Higher Education

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education November 1, 2017

2018 America’s Most Affordable Universities

With college tuition skyrocketing year upon year, more and more students are budget conscious when it comes to tuition.

While tuition is increasing on average, some colleges and universities have taken it upon themselves to remain an affordable option for students living nearby and to attract students from further afield.

Here’s a list of schools dedicated to keeping tuition at a (reasonably) affordable price.

Queens College of City University of New York

Want to live near New York City but don’t have the cash to splash on Columbia or any of the city’s other high-priced institutions?

Queens Colleges, which is part of the City University of New York system costs a cool $6,000 a semester and offers a whirlwind of undergraduate and graduate programs. It’s located in Flushing, which also means students don’t need to compete with Manhattan rent prices.

Southwest Minnesota State University

Hoping to get out of your state but worried about the crippling costs of out-of-state tuition? Southwest Minnesota State costs around $8,000 per year regardless of where you’re from

The college is set in a rural Minnesota town, not far from Sioux Falls and a few hours from Minneapolis. This is an added benefit for low-cost tuition seekers because as a rural college town, expenses and competition remain low while the community experience is high.

West Texas A&M University

Headed to Texas and want to take advantage of some of the most accessible colleges in the country? West Texas A&M offers low tuition fees for residents and only charges no-residents $9,418 per year, making it one of the cheapest colleges for those who want to move out of state.

University of Texas – El Paso

The El Paso campus of the University of Texas is one of the most affordable colleges in a state of affordable colleges with a net price of $6,089 per year. It’s also ideal for students hoping to study in the otherwise expensive science sector and is a key player in research.

Fayetteville State University

Based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this state university offers both useful academic programs and campus-wide opportunities to compete for scholarships to lower tuition.

Even if you don’t qualify for additional scholarships, the net price of $5,914 per year and the low cost of living in North Carolina are sure to help keep your finances in order during your student years.

There’s no need to fork over six figures to attend a good university. There are plenty of options available to even the most budget-conscious students.

Will you make your school choice based on cost? Share your stories here.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education October 30, 2017

16 Reasons Why Students Should Study Abroad

In recent years, institutions of higher learning all over the globe have been ramping up their study abroad programs, as the number of students who are interested in this experience has skyrocketed over the years. Nowadays, studying abroad may seem like a rite of passage, but many are still hesitant to try. If you are still debating the benefits or viability of studying abroad, check out our list of the 16 reasons why you should.

The vast majority of those who study abroad describe it as one of the best periods of their lives.
It gives you the opportunity to study subjects or hear perspectives that you do not experience in the United States.
It gives you the chance to hone your foreign language skills, while also being immersed in the local culture. It makes it easier to learn a language.
It gives you the opportunity to be exposed to new cultures, which will serve you well in your future endeavors.
It forces you to become self-sufficient and independent.
Allows you to mature at a faster rate.
Allows you to build an international network, which you can lean on for the rest of your life.
Employers will be impressed by your study abroad experience, as many students don’t have this experience.
May help you decide your future career path.
It will look fantastic on your resume.
You can earn extra money while studying abroad, by teaching English in your free time.
Earn extra cash as translator or interpreter once you come back to the states.
It gives you an opportunity to see the world and experience things that you never dreamed.
Traveling will build your confidence and self-esteem, by showing you that you can tackle any challenge that comes your way. Why, because being away from the comfort of your support system is scary. Overcoming that is powerful.
It can be very cost-effective and may end up being cheaper than living in the U.S. Universities often have an entire department that is dedicated to helping students plan and execute their study abroad plans. Many also provide financial support.
It can help you acquire new skills. For instance, if you are a sports fan, while studying abroad in the UK, you may become a skilled cricket player.

Can you think of any additional reasons why students should travel abroad?

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education, Higher Education EdTech October 30, 2017

How Edtech Is Transforming Executive Education

Educational technology has been disrupting traditional instructional practices in executive education, and for good reason.

Learning was once the exclusive domain of schools and universities, especially when it came to delivering executive education in business schools. That meant either taking a sabbatical from your job or choosing a B-school near you. You had to be physically present in the classroom.

Edtech, however, is changing that approach by providing customization and interactive experiences for learners. Educational technology also delivers learning at lowered costs.

Cost

Executive education can be expensive. University tuition, fees, and room and board have risen an average of 11% in the last five years, and prices are continuing to rise. Executive education costs have risen 23%, and an executive MBA can set you – or your employer — back $150,000 or more. As a result, fewer employers are willing to foot the bill for this educational experience, and many hopeful candidates are leery about taking on a bigger burden of debt.

Knowledge

The lower cost of executive education does not mean a lesser standard of learning. In fact, the opposite is true.

Edtech brings influencers and subject matter experts together in a platform that was unimaginable just a couple of decades ago. Executive schedules didn’t always line up with the constraints of a traditional semester, especially when some of the experts were working in a location far away, or when the learners didn’t have time to attend lectures or symposiums. Edtech allows busy executives to access knowledge anytime, anywhere, thanks to distance learning.

The same technology enables professors to reach more students with improved content.

While there’s a lot to be said for convening in person with classmates and colleagues to discuss ideas, edtech is making it possible to extend those conversations with learners around the world.

New Experiences

Smart schools are choosing to take advantage of edtech opportunities for executive education. They are partnering with online companies to create blended opportunities for learning. These opportunities include traditional campus-based classes as well as digital coursework and instructional settings.

In addition, AI and experiential learning are giving students the kind of hand-on experiences they might not otherwise get, and virtual reality is augmenting their experiences.

By lowering costs, expanding on a growing body of knowledge and creating opportunities for new experiences, edtech is transforming executive education.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education, Teacher Education October 26, 2017

How to Write a Research Proposal

As a professor of education, one of my favorite courses to teach was “Introduction to Education Research.” The primary purpose of this course is to introduce students to the concepts and methods of education research. The emphasis is placed on methods most frequently encountered in social science research, especially in the field of education. Students are expected complete a research proposal during this course, and in the follow-up course, “Applications of Education Research,” they use this proposal to conduct a research study.

Why did I love teaching this course? Because education research is not an easy skill to develop, but with hard work and dedication it can be mastered. When I was able to help someone who hated statistics learn to love statistics, it gave me a sense of accomplishment. In this piece, I plan to take you through the process of developing an education research proposal that you can be proud of.

Let’s start off by discussing research problems and questions and then moving on to the four main parts of a research proposal.

Research Problem and Question(s)

A research question is the core of a research project, study, or review of the literature. It centers the study, sets the methodology, and guides all stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting.

A research question starts with a research problem, an issue that you would like to know more about or change. Research problems can be:

Areas of concern
Conditions that need to be changed
Difficulties that should be erased
Questions that need to be answered

A research problem leads to a research question that:

Is worth investigating
Contributes knowledge & value to the field
Improves educational practice
Improves humanity

The key features of a good research question:

The question is viable.
The question has clarity.
The question has gravitas.
The question is moral.

How to Get From Research Problem to Research Questions and Purpose

The following section was originally published on a site entitled Research Rundowns:

Step 1. Draft a research question/hypothesis.

Example: What effects did 9/11/01 have on the future plans of students who were high school seniors at the time of the terrorist attacks?

Example (measurable) Questions: Did seniors consider enlisting in the military as a result of the attacks? Did seniors consider colleges closer to home as a result?

Step 2. Draft a purpose statement.

Example: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the 9/11/01 tragedy on the future plans of high school seniors.

Step 3. Revise and rewrite the research question/hypothesis.

Example: What is the association between 9/11/01 and future plans of high school seniors?

Step 4. Revise and rewrite the research question/hypothesis.

Example: Purpose Statement (Declarative): The purpose of this study is to explore the association between 9/11/01 and future plans of high school seniors.

Note: Both are neutral; they do not presume an association, either negative or positive.

Parts of a Research Proposal

A research proposal includes four sections, and they are as follows:

Section One: Introduction

Section Two: Review of the Literature

Section Three: Research Methodology

Section Four: References

The information that follows offers step by step instructions on how to complete each section of your proposal.

Section One: Introduction

Part #1: Write a paragraph that introduces your topic. Mention your topic in the first sentence. What are you planning to study? What is the purpose of the study?

Part #2: Fully discuss your topic. What specifically interests you? Think of a specific research question (or questions) and state it clearly and precisely. You can also begin to formulate your ideas on how you might study your research question, though you need not be very specific in this section. For example, if you plan to study attitudes toward school vouchers, suggest what characteristics influence how individuals feel about school vouchers (e.g., income, location, etc.).

Part #3: Explain to the reader why it is important to study your topic and put it into a larger educational context. Here is where you answer the “So what?” question. That is, you plan to study XYZ. So what? Why is it important to study this topic? What is the educational importance of this research? Why is this study significant? This is your opportunity to be broad, general, and theoretical in your thinking.

This section should be at least 3-5 pages. Based on the outline provided above, you must utilize sub-headings within this section. You must cite articles within this section to support your topic and claim.

Section Two: Review of the Literature

The purpose of this section is to find and summarize qualitative or quantitative research studies that directly relate to your research question(s). Use library databases to start searching for articles, but employ other resources when necessary.

When looking for articles, you need to adhere to the following guidelines:

Use scholarly journals rather than popular magazines, newspaper articles, or the internet.
Rely on the educational literature. If you are unsure whether an article or journal is included in the discipline, ask me.
In general, select recent articles (i.e., 1960 or later). However, if an article was written in 1952, for example, is extremely pertinent to your proposal, then use it.
Choose only research articles (qualitative or quantitative research) for the literature review. Do not include theoretical works, editorials, book reviews, program reports, etc. If you are unsure about an article, I will gladly take a look at it. Your literature review should not be more than 15 pages.

Your task is to:

Briefly, restate your research topic in an opening paragraph. Provide a short introduction about what question(s) you are trying to answer, why this is educationally interesting, and why you chose it. Also, provide a brief overview of the topics you will cover in your literature review.
Divide the literature that you have into sections of like Then, for each section, write an essay summarizing the studies. Be sure to state the research purpose, method(s), and findings ONLY for the studies that are paramount to your study. [NOTE: Use transitions within your essay so that it flows and does not appear like disjointed blocks of information.]
Write a concluding paragraph that summarizes the articles. For example, how will these articles inform your research?
DO NOT PLAGIARIZE.

Section Three: Research Methodology

The purpose of this section is to allow you to explain your research methodology. This can be the hardest part of the proposal for some students; therefore, do not wait until the last minute to write this section. Think about your design when you write your literature review.

Your task is to:

In a brief introduction, restate your research problem(s)/question(s).
Indicate the following parts of your research methodology:

Describe your vehicle of observation. How do you plan to collect your data? If you are creating a survey, what kinds of questions do you plan to ask? If you are going to do interviews, what will you ask of your interviewees?
What population do you plan to use? How do you plan to sample this population?
How will you select your sample? What kind of sampling method will you use?
How will you analyze your data? What kind of analysis best fits your project, and why?

If you plan to conduct qualitative research, discuss the following issues (be as detailed and accurate as possible):

Define the theoretical constructs will you be using.
What is the main concept you are investigating? What other concepts will be examined (note the concepts’ potential structures, processes, causes, and consequences)?
What type(s) of qualitative analysis will you conduct?

If you plan to conduct quantitative research, discuss the following issues (be as detailed and specific as possible):

Clearly, state your hypotheses.
Identify and operationalize your variables. List the independent variables and the dependent variable.

List the pros and cons of your methodology.
Write a concluding paragraph that summarizes the research design and proposal. When writing this section, imagine that have enough resources for your research design. Since you will not perform the research be creative, but appropriate, with your design.

Section Four: References

On the last section of your proposal, include an APA-formatted bibliography of the articles, books, websites, etc. that you refer to in the text. This page should be titled “References.” The references should be listed alphabetically by the last name of the first author. As a rule of thumb, you need an average of 4 references per page. For instance, if your proposal is ten pages, then technically need 40 references. However, this does not necessarily to have four references on each page.

Please carefully note the following issues:

The entire proposal should be no more than 40 pages excluding the title page and the “References” section. Any page(s) over the 40th page will not be read. All of the parts must be typed, double-spaced, in a 12-point font, with 1-inch margins on all four sides of each page.

If you followed the outline and instructions that we have provided, we are confident that you have completed a top-notch research proposal.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education October 25, 2017

Want Happy Professors? Show Them Some Respect

Dozens of studies have shown that employees who are treated with respect are the happiest and the most productive. And it makes sense – who would be happy if they’re constantly treated poorly?

The same truth applies to professors (who are also employees). When professors feel disrespected by the administration, the unions, and by their students, it’s highly unlikely they’ll be happy.

Unhappy professors almost always have unhappy classrooms and office hours. There’s no scientific data on that, but anecdotal evidence from everyone who has ever had a cranky professor speaks to its truth.

As students, you can do something to help. You can show your professors some respect.

How You Can Help Your Professors Create a Better Classroom

The best way to show professors respect isn’t to treat them irreverently or try to become their friend. Rather, it’s better to be a good student. Here are three ways to do that.

Pay Attention

Professors are in the classroom to teach, to impart their expertise on students, and to guide young people with an interest in the subject they’ve dedicated their lives to. So, standing in front of a classroom of students who are clearly not paying attention and not giving any clear indication as to what the professors could be doing better, well, that will make a professor upset.

Imagine spending four hours preparing a lecture to share with a group of students only to realize that many of those students aren’t even willing to hide how much they don’t care. How would that make you feel? Now, imagine doing it week after week.

We’d all be cranky.

Be Honest

The second best way to show your professor some respect is to be honest. Professors get wild emails filled with incredible excuses that seem to imply students think their teachers are stupid. Avoid being too honest, but don’t make up an absurd lie. And if you’re going to provide a lame excuse, own it and apologize.

Don’t Be Demanding

Asking for recorded lectures, detailed PowerPoints, class notes, practice tests and extensive feedback is often confused with being a good student. But it’s more akin to asking the professor to do your studying for you.

Professors are happy to provide clarification and help you overcome obstacles. But you’ve bought an expensive book and have access to your notes and the library – all those resources provide everything you need to pass the class.

Professors are balancing their teaching, research, and administrative duties all while having their jobs threatened on an annual basis. You can help keep them happy by being a decent student.

What else can students do to improve the classroom environment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education, Higher Education EdTech October 20, 2017

College Isn’t for Everyone. Here’s Why

The idea that a college bachelor’s degree is the new high school diploma is widespread in today’s society. From a young age, students are told that they need a college degree to obtain any kind of meaningful employment. Although 88% of employed 20-24-year-olds have taken that idea to heart, that doesn’t mean that college is vital, or helpful, for everyone. Let’s look at a few facts:

As of 2015, 9% of traditionally aged college students fail to persist to degree completion annually. The cost of tuition and the difficulties associated with going to school while working at the same time are top reasons why students abandon their studies. If students are struggling financially, it may be best for them to wait until they are confident in their ability to finance a complete education before beginning one.
In a similar vein, college loan default rates are declining (10.7% in FY 2017), but that isn’t reassuring to those who are still unable to pay their debts. Students who default on their college loan repayments suffer a low credit score as a consequence. This low credit score may go on to affect their ability to get loans in the future, inhibiting their abilities to be independent.
Simply put, not all students are suited to the classroom learning that occurs on college campuses. Rather than attend a vocational training program as has occurred in the past, these students are attempting, and, unfortunately, often failing, to pursue traditional 4-year degree programs. Because of the stigma associated with attending vocational training programs, less students are entering into them. Instead, they are attending 4 year college programs and finding that they are unable to complete them. After only having earned a few college credits, they are ineligible for the more lucrative positions that a vocational training program might have prepared them for.

In light of these facts, perhaps it is time to emphasize career paths that are accessible outside of university halls. When a student has the potential to earn more and contribute more meaningfully to a vocational position, it would seem to make more sense to destigmatize the industrial sector. Let’s start looking at all types of degrees and certifications as having the potential for growth and success instead of merely those with a $100,000 price tag.

Matthew Lynch published in EdTech & Innovation, Higher Education, Trending Topics October 20, 2017

5 Ways That Technology Can Expand Creativity in Higher Education

Discovering Ways To Link Technology and Creativity

Creativity has always been a part of a successful classroom, however recent advances in technology are making it possible to increase the ability for students to use their creativity in academia. With the ability to take and store thousands of pictures and videos, and listen to music in the palms of our hands, our students have the ability to be more and more creative in their projects, assignments, as well as group and individual tasks. As universities are encouraging the expansion and use of technology in the classroom, many professors are also encouraging the development of their students’ creative minds.

Getting Creative Through Photographs and Video Projects

One way many professors and teaching assistants are using technology to help students get creative is through the use of devices and media that students already have! Almost all, if not all of today’s students have access to a photo and or video recording device. Professors can use digital media in projects for their students, regardless of the subject. By asking students to step outside their comfort zone and produce their own piece of media, we are asking students to be creative, to think in a variety of ways, and to apply their learning through the use of technology. Nicole Flynn writes on Cielo24 that the concept BYOD (or bring your own device) to class will increase the concept that students can use technology to enhance their own learning. The BYOD idea will likely take hold immediately within the next one to two years, states Nicole Flynn.

Innovation and Creative Design in STEM Subjects

In STEM subjects, the use of technology and the need for creativity go hand-in-hand. Technology provides the opportunities for learners of STEM students to be more creative than ever before. Students have the opportunity to build virtual models of their devices, programs, robots, and other gadgets. According to Meghan Cortez, of EdTech Magazine, technology has enabled engineering students more opportunities than ever before to create and innovate. In the future, we can look for advances in robotic technology through “Generation Z,” the name of our current generation growing up with technology. The article “Technology Can Help Expand Creativity,” discusses how Generation Z students believe that learning to use technology in a creative way is essential to being career-ready.

Video Game Design, Film Animation and Media Development

As professors are being given more freedom in the classroom to design lessons, learning materials, and assignments, professors are also able to encourage and support students in the dual use of technology and creativity, according to Norman Jackon. Technology is also advancing growth in the gaming industry, as technology related to game design and program development is developing at a rapid pace. Video game design students, computer programming students, and students are able to access today’s technology and information about programming to create and innovate new ideas, games, and solutions to every-day problems. In game and software development, technology thrives where creativity is present, and vice versa; creativity thrives where technology is present.

The Makerspace Movement: Changing Our Creative Spaces

Another way that technology is changing our classrooms in universities and colleges is the recent trend called Makerspaces. Makerspaces are designated spaces in libraries, in labs, on college campuses, and in other learning centers for artisans, scientists, and learners to engage using given space, materials and supplies. Makerspaces, according to Nicole Flynn, will become a significant part of the learning process in academic spaces within the next three to five years. Makerspaces will provide space for students and teachers to collaborate and learn by engaging with building materials such as advanced 3D printers and laser cutters and even simple tools such as plywood, a hammer, and nails.

Encouraging Ideas and Growth Through Social Media

Social media is also encouraging creativity among our current generation of students. Through social media programs such as Tumblr, Pinterest, and Instagram, students are combining technology with inspiration, to create a wealth of resources and information available globally. Students in higher education are able to innovate, engage in online discussions, and share creativity through social media platforms. Through these platforms students can share ideas with each other, collaborate, and keep even their professors on their toes!

Regardless of the types of media that professors introduce, and students suggest, use, and implement, technology is taking hold in our universities to expand opportunities for the use of creativity inside and outside the classroom. Often times students can contribute new ideas to discussions and development regarding creative design, STEM learning, robotics, film animation, game design, and other arts. As we advance into the 21^st Century, we are all learners. We can all make use of both the left and right sides of our brain to advance the technology we already possess by using our creativity.

Matthew Lynch published in Assistive Technology, Black Boys in Crisis, Child Development Tech, Digital & Mobile Technology, Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech, October 19, 2017

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Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education, Higher Education EdTech October 16, 2017

How the College Life Gives Students an Unreal Sense of Living Expenses

Think back to your carefree days of life as a college student. Loans and grants may have financed your education so you could concentrate on studying. You didn’t have to worry about living expenses. All you had to do was go to class and get decent grades.

University students today have similar experiences. Many students live off campus in luxury apartments, unwilling to delay gratification in the pursuit of maintaining a lifestyle similar to what their parents enjoy. Co-eds share expenses with roommates, and they enjoy deeply discounted amenities during their time in college.

College life gives students an unreal sense of living expenses.

What college costs

Average college costs are $24,610 per year at a moderate four-year public university and $49,320 per year at a private school. Those estimates include tuition, books, fees, room, and board. Students still must factor in the cost of purchasing personal items, having a social life, and maintaining a personal vehicle. These expenses can cost an additional $250-$500/month.

University students are spending an average of $41,165 per year of study.

What students do not realize is that this standard of living is subsidized – by the government, the university, and often, by the students’ parents.

The real cost of living

Multiple those yearly costs by four and college students will see how much it costs to replicate their current standard of living. Leaving university life will be costly as well as eye-opening.

The lifestyle enjoyed in college would cost, on average, $160,000 per year. That estimate does not take any indebtedness into account. Many students consider going into debt as much a part of the college experience as attending football games. They know they won’t face that debt until they graduate.

They have unprecedented levels of debt without understanding the consequences of creating that indebtedness and delaying repayment. The average undergraduate has $37,172 in student loan debt and will take 21 years to pay it off.

At an annual average salary of $49,785, recent college graduates entering the workforce will not be able to maintain the lifestyle they enjoyed in college.

A new lifestyle

The shocking difference between college life and living as an adult on ones own is what has caused one-third of college graduates to move back in with their parents, a significant other, or friends.

It may be one way to avoid the sticker shock that comes from having an unreal sense of living expenses.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education, Higher Education EdTech October 14, 2017

10 Habits of Tech-Savvy Professors

If you’ve ever found yourself reciting the phrase, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, you’ve likely observed older coworkers, and family members refuse smartphones and tablets. As a professor, this kind of attitude is unacceptable. Your students need an education infused with technology, and it’s your responsibility to become a tech-expert yourself.

We’re breaking down the top 10 habits of tech-savvy professors! Implement these in your professional life and regain control of the classroom.

They Invest in Personal Development: If you’re new to the world of tech, do everything you can to invest in yourself. Invest time in trips to the library for reading material, invest money in online courses that offer advanced instruction and speak to higher-ups at your university about opportunities for additional training. Remember: great schools make internal professional development a priority!
They Practice, Practice, Practice: Sometimes this means investing in new equipment or speaking to the school board about implementing new classroom resources. After all, to learn how to use technology, you must have technology that’s easily accessible. Once the physical resources are available, anyone can master an unfamiliar digital landscape by taking the time to practice, practice, and practice. We recommend having an iPad or digital device at home that mimics tools students use in the classroom for additional, at-home practice. It’s better to make mistakes in the privacy of your own home than a lecture hall filled with 200 students.
They Listen (To Their Own Students!): Let’s face it. Unless you’re Steve Wozniak, the students in your classroom can handle a tablet better than you can. As a professor, it’s difficult to feel like your students know more than you. But don’t be afraid to ask them questions and listen to their advice. Get the perspective of students who love online learning and figure out how their minds adapt to new tools. Your students can be your best tech resource if you allow them to be.
They Have Confidence: The less certain you feel handling technology, the less motivation you’ll have to continue mastering new resources. The more courses you take, the more materials you read, and the more Google searches you navigate through, the more inspired you’ll feel to continue educating yourself. Build up your confidence through practice and don’t let little mistakes discourage you.
They Focus on the Purpose: Every edtech tool implemented should be applied with a particular purpose in mind, whether that’s to address students struggling with dense material or inspire students to improve their research skills. Likewise, every tech-savvy professors understand why they’re learning what they’re learning, whether that’s to improve their ability to navigate classroom web pages or understand how to pull information from an online database quickly. If you don’t understand why it’s important for you to master a particular program, you’ll never successfully communicate that information to your students.
They Create Their Own Web Presence: Create your own blog, website, or social profile. You’ll be amazed how much you can learn navigating a web page that you’re responsible for managing and updating. You’ll learn to troubleshoot, you’ll master the principles of digital design, you’ll figure out how to communicate effectively with other influencers online, and you may even learn basic coding.
They’re Fearless: Like anything else, don’t be afraid of failure. Don’t be afraid to troubleshoot and, when things get especially tough, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even professionals who’ve mastered tools like Adobe Photoshop and Avid Media Composer have, at one point, doubted their ability to do so. Once you have a little experience under your belt, technology begins to feel less frightening and more enjoyable.
They Communicate: Communicate with fellow faculty members who’ve been in your shoes, communicate with higher-ups who’ve recommended resources to other professors and communicate with your students. If you’ve got a classroom full of tech pros, figure out how they’ve learned to adapt quickly and implement their advice.
They Stay Up-To-Date on Tech Trends: Read articles about software updates, follow the launch of new products, watch news stories on cutting-edge technology, and subscribe to blogs outlining digital trends. Once you’ve got an understanding of the modern tech landscape, mastering specific tools becomes much easier.
They Love Change: This takes serious practice. The tech world is constantly evolving, and the minute you revert back to old resources, you’ll stop learning. Accept software updates with open arms, listen to fellow professors who’ve implemented tools in their classrooms that you’re unfamiliar with, and make an effort to shed stubborn habits. Otherwise, the modern world will leave you behind.

Technology is a part of the professional landscape. It requires knowledge of digital citizenship, and it allows for effective communication and collaboration. Not to mention, many schools that have implemented tech programs for students have witnessed incredible student growth, increased efficiency, and higher test scores. Like it or not, technology is here to stay. It’s your job as an educator to prepare students for the dangers our digital landscape presents while instilling essential habits for healthy tech consumption. For that to happen, you as the professor must master technology and become savvier than those who’ve grown up with an iPad glued to their hands.