Technology in the Classroom
With this being my 5th year in the classroom and 4th year teaching 5th grade students, I can certainly say that utilizing technology in the classroom is vital in that it enhances the instruction and learning of students. Using different forms of technology, such as iPads, chrome books, smart boards, and projectors, allows for increased student engagement, involvement, and interest in academic content in that students are able to take an active role in their own learning when being able to use technology. Once upon a time, teachers would simply lecture and do all the talking when it came to lessons in the classroom, but now with us being in a digital age, there has been a shift in education to more student autonomy. Student autonomy allows for students to be active participants in their own learning and to make decisions and choices on how best they learn and receive information. With this being said, technology integration in the classroom is a great way for teachers to better meet the learning needs of all students. Some great technology applications to use are Google Classroom, Youtube, Flipgrid, ClassDojo, Canva, and etc. According to What Is Successful Technology Integration?, "Successful technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is: routine and transparent, accessible and readily available for the task at hand, and supporting the curricular goals, and helping the students to effectively reach their goals" (Edutopia, 2023). In teaching our students content and trying to help them to be academically successful, it is important to integrate technology into instruction to better routinely meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
Professional Development
Although integrating technology in the classroom is important, teachers must first be properly trained in professional development on how to use different types of technology and applications in the classroom. According to The Technology Coordinator's Handbook (2017), "A successful professional development program allows a school district to prepare teachers (and in turn, students) to use technology as a natural part of the curriculum" (Frazier and Hearrington, pg. 38) There is nothing more frustrating, as a classroom teacher, than to have great technology and resources, but no idea on how to use it or how to get students started with using the technology. Although professional development can be expensive and time-consuming, it is crucial that technology coordinators take the appropriate time to plan and budget for PD so that teachers can be properly trained on technology devices and programs. Other methods of technology professional development are Youtube videos, podcasts, and online forums, which will compensate for schools that have a lack of funding or time for a technology professional to come out and conduct an in-person professional development training. No matter the method, what's most important is that teachers have opportunities to attend and receive professional development technology training.
For new and veteran teachers, it can be exasperating to learn something new or feel as though one is being forced to incorporate something new into the classroom without proper training. It is the job of technology coordinators to ensure that teachers feel supported and heard when learning about new technology or a new program. According to Get Creative with Professional Development for Technology Integration, "Leadership should encourage a growth mindset by giving opportunities such as staff meetings and team-building time to utilize a technology integration experience. Teachers should have access to an authentic and safe setting in which they may receive suggestions and feedback. This forces the refinement and reflection process in a very low-risk environment that will allow for improvement before students experience it in the classroom" (Learning.com, 2023). Similar to how we give students time to try new things and give them room to make mistakes and learn from them- we as teachers need to be given the same courtesy when receiving professional development on new technology.
Although there is a huge need for technology integration in the classroom, there is also an even bigger need for professional development so that teachers can be properly trained in the technology that they are incorporating in their classroom. Once teachers have received the proper training and guidance necessary to utilize technology, then they will be able to better teach and help students to be more academically successful in the classroom.
References
Frazier, M., & Hearrington, D. (2017). The Technology Coordinator's handbook. International Society for Technology in Education.
Person. (2007, November 6). What is successful technology integration? Edutopia. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
Team, L. (2023, March 24). Professional Development for Technology Integration. Learning. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
YouTube. (2012, July 25). Investing in professional development for technology and inquiry-based learning. YouTube. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
