Digital Distance Learning Plan: Using Technology to Enhance Teacher Effectiveness

Digital Distance Learning Plan: Using Technology to Enhance Teacher Effectiveness

Johanna H. Hunsbedt Dr. Galloway & Dr. Martinelli Technology for Administrators 22 November 2020

What is educational technology?

Is it analysis? Is it design? Is it evaluation? Is it development?

In a word, yes.

This field of study does all of this as it seeks to first define the needs of education and then create the learning environment most effective for students. It is not simply an attempt to imbue schools with machinery, gadgets and apps for the purpose of saying so; rather, educational technology maintains the simple goal of improving education. Because the world itself and the world of learning, in particular, are changing so quickly and broadly, we must remain ahead of the curve if we are to prepare our students for the world awaiting them outside the walls of our schools.

Who is using technology?

Pre-pandemic, technology quite literally filled our minds and our hands. From smartphones and androids to iPads and tablets to laptops and desktops, students, teachers and administrators were using machines of various sorts and sizes to communicate with each other, complete a variety of tasks and, indeed, create with wild abandon.

In our current pandemic-ridden world, everyone relies upon technology to varying but ever-increasing degrees. The communication that may have been humdrum now serves as a veritable lifeline to many; the tasks that may have included optional technological pieces are now required to be digitized; the creations that may have been recreational now involve the use of skills mandatory for even the least technologically inclined among us.

How is it currently being used?

Students, teachers and administrators rely upon technology now‌every day‌all the time.

We use Zoom to host classes and meetings. We use the learning management systems to take attendance, post assignments as well as both submit and grade work. Some use Screencastify and iMovie to create videos to delivery or enhance a lesson. Others use FlipGrid, Padlet and PearDeck to enhance the engagement and ignite the passion of our students.

Is it being used effectively?

Effective use of technology rests heavily upon whether teachers are have received requisite training.

While many apps and programs are user friendly, many remain counter-intuitive to those unfamiliar with the incorporation of technology into traditional lessons. Many teachers might refrain from apps they deem high-tech simply because they have not yet been taught how to use them. Just as we would never expect our students to produce work requiring skills that we have not yet taught them, we cannot expect teachers to use tools they have never been taught, either.

Why should we be investing in technology?

Technology has never been more necessary than it is now. Without it, education in our district would have come to a screeching halt on March 13, 2020. With it, however, our students were able to continue their students. The truth is, however, that the final months of school were glorified efforts in survival.

Teachers now have a Herculean task in preparing students for the future – one which holds innumerable uncertainties. In order for students to be prepared for what remains yet unknown, they must have exposure to as much as possible across a wide array of disciplines. This requires investment in cutting edge technology that engages them, inspires them, challenges them. While there is invariably expense in the hardware, not all of the programs require such exorbitant outlays. In fact, in light of the pandemic, companies and organizations are offering increasing services and programs free of charge. Just peruse this list of here for a list of Free STEM and STEAM Resources for Schools.

Benefits for Students?

Today’s students have grown up with technology; in fact, many are more savvy than their teachers in this domain. Therefore, there are receptive to lessons and activities that meet them where they are – they speak to them in their native tongue. Indeed, this is not teaching the old-fashioned way, however, if we are to be successful at opening our students’ minds, we cannot afford to be several steps – or bounds! – behind.

In addition, immersive reality effectively eliminates distracters and offers autistic students journeys of a lifetime, while assistive technology ensures that education is inclusive of all students. From high-tech adaptive tools like devices with alternative keyboards and even power wheelchairs to low-tech tools such as graphic organizers and flexible furniture, technology truly ensures that no child is left behind.

Students are also able to work collaboratively in real time. Creating a poster no longer requires giant paper and dried out markers when sites like Canva and Piktochart invite students to create groups to work collaboratively.

Finally, students can receive feedback much more quickly when they submit an online assessment and answers are corrected instantly.

Benefits for Teachers?

Teachers can work collaboratively in real time with students as they craft ideas and draft writing. The only “wait time” is the time it takes for a teacher to type a response. In addition, a program like Socrative assesses student comprehension so teachers can adjust accordingly.

Creating games to reinforce or review information draws students in and builds community even over distance. Apps such as Kahoot! and Class Dojo can do just this.

Few in education complain about having too much time on their hands.

Incorporation of technology may indeed require an investment of time, but the return in saved time is well worth it.

Where is technology going?

While it’s difficult to chart the course of a path yet unknown, there are inklings of future technology before our eyes…

Immersive Reality Experiences With such technology students are able to literally step into a different world in ways that bring textbook concepts to life. While some students currently have access to such advancements, lower prices will make such technology more widely available.

Predictive Analytics As a potential addition to education’s technology repertoire, predictive analytics might be useful in predicting and potentially helping at-risk student populations using test scores.

Low-Code App Development Coding is not for everyone, but with the development of low-code technology, in only a few years’ time app development will be within grasp of even the novice computer user. Imagine what this generation of students can create with the barrier of overly complex coding!

What should we be using?

The options are seemingly endless, however, these suggestions provide arm teachers with a few tools beyond the basics.

Screencastify This app allows teachers to create videos that actually include recordings of their computer screens. This is an invaluable tool to help walk students through steps of assignments as we continue with remote and hybrid learning.

Vocaroo For the camera-shy, this app allows teachers and students to create voice recordings downloadable as MP3 files. Language teachers and speech therapists will find this indispensable.

Flipped Classroom In this model, teachers post video lectures for students to watch before class. Class time can then be used to clarify concepts, build upon foundational information and offer individualized help.

Zoom Whiteboard This tool allows teachers to write as if on the classroom chalkboard! Imagine that – teaching the old-fashioned way!

Jamboard This app invites students to interact with a teacher’s post. Alternatively, each student may work independently on a slide with which the teacher can interact in real time.

Recommendations While it’s no simple task, perhaps we can boil down our responsibilities as follows: Assess Resources.

We need to take an honest inventory of what we have, what we need and what we want. First, assess the resources on hand and the funds available. Once we know whether what the district has on hand is sufficient, we need to prioritize what the district needs to function optimally for students to learn and teachers to instruct effectively. Simultaneously, we must create a budget and determine what fits inside those parameters. We might not be able to purchase everything on the district wish list, but we’ll likely be able to take huge strides toward arming our students and teachers with requisite tools.

Survey Family Access.

No district technological advances will benefit students who remain without internet access. If the entire district will switch to remote or even hybrid, we must survey families to determine which areas require district-funded hotspots.

Offer Training…and Time.

Providing access to technology is only the first step. As a district, we need to arm our teachers with the skills they need to make use of all they have available. In addition, they need to be given time to learn, practice and apply these skills to their lessons. Professional development time needs to be woven into the schedule so that our teachers are given hands-on training – albeit remotely – and time explore. Only then can we expect them to be successful in this new age of teaching.

Translate Curriculum.

Even teachers who of the same subject approach their individual classes uniquely. And, many teachers feel wedded to their lessons, their plans, their way of doing things. While the district should acknowledge the time invested in these areas, teachers must acknowledge that the even the most effective classroom instruction needs to be refined and restructured to fit the confines of remote learning. This, however, is no simple task, and teachers need time to do this.

Provide Support.

With remote learning, the work day never ends. Whether answering emails or posting assignments, teachers and administrators are working ‘round the clock. Therefore, they need help available ‘round the clock. While the district has an IT support team, their hours should be staggered so that no one is without the help they need…when they need it.

Present Choices.

Even if we were not facing a pandemic, choice remains paramount to reaching students. If we are to train brains in their entirety, we need teach through multiple modalities. Involving technology allows teachers to offer choices.

Be Flexible.

Rather than insisting upon an online project, perhaps some students might need a techno-break and would prefer to actually craft a collage by hand. Teachers might consider an uploaded photo of the project instead.

Think Broadly.

Consider various ways students can demonstrate mastery of material. Perhaps simply allowing them to design a project would excite students. In addition, consider open educational resources (OER) offered through the public domain.

Stay Connected.

Though it’s become cliché, we are invariably in this together. For our collective strength and sanity, we must remain as connected as possible…if only to remind each other than none of us is alone.