Essential Conditions for leveraging technology for learning

Student-Centered Learning
Planning, teaching, and assessment centered around the needs and abilities of students

I think that incorporating technology in the classroom can make content exciting and fun for students. I think it’s important to always keep your students at the center of every lesson plan and have the do tasks or activities that are rigorous but not overwhelming. We don’t want to give them an assignment that is far beyond their abilities because then they may become overwhelmed or get a negative attitude towards the task. We should all make it a point to figure out where our students are at in their own technological journey, and to develop lessons that all of our students can participate in.

I also believe it is really important to let students explore topics that they are interested in and genuinely want to know more about. In a social studies environment I like to prod my students to come up with things that they want to know more about, or any questions they still may have. Sitting students loose on the internet to investigate and research for themselves not only builds necessary skill sets but also lets them take ownership in their own learning.

Ongoing Professional Learning
Technology-related professional learning plans and opportunities with dedicated time to practice and share ideas

I understand the importance and place that technology holds in the classroom, but I think that it is difficult to keep up with how quickly technology changes. It seems like every year there is a new “big thing,” not even to mention the education resources that are added by the minute. Most teachers have their plate pretty full and don’t have the time to spend researching and keeping up with the latest technologies. I believe that it is really important for teachers to take professional development time to explore new developments in the field.

Sharing ideas can be such a beneficial tool to pool resources and try out new strategies. Whether it is in person or virtually, I believe teachers should regularly talk about how they are incorporating technology in the classroom, things that are going well, and things that flopped. We want to be technology leaders and models for our students, so it is important that we dedicate explicit time to our own learning and development.