Using Technology to Reach 21st Century Learners

By: Sarah HobbsUHCL Graduate Student

Students are very use to the technologies they have available on a daily basis.

Many know how to use technology better than their teachers and parents.

They use technology all the time. They are very mobile and plugged in throughout many of their activities.

Students Today

Try to integrate technology but many lack current technology resources

Many feel that they lack training on the technologies that they have.

Many feel like they don’t have time to implement technology effectively

Many do not have enough resources for an entire class.

Teachers Today

Should be implemented into the classroom because it can help teach all types of learners.

Can help enhance already strong content lessons.

Helps students receive the 21st century skills they need in order to be successful in the workplace.

Technology Today

Help increase student participation Reach students at their level Take students to places where we can not

travel as a class Increase understanding of difficult topics Add support to topics discussed in class Provide additional learning opportunities to

support higher level thinking

Technology in the Classroom can…

Technology integration is not where students attend a technology class.

True integration means that learning is supported through the use of technology.

Technology and its benefits can not take away the benefit of having a strong knowledgeable teacher.

The Strongest teachers use technology to ENHANCE learning and move students to new levels of understanding!

Technology Integration

Teachers should use the Tip Modelto integrate technology into the classroom

Step 1 –Determine relative advantage

Step 2- Assess tech teks

Step 3- Decide objectives and assessments

Step 4- Design Integration strategies

Step 5- Prepare instructional environment

Step 6- Analyze results

Step 7- make revisions Retrieved from Roblyer and Doering2013

Interactive white boards games Ebooks Virtual field trips Math and reading support programs Geocaching Online videos Blogs Social media Tutorials simulations

Types of Technology to Consider

Visit other teachers using technology and observe them. Don’t forget to ask questions.

Attend professional development for specific technology concepts/programs

Ask the technology specialist for assistance and training

Ask administrators to provide additional training.

Watch online tutorials and videos

Ways to Improve your Understanding

Teachers are required to use technology in the classroom, according to PEDAS requirements.

Technology TEKS are also a part of each grade level curriculum and should be included as part of instruction.

Students need to be able to see technology at work and produce work with it especially as they move into higher level classes, that assume they know basic technology skills.

Remember Technology is Required