Turn The Paige: Teacher or Technology? Which Comes First?
For many of us, the answer to that old chicken-and-egg question is obvious: teacher first, then technology. In other words, the teacher does not exist to serve technology, but technology to serve the teacher. In yet another timely article by U.S. News on the subject, we hear from Bob Wise, who in a past life served as governor of West Virginia and now heads the advocacy organization, Alliance for Excellent Education. According to Wise, it is the job of teachers not only to use technology to enhance student learning—though that is undoubtedly an essential aspect of today’s classroom—but to teach students how to use technology as a learning tool. Any technology used in the classroom must be integrated with high-quality instruction, not used as a substitute for it. (To borrow words from Vantage’s own philosophy, our technological resources should be used “to foster meaningful interactions between students, parents and teachers”—not at the expense of them.)
When seeking to incorporate technology into our lessons, Wise suggests that we think about the “three T’s”:
- How we can improve our teaching methods;
- How we can best use technology to enhance learning; &
- How we can use our class time most effectively and efficiently.
Today is Digital Learning Day. Use this kick-off day to rejuvenate and refresh your teaching practice:
- Get Inspired: Join the webcast and National Town Hall meeting for ideas and profiles of teachers who successfully integrate technology into their classrooms.
- Take the Challenge: During the month of February, use free online resources to help you plan lessons and stimulate growth and learning in your classes.
- Spread the Word: Grab a few fellow teachers, or better yet, your whole school, and spark a digital-learning revolution!
What are your favorite resources for creative teaching-with-technology tools?
-Paige
