New Directions in IDT

I am a big fan of the emerging technologies for IDT.  There are several that I have experience using in my classroom and several that I look forward to using as a librarian.  I definitely think that using these technologies can enhance the learning experience.  I have thoroughly enjoyed e-learning as an option for professional development.  It allows professionals to choose options that are relevant to their area of expertise and classroom needs.  It allows you to choose when you learn and it gives you the opportunity to rewatch something when you need a refresher.  I absolutely love Web 2.0 tools because they allow you to differentiate instruction and allow students opportunities to have a choice in what they learn and the products they produce.  For example, Glogster is a tool that produces interactive posters.  Using rubrics you can have different levels of standards for the posters students create.  They can have a say in the topic they choose and the material they include.  I love how students can take ownership of their project and standards can meet various needs.  I love different tools for communication such as Remind, where you can send reminders and updates to students/parents.  I love Evernote and the way you can access your information from different locations.  There are so many ways that Web 2.0 can help you achieve curriculum and personal objectives in the classroom.  I also am a fan of games in the classroom.  There are so many programs designed to teach different standards and the students LOVE spending time using these games.  Students love using Starfall for practicing phonics, iStation for reading and science learning, and Cool Math Games to practice math skills that can seem boring when drill and practice is required to learn a skill.  Games can add a level of competition and incentive to improve.  Technology is absolutely a fantastic TOOL to use in the classroom, but there is nothing like an actual teacher to lead that learning.  A teacher knows their students and their strengths and weaknesses, they know the curriculum and can figure out where there are gaps or where you can make connections to real life experience.  A teacher communicates with parents and collaborates with other educators, parents and community members to make sure that students needs are met.

These technologies can all be huge assets in the classroom, but they don’t come without issues.  When it comes to e-learning, there will always be the issue of whether it was the teacher doing the learning, or were groups of teachers sharing answers.  This is a professional ethics question that I have seen raised within my district and school.  Even though teachers I knew were being questioned, it was hard to find hard evidence to support them either cheating or not cheating.  Technology can play a huge role in helping bridge gaps for students who are behind or lacking certain skills.  However, there can be issues when technology becomes so ingrained in the curriculum that it is necessary to use it outside of school.  Many low-income students do not have access to technology or internet that works consistently outside of the classroom.  There are also issues when it comes to troubleshooting problems with technology such as internet failure, equipment malfunctions, etc.  These take time and technical support that are not always available when pressed with curriculum needs.  Technology also has plus sides.  You can individualize instruction so that students are achieving personal goals.  You can explore and communicate beyond the walls of the classroom.  You can experience simulations that you would never have the time to experience in real time.  I think the main thing to remember with using technology in the classroom is that it is a tool.  Ultimately, the teacher knows the students and curriculum better than anyone or any technology.  The teacher can make decisions and plan instruction better than anyone.  A skilled teacher will utilize the tools they have to improve that instruction.  These tools can include technology, support staff, community resources, and other ways to make learning more relevant to our students.