Raising Standards: The Impact of Technology on Teaching Quality
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Chapter 1: The Role of Technology in Education
The adage "everything in moderation" applies to technology as well.
I have a passion for incorporating tech in both classroom settings and beyond, supported by positive student outcomes that illustrate its benefits.
Yet, I occasionally question whether I may be demanding too much from my students, given the omnipresence of technology.
The debate surrounding the integration of technology in education often stirs controversy, primarily due to concerns from parents and educators regarding:
- Increased screen time
- Diminished face-to-face interaction
- Potential distractions
However, it is essential to consider how technology can elevate the expectations teachers have for students' work.
I am an enthusiastic proponent of technological tools in education, recognizing the advantages they bring to students.
Providing students with resources to develop projects and presentations can significantly benefit their future careers.
Challenging students is a necessity in education, and I believe technology can facilitate that challenge effectively.
Chapter 2: Shifting Expectations in a Blended Learning Environment
As we assess the impact of technology on student learning, it is crucial to also examine the evolving expectations teachers hold.
Even as pandemic restrictions eased, the return to traditional schooling was limited, necessitating a blended approach to teaching.
Consequently, expectations shifted; teachers began to anticipate:
- Higher quality submissions
- More extensive research for project-based tasks
- Accelerated learning through gamification, perceived as enjoyable
This surge in expectations has been acknowledged by my students, who express mixed feelings about the pressure technology creates.
In the first video, titled "201720 Excel Guided Project 4-3 - YouTube," viewers can explore practical Excel skills that align with the increasing demands of modern education.
Student Expectations vs. Teacher Expectations
Do students and teachers share a common understanding of when technology should play a role in learning?
This question has grown more pertinent in light of the recent pandemic, which forced educational institutions to transition to online modes with little preparation.
The swift shift towards a more technology-centric educational model has led to ambiguous expectations regarding how and when technology will be utilized.
Students often develop their own learning strategies that may not align with the goals set by teachers, leading to potential mismatches in expectations.
Special Education and Technology Expectations
Are current technological expectations failing to meet the needs of special education students?
While numerous studies suggest that technology can be beneficial, it is crucial not to generalize these findings without recognizing individual learning needs.
One special education teacher articulated the challenges faced by her students and the lack of tailored technological solutions.
The conversation about how technology impacts special needs students should be more prominent, as it can lead to improved outcomes for everyone if taken seriously.
My Experience
Reflecting on my tenure as a Head Teacher at a private institution, I noticed that technology often led to heightened expectations for student work quality.
Access to diverse resources and real-time information online created pressure for students to produce more extensive, high-quality work.
Upon reflection, I recognized that I sometimes set the bar too high, overlooking the necessity for students to first develop research skills.
In conversations with fellow educators, we discussed how current expectations are significantly higher than those from our own school days due to the wealth of available resources.
This realization prompted me to adjust my expectations to a more reasonable level that still challenges students but does not overwhelm them.
Conclusion
I wholeheartedly support the use of technology to enhance the educational landscape and ensure student success.
If I return to teaching, I will be more mindful of the expectations I set for assignments and the role technology plays in supporting student learning.
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