The use of technology in the classroom can take two paths that make it either a simple tool, or a powerful learning device.  Each has a direct correlation as to the style of teacher that embraces technology.  The teacher that uses the model of teacher led direct instruction, uses technology as a means to help them deliver standards to their students.  They may utilize a computer connected to a projector and interactive white board, to highlight points with a PowerPoint they want their students to master.  Some may consider technology as a way to make their jobs easier, by using technology to administer and score student assessments, or simply as a way to obtain lessons from others that have shared their work.  Dr. Michael Orey points out that teacher centered strategies such as lectures are the worst for student learning, and that technology can make it even worse.  (Laureate, 2015I) Over the years of sitting in on professional development classes, I have sat on many lectures on various topics that I never learned a thing from.  Presenters many times use PowerPoints with screens full of writing that they have memorized, or simply read to you. These lead to the brain shutting down and your attention is drawn to other thoughts.  Since brain research has given us a more information about how we learn, we now understand that what has been debated for centuries is true.

Confucius and Socrates, powerfully influential sages, insisted that their students must work out what they learn by themselves, with some guidance. (Snyder, 2015) Throughout this course we have read about a variety of learning styles, and considered how we can transform our own teaching to become facilitators of learning.  Students will learn more if they play an active role in their learning and create an artifact demonstrating it. Technology has given students a variety of methods to not only learn about topics, but also create the very artifacts that demonstrate their knowledge.  With guidance and careful questioning, a teacher can use constructivist methods which lead to more student engagement and a greater understanding of topics.

Technology has been considered as a possible replacement of the teacher in the classroom.  Ninety-three years ago, Thomas Edison wrote: “I believe that the motion picture is destined to revolutionize our educational system and that, in a few years, it will supplant, largely, if not entirely, the use of textbooks. I should say that on the average we get only about two percent efficiency out of textbooks as they are written today.” (Snyder, 2015)  Critics today claim that as new technologies develop, teachers will no longer be necessary in the future.  However, there will always be a need to have the personal connection between the student and the teacher in order to bring out the best in each individual.  Students learn with a variety of modalities and a skilled teacher can adapt learning opportunities for each of those differences.

So, how do you utilize technologies powerful learning capabilities for your students?  First and foremost, you have to create an atmosphere in your class that creates, teaches, and instills a love of learning within each of your students.  This can be challenging in today’s climate of producing results from our students through standardized testing.  However, in experiencing my own success in taking students who have averages in the lowest levels, to averages higher than state levels, the key is in working to not just focus on the “Three R’s” of learning, reading, writing, and arithmetic.    It comes from moving into teaching the 21st century skills, as well. the “Four C’s” of learning, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.  Transforming and becoming a facilitator of learning becomes the challenge that teachers must strive to accomplish in their classes.- Technology becomes the means in which, as a teacher, you can make that transformation.  There are many examples one could implement to turn learning over to the students.

1. Interactive Collaboration – Google Docs or Hangouts, Skype, and others offer students platforms to collaborate with not only students in the class, but around the globe.
2. Gathering Feedback – Whether formative or summative assessing, teachers can utilize technologies such as Google Forms, Kahoot, Plickers or Socrative to collect data. Students could also use these and others to collect data from surveys for projects they are working on.
3. Embedding Questions in Videos – Services such as Playposit or Edpuzzle.com can help teachers and students present new topics with videos, while checking for understanding.
4. Active Learning – Teachers can move towards student-centered learning by shifting teaching theories and introducing Project Based Learning or Inquiry Learning which can utilize technology in both the research and demonstration of learning by students.
5. Social Learning –  Powerful learning can take place when we interact and learn from others around us.  Many times teachers rely on one another to find lessons that others have used to borrow and bring into our own class. We fail to allow students to do the same, even though they are extremely social in nature.  Allowing students the opportunities to learn how to use sites such as Twitter or Facebook, along with a multitude of others, for learning can enhance their learning experience.
6. Student-Created Presentations – One of the easiest to begin with is having students create their own presentations of that which they have learned.  Using programs such as Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote, and others, are great tools that use many skills such as critical thinking.  Taking time to teach what makes effective presentations is essential to student success.

The skills students will learn while completing either their own learning guided by their interests, or those that the teacher has initiated but given students control of learning the topic, will enable them to utilize those skills in many other aspects of their lives.  Student learning will be far greater, and prepare them for real life skills that will carry them throughout their adult lives.

References

Laureate Education (Producer). (2015l). Technology: Instructional tool vs. learning tool [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Snyder, A. (2015, May 8). Technology as a Learning Tool. Retrieved October 11, 20116, from http://phlashmob.com/2015/05/technology-as-a-learning-tool/