Digital Distance Learning Plan and Reflections
Jennifer Billeci Seton Hall University ELMP 7768 - Technology for Administrators Dr. Galloway July 7, 2021
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When referring to the term educational technology, what comes to mind is technology used to assist and promote education. Technically, Helena Lazaro states, “EdTech is a study and ethical practice for facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources,” (Lazaro, 2020. What is EDTech and why should it matter to you? General Assembly Blog Online). Educational technology has various uses in the educational setting and the potential implications for the future of technology is very exciting. Lazaro goes on to note, “If developed and applied correctly, educational technology has the potential to become truly industry-changing for educators— streamlining time-consuming processes (like lesson planning, reporting, and record-keeping) and simplifying communication — with even farther-reaching implications for educational institutions themselves.”
Prior to the pandemic, it seemed as though most educational institutions were using technology as a means to support education, i.e. videos, interactive boards, games,
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planning and grading resources. However, since being thrust into virtual learning and realizing the value of technology as a means to empower our teaching, it has become a more vital part of curriculum planning. Teachers, especially, have become more experimental with new applications and resources available, myself included. Prior, I mostly stuck to technology I was comfortable with, like Google applications, online quiz websites, videos, technology that was easy, fun and engaging. Now, I find myself utilizing more available resources to supplement my lessons and create an environment more attune with my technologically savvy students. In my opinion, educational technology is being used more effectively now than it ever has been. Specifically, as a special education teacher, educational technology is an effective means for differentiating and attending to the various needs of learners, with or without impairment disabilities. In her article, Using Assistive Technology to Empower Students with Disabilities, Micha Castelo states, “Implementing assistive technologies in the classroom gives students of all abilities a voice in their education. With assistive technology, schools can create more inclusive classrooms and empower students with disabilities to participate in the general education curriculum,” (2020, EdTech Magazine Online). Today, no matter the discipline, educational technology can be found in every classroom, whether it is Language Arts, Math, even Physical Education. The role of technology in the classroom has expanded beyond just support, it is now becoming a more seamless part of the lesson and teaching. Additionally, administrators are using more data driven resources to determine best practices and guide teachers. According to the U.S. Department of Education (2021), “Technology ushers in fundamental structural changes that can be integral to achieving significant improvements in productivity. Used to support both teaching and learning, technology infuses classrooms with digital learning tools, such as computers and handheld devices; expands course offerings, experiences, and learning materials; supports learning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; builds 21st century skills; increases student engagement
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and motivation; and accelerates learning. Technology also has the power to transform teaching by ushering in a new model of connected teaching. This model links teachers to their students and to professional content, resources, and systems to help them improve their own instruction and personalize learning.”
The future of educational technology is here and I believe we will see a paradigm shift in the way it is being used. Now is the time for our school districts to invest in the future of education and connect with a new generation of tech savvy learners. The Forbes Technology Council published their 14 Predictions for the Future of Classroom Technology (2020) listing “how they believe educators will push the barriers to leverage tech in the classroom. Here are their best predictions for the future of education technology.” (Further discussion of these resources can be found HERE.)
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1. Video Lectures 2. Immersive Mixed-Reality Experiences 3. Virtual Reality Experiments 4. Incorporation of Chrome OS 5. Predictive Analytics 6. Deeper Insight Into Each Student’s Learning Experience 7. AR-Powered International Field Trips 8. Real-time Digital Engagement 9. Instant Feedback for Students 10. Back Off Tech 11. Teaching Low-Code App Development 12. Transmedia Edutainment 13. Better Use Of Existing Resources 14. Developments In Nontraditional Education At the start of this trend, education technology, for some, felt like a burden or a distraction in the classroom. Many teachers felt as though it was just one more thing to add to their already full plates. Now, the possibilities associated with education technology are exciting and necessary. “Online learning opportunities and the use of open educational resources and other technologies can increase educational productivity by accelerating the rate of learning; reducing costs associated with instructional materials or program delivery; and better utilizing teacher time, “ (U.S. Department of Education, 2021). As I reflect on where we started with educational technology and where we are now, it’s mind blowing. It seems like everyday there is something new and exciting to aid in our teaching and engage our students. With that said, as educators, we need to take a step back and determine our purpose and need for various resources. Are teachers using technology just for the sake of doing what is expected or do the resources being utilized have a real purpose that is enhancing their teaching? I remember a former principal once said at a staff meeting, “I don’t want to come in for an observation and see you
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using technology for the sake of it without it serving a real purpose in your lesson.” I agree with that statement. In 2020, educators plunged headfirst into the role of virtual teaching and many districts were underprepared to take on this endeavor. As a result, districts have invested large budgets into the advancement of educational technology to keep up with these demands and changes. That response, to me, is a double edged sword. On the one hand, as previously mentioned, the future of technology is here, so investing is an accurate reverberation. On the other hand, the question needs to be asked, has proper research been done in order to garner the best resources and have teachers received the training they need to effectively use these resources? There is no doubt that educational technology is a benefit to both teachers and students, but I think that benefit is only realized when educational technology is used to its full potential. In summation, it is exciting to see the role technology is playing in education, but the rate of integration and expansion is also a bit alarming. My reasoning for this statement is that I worry teachers are overwhelmed and as a result will burn out too quickly. Ed tech is coming at us fast and furiously from all different directions and while this can be exciting, it can also be daunting. I don’t, by any means, think educational technology is a fad, it is here to stay. I just hope educational institutions are providing teachers the proper support to administer these resources in an effective manner.
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References
Bui, S. T. (2021, May 12). Educational Technology Trends In 2020-2021. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/top-educational-technology-trends-20202021. Castelo, M. (2021, May 10). Using Assistive Technology to Empower Students with Disabilities. EdTech Magazine Online. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2020/03/using-assistive-technologyempower-students-disabilities-perfcon. Editors, Forbes Technology Council. (2020, January 13). Council Post: 14 Predictions For The Future Of Classroom Technology. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/01/13/14-predictions-for-thefuture-of-classroom-technology/?sh=33ff9f8351c5. How to Use Edtech to Advance Your Career. JobHero. (2020, September 14). https://www.jobhero.com/career-guides/careers/planning/the-future-of-ed-tech. Lazaro, H. (2020, July 15). What Is Educational Technology and Why Should It Matter to You? General Assembly Blog. https://generalassemb.ly/blog/what-isedtech/. Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning. U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). https://www.ed.gov/oii-news/use-technology-teaching-and-learning.