Educational Technology - Don't Loose the Learning Goals in the Hype

01/15/2014
As today's students graduate, they will increasingly need to interact with current and emerging technologies. As teachers, it is our job to be sure they are as prepared as possible. Although weak in some aspects, the Common Core standards does call for a significant integration of technology in the learning process. The CCSS introduction offers this portrayal of students who are ‘college and careers ready’ in relation to technology:
They use technology and digital media strategically and capably. Students employ technology thoughtfully to enhance their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language use. They tailor their searches online to acquire useful information efficiently, and they integrate what they learn using technology with what they learn offline. They are familiar with the strengths and limitations of various technological tools and mediums and can select and use those best suited to their communication goals.
A few of the standards specific to technology address basic computer skills but most of them ask for the integration of technology into the learning process to support development of critical thinking and literacy skills in Math, Language Arts and History/Social Studies. There are ninety six individual standards that specifically reference the use of digital technologies, and more that are indirectly related.

Technology in Education

It is a challenge for overburdened teachers to have the knowledge and time to find and integrate technologies that adequately address student learning objectives. Truly excellent applications which support a high level of cognitive development are rare. Yet too many teachers, encouraged by the current tech-frenzy, make the mistake of utilizing technology for technology sake and hastily toss their students into the electronic fray.

Here are a few pointers for introducing technology in your classroom:
(Permission: Kirk Anderson - www.kirktoons.com)

Clarify Learning Goals:

Before choosing ed-tech tools, be sure you are clear on the intended learning goals. Even excellent apps and web tools can be reduced to a set of mechanical steps, depriving a lesson of its creative and learning potential. Remember to keep the 'focus' or 'essential' questions in the forefront.  See “Understanding by Design” developed by Wiggins & McTighe for more on essential questions, thesis statements and learning outcomes. A clear learning focus combined with an understanding of learning theory (Bloom, Gardner) form the anchor from which specific ed-tech strategies and applications are chosen.

Select Apps to Support Learning:

There are over 115,000 educational apps for the iPad alone!! Even the “Best 10" lists are now so numerous and varied that it is hard for a busy teacher to select appropriate tools. Potential candidates need to be evaluated by some standard based in sound pedagogy. This can be a difficult process, especially for teachers without a lot of experience with educational technology or without time to explore the options fully.

Fortunately, there are some useful collections of iPad, Android, Google and Web 2.0 apps referencing Blooms Taxonomy levels ( See Kathy Schrock’s “Bloomin’ Apps”).  Other sites rate iPad apps according to Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences; 21st Century Literacies; and Learning Tools (See Kharbach’s Recomendations). There are also useful associations with Common Core standards that can help teachers get started (See my Prezi on this topic).  Another excellent source is Sydnye Cohen’s presentation on Common Core aligned apps.
Technology Apps and the ommon Core - Image
Digital technologies can be used to support Common Core learning goals. Click to view Prezi.

Go Slowly:

Introduced new tools gradually. As you do, be sure that the underlying academic goals are minimal at first so that the students can focus on mastery of the tools.  Conversely, academic principles should be clear before introducing new technologies. Once underway, students in general should not have to spend more energy navigating the technology than on the associated learning goals.

Training and Support are Essential:

Teachers need to have knowledge of technology, pedagogy and content (TPACK) in order to be successful. Too often teachers are handed technologies or venture into the tech realm on their own with even minimal training or support.  As any teacher who has experienced this knows, this is a recipe for failure. Although a theme for another blog, I encourage you to create peer groups with other adventuresome teachers and/or encourage your administration to provide ongoing coaching and support. With a solid sense of your learning goals, these resources can help you locate and use meaningful tools as you bring educational technology into your classroom.


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