Should Schools Focus More On Technology Than Curriculum?

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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