Approaches to Technology in the Classroom

Approaches to Technology in the Classroom

10th November, 2015

Will discusses the simplicity of incorporating technology into the classroom. 

In my experiences in classrooms I have seen many different approaches and attitudes towards technology in the classroom. They can be broadly grouped into the three categories below which will be discussed in detail over my next three blog posts. At each stage I discuss implications for students and some suggestions for moving forward into a technology rich environment. No matter what stage you might consider yourself at, there are always opportunities to incorporate technology into the classroom. 

• Cautious - “I stick to using the same technology as new technologies are unpredictable” 
• Excuses (lazy) - “I don’t want hassle of dealing with technology breaking down – I teach how I have always taught” 
• Welcoming - “I am confident with technology and want to always try new things”

This post will delve into a cautious technology teacher. These teachers might let students publish work using word processing software or know the basics of the interactive whiteboard, but they are reluctant to venture into the world of ever changing and advancing technologies.

Yes, new technologies can be unpredictable but so is anything ‘new’ – new students, new content or new strategies. If students are using the same technologies every day, in every curriculum area, are they really developing any ICT skills? What opportunities does this provide the students to become 21st Century learners? The beauty of incorporating technology is that it can take simple tasks that are familiar to students and make them incredibly powerful. 

As an example, a popular introduction to any unit of work is a brainstorm to establish prior knowledge and to question what content needs to be learnt. A conservative teacher might have students sketch this in their workbooks. A cautious technology teacher may even let students create the mind map in a program like Word or Inspiration. However, through the use of a mind mapping application, students are suddenly exposed to authentic technology use. An application such as Popplet (available on iPad and Web) allows students to easily create mind maps filled with text, colours, images and even videos; this appeals to a range of learners in Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences.

The most exciting part about using an application like Popplet is that it allows students to communicate their ideas and work collaboratively. They can invite classmates to view or collaborate on their map by entering their email address. But why stop there? Think of the benefits and possibilities or collaborating with another grade, another school, even another country? Now THAT would be ‘unpredictable’ - but imagine the learning, collaboration and motivation in your 21st century students!

In summary, if you are cautious about using a new technology, don’t over complicate it. Start small and simple and the outcome can be far greater than if you confined students to their stable, familiar, ‘always perfect’ technology.

- Will