Educational technology has become a reality in our schools with more and more institutes offering various digital tools to their students to help them
learn better. The main objective of using advanced technological tools in the classroom is to create an enhanced learning environment and offer and
engaging and interactive experience.
However, before we focus on technology integration, educators first need to focus on a flexible and effective academic curriculum. It is only then that we
can identify the means and approaches to improve education with the help of technology. But schools should not force digital tools in the classroom.
Technology must facilitate the goals of the educators for the school year. If it is not used properly, technology might become a barrier to achieving those
goals, instead of being a catalyst.
Implement Technology To Improve Curriculum
Do you think your school is ready to use educational tech in the classroom? The first thing you need to do is be confident that your curriculum will be
enhanced by implementing technology. Here are 5 excellent ways to use technology to improve learning by elevating the curriculum-
Understand How Technology Is Used By Students At Home
It is imperative that you learn what type of technology is used by your students and how they are utilizing it outside of your classroom. This information
will enable you to identify challenges and opportunities related to executing EdTech tools in the classroom. It may also help to initiate motivation for
your tech solutions in school.
Be Sure About Your Goal
You need to determine the purpose and objective of using latest technology in your classroom. Make sure you don’t implement it just for the sake of using
EdTech or because other schools are doing it. If you don’t realise why or how you should use technology as an educational tool, then it simply means you
are not ready for it.
Take One Step At A Time
You need start by implementing just one educational technology at a point of time. When you implement multiple technology tools, then it become easy to
lose focus of the main objectives and enhance the curriculum. If you try to use too many digital tools at once then it can prove to be overwhelming, not
only for the educators, but also for the learners and their parents. If they start to feel overwhelmed then it may cause frustration which will adversely
affect your goals.
Use The SAMR Model
Designed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the SAMR model depicts the phases of technology integration, namely –
- Substitution
- Augmentation
- Modification
- Redefinition
This approach enables schools and educators to evaluate and reflect on how to implement technology in the classroom and what we can do to adapt,
reformulate and modify our classrooms by using it.
Look For Opportunities For Professional Development
You can find innumerable free online learning resources for administrators and educators to read regarding different tech experiences and what we may learn
from them. This can be highly effective if your school is connected with larger networks which can allow colleagues to learn and share the best teaching
practices.
What are you doing to Integrate technology into your classroom? Share your views, ideas and thoughts with us by commenting below. We would love to hear
from you.
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