Day 11: Evaluating the Impact of Technology on Teaching and Learning

Truly incorporating technology into the classroom means more than buying computer equipment. As teachers, we must be willing to change the way we teach. Lead, Don't Lecture advocates teaching by coaching as opposed to pouring information into students. One of the teachers interviewed pointed out that, “You learn best when you make sense and make your own meaning. So, I try to give my students experiences.” I agree with her constructivist point of view. I try to give my students as many hands-on opportunities as possible. However, as the article notes, “too much testing doesn't leave much time for being a good coach.” But, nothing says that you have to give up whole-class instruction. Sometimes this is necessary, especially when introducing new concepts.
Tips for changing the way we teach are given in Transforming Learning with Technology. Connecting learning to real-world practice is one of the best ways to use technology. Technology can be used to focus attention as we utilize it in student projects. Finding a way to connect technology to work opportunities and/or vocational training programs is a great way to utilize computers in high school classrooms.
But, what if you don’t have the knowledge needed to use the technology yourself? Then How Do Teachers Become Tech Wizards?, is a great article to start. When I reviewed what separates the tech wizards from the other techies? , I found that I fit all three characteristics: being open to new ideas, having problem solving skills, and having determination. But, guess what? I realized that to be a good teacher of anything, you need to have these characteristics. We just need to remember to use them when dealing with technology.
The scenarios seen in Making Good Change are common in many schools. “Not much has changed,” is the lament after spending many dollars on tech equipment. The typical teacher only dabbles in technology use; he/she views it as an extra. I must admit that with all my tech training, I still find myself falling back to basics sometimes. But, it order to see true change, we must follow the principles of implementing good change: (1) focus on something that is likely to win broad acceptance, in other words, on something that you can sell. (2) cultivate those who will be the ones to implement those change, i.e. the teachers. (3) deploy resources strategically, in other words, give to those who will use them. (4) keep in mind that teachers will have to give up the “daily press” of teaching.