What Technology is Right for Your Classroom?

  • Every use of technology in the classroom to best facilitate student learning is unique. Technology in the classroom is simply a set of tools that, if used correctly, can speed up the learning experience. Proper use of classroom technology also helps engage students.

    Students today are digital learners. The question then is, are you a qualified digital teacher?

    Provided with varying levels of technology resources and training to infuse technology into the classroom curriculum and delivery, teachers may feel they are not successfully meeting the needs of their digital learners.

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    Using ISTE Standards as guidance points, however, an online professional development course can assist in the development, delivery, and growth of a tech-infused teacher-guided curriculum that supports and encourages student engagement.

    It is crucial for teachers to recognize that technology doesn’t breed successful students. Rather, technology, when woven into a teacher-guided environment, can seamlessly assist all students in becoming successful, responsible learners. If handled correctly, students are ready to thrive in a digitally connected world.

    Today’s students must be prepared to thrive in a constantly evolving technological landscape. The ISTE Standards for Students are designed to empower student’s voice and ensure that learning is a student-driven process. This includes digital citizenship and computational thinking. For a teacher, tech tools can also streamline coursework, grading, and feedback.

    It really comes down to local goals, needs, and priorities. Schools and teachers may decide to use the standards and the tech resources in a variety of ways.

    Things to take into consideration include state and district-level expectations. Lesson plans must be developed to factor in the use of technology. Throwing money at the next cool thing makes no sense if you don’t have an implementation plan in place. Map out curriculum and teacher preparation and then make decisions to ensure the purposeful use of technology.

     

    Technology in the classroom. So many decisions

    It is not surprising that the tech giants like Apple, Google and Microsoft have targeted education as a mass market. From Google Classroom to Apple education, there are many options. As mentioned, these decisions often come down to budgets and priorities.

    Google’s Chromebook is the leader because it costs $149. Apple’s iPads are popular for lightweight and touchscreen apps, but a little more expensive. Each comes with a package of apps based on grade level.

    Learn more about what technology best serves your classroom

    If you are not sure or undecided the first step is a professional development course for teachers that engages and enlightens teachers and administrators in the proper use of technology in the classroom.

    Learn about proven and emerging online tools, apps, instructional lessons, planning. Learn to create learner-driven activities that leverage the digital student’s affinity with technology tools and usage.

    That means identifying and evaluating the use of all teacher and student technology-based tools, apps, connectivity, facilities and resources currently available in and out of their classroom.

    As a teacher, one must discover and evaluate technology tools and online resources that support curriculum standards and objectives.

    What you can learn as a teacher is how to produce and share a variety of technology-based activities and products. You will also learn to understand the importance of a teacher’s role to successfully weave technology into the learning process.