Education technology can satisfy the classroom educator’s desire for bringing tech into the classroom, but how relevant are the tools it offers?
Most educators want a 1:1 ratio between learners and digital tablets because they recognize tech’s potential for augmenting academic growth. Not all school districts have reached that goal, however. Limited budgets and fast-growing tech trends prevent mass adoption. Therefore, educators and administrators have to decide which tech tools offer the most bang for their buck.
Who is the Education Technology for?
When you select education technology options for your classroom, what do you base your decision on?
Some educators want something that addresses a specific need. Others may prefer education technology solutions that solve many challenges in the classroom, For example, managing learner work and data files can be burdensome, but Google Classroom helps with that. Keep in mind that many education technology companies focus on one of two consumers: educators or learners.
If the education technology is for educators, it likely will facilitate their administrative work in the classroom. Examples of educator-based education technology include grading with machine learning, data analytics for curriculum-based assessments, and apps that document academic progress.
Learner-based education technology, on the other hand, embraces neuroeducation strategies. These tech tools engage learners during instruction. Be on the lookout for simulations, options for differentiation, and versatility.
Demand These Education Technology Characteristics
When determining education technology relevance for your classroom, insist on these attributes.
For educators:
Intuitive solutions
Educators don’t need more on their to-do lists. They require intuitive solutions that reduce the tasks they have to accomplish. Education technology that simplifies and reduces is relevant to educator needs. That means finding software that assists with planning, grading, and differentiation.
Professional development
Missing instructional time is unacceptable for most educators. In the past, educators took professional days to attend training and remain current in their field. Now learning can be flipped for educators, too. Educators can continue their instruction with learners. Outside the instructional day, educators access professional development in online simulations, professional learning communities, and opportunities for embedded learning.
For learners:
Adaptive learning
Adaptive learning adjusts itself. It meets learners where they currently are academicly. Machine learning allows us to easily assess what learners know, suggest the next steps in instruction, and measure success. Software programs adapt to the responses of learners, tracking their answers and personalizing lessons.
Gamifying
One of the characteristics of neuroeducation learning is using socialization as a learning tool. Relevant education technology solutions for learners include gamification to engage with, explore, and collaborate with peers in learning environments.
Innovation wins
Be on the lookout for characteristics that allow creativity. Storytelling apps and vlogging are two of the ways education technology can encourage creativity in learners. There are also plenty of tools for art and music, and creative software can boost creativity in completing projects.
In conclusion
Educators and learners need relevant technology in the classroom, but they shouldn’t choose their tech solutions based on impulse. Instead, they should consider the attributes they need most, selecting education technology to enhance their work and augment learner learning.
Only then will education technology be relevant in school.
