When people think of educational technology, they often have visions of young kids playing a video game that teaches lessons as well, but new technology can be applied across all grade levels and even to adult learners. The key to successful implementation is to keep the technology age-appropriate. With a master’s in educational technology, professionals can be sure that they will have the knowledge and the skills to help implement new technology programs at any age level.
Student-Centered Learning
Using technology in the classroom offers specific advantages that are impractical any other way. Many schools have implemented a 1-to-1 ratio for students and devices, offering every student a Chromebook or tablet. The most innovative schools are redesigning the classroom entirely. This could include moving away from teacher-centered classrooms with the students in rows and to innovation center-based classrooms that focus on the student activities. Although a form of this might be possible otherwise, educational technology makes it efficient enough to try on a large scale.
Teaching the Teachers
To get students to really buy into an idea, it is important that it be implemented evenly. In the case of new technology in the classroom, this can be done by not only making sure every teacher is on board in one grade level, but throughout the students’ entire career. Professional development and school-wide decision-making can motivate teachers to lead the charge to help students accept new educational technology.
Big-Picture Planning
By planning beyond just one classroom and thinking district-wide, the overall effect can be much greater. Connecting technology and curriculum together can establish more opportunities for innovation and break down silos that get in the way of achieving unified goals.
The use of educational technology can be extremely helpful to the learning process if done correctly. By focusing on all grade levels instead of just one or two at a time, professionals working in this area can create lasting change that will produce much better results. With leadership coming from all levels, including teacher leaders and building administration, the student (and staff) buy-in will be stronger.
Learn about the Lamar University online M.Ed. in Educational Technology Leadership program.
Sources:
THE Journal: How Embedded Technology Is Inspiring Student-Centered Learning
EdTech: Focus on K-12: School Districts Benefit from Marrying Curriculum and IT Planning
