Technology Integration

Teaching students how to use technology and how to learn by using technology is a process.  The focus should always be on the content that the teachers are teaching, but they will need to start somewhere when integrating technology into the curriculum.  Students will learn the technology best when they are able to explore the tools given to them.  I don't feel that the digital tool that is being introduced needs to be explicitly taught to the students.  They are going to learn how the tool works and the different features of the tool.  As teachers, we need to show them how the tools can be used within the curriculum and how to use the tool to show us what they know.  This can be done by modeling while we are teaching.  If teachers use the technology in the lessons they teach, then they can demonstrate how they expect the students to use the technology as well.  But this will take time throughout the year to instill in the students.  I think as we are becoming more tech savvy ourselves, the students will realize that they will have more freedom to explore different options when using technology.  When we start at a young age in elementary school, the students will become more aware of how to use the technology in the classroom.  It will take several years but will be worth it in the end.

Digital Distraction

Keeping students on task when using technology is a challenge for most teachers.  Some teachers are uncomfortable with technology in the classroom and will try to control the technology and student use of it.  Other teachers are more comfortable with technology and will keep the students engaged when using tech but will control screen time and internet usage on the devices.  The third group of teachers are integrating tech in the classroom with ease and are setting expectations for using the technology to have students become self-aware of when and how long they are using the devices.  In my classroom, I began with the second stage but have progressed through the third stage of managing the technology and the distractions.  The reason this is possible is because expectations are set and reinforced constantly throughout the class period.  Teachers can get to this level of management if they are committed to setting expectations and procedures with their classes and be consistent with those expectations.  Support from colleagues and administration would help the teachers be more comfortable with managing technology distractions.  A school-wide effort on setting expectations with technology would greatly improve the level of technology effectiveness and lower the level of distractions that teachers face with technology.