transcends everything else. A good teacher can teach without technology, without books, without even a classroom. We should never make our teachers think that they MUST use technology to deliver a relevant and engaging lesson. At the same time, we should show teachers that they do have a wealth of options for expanding the lessons they have and providing students with real world learning opportunities. When teachers find that balance between what they're teaching and how they're teaching it, they'll be able to choose the right tool for the job.
