Common EdTech Mistakes
What:
Educational technology is often seen as a failsafe in education causing districts to chase after the latest trend. However, implementing educational technology can be time consuming and difficult and when implemented poorly can become more of a barrier than an improvement. I have worked with numerous teachers in large group, small group, and one on one sessions to help implement educational technology well into the classroom. Below is a list of five common mistakes teachers make when implementing educational technology into the classroom (source).
TEACHER’S COMFORT:
One of the largest problems in implementing technology in education is that the teacher chooses technology they are comfortable with. Teachers are afraid to take a risk on a technology tool because they are afraid of failing in front of their students. Teachers should be willing and open to learning from students and to create an environment conducive to learning from failure.
TEACHER IS IN CHARGE:
Another problem with implementing technology in education is that the teacher determines how, when, and where students use technology. Teachers are in charge of the classroom but can allow students to take charge of their own learning by allowing them a say in the how, when, where, and even why of the use of technology in the classroom. Autonomy allows students to take ownership of their learning and thus engages them in the lesson.
TEACHER TAKES ON TOO MUCH:
One of the most common issues with implementing educational technology is that the teacher tries to take on too much at once. It is perfectly fine to choose one tool and learn it well by implementing it in class several times before moving on to another tool.
TECHNOLOGY IS DISTRACTING AND NOT NECESSARY:
Stemming from the problem that teachers take on too much in trying to implement educational technology is the problem that some technology is distracting and not necessary. Not all technology tools should be implemented in every classroom. The teacher should decide what is best for the lesson and for their students. Just because the technology tool is trending does not mean it has to be used. The goal of implementing educational technology is to enhance the lesson, create efficiency, give students autonomy, and to connect students to the outside world. If the technology tool does not fit one of those criteria then think twice before implementing it in the classroom.
TECHNOLOGY IS THE END GOAL:
Along the same idea, another huge mistake is that educational technology is being implemented as the end and not the means. Teachers are implementing technology to meet a standard set by the district or to be a 21st century school. Technology should help the teacher to be the most effective as possible, help students access information from knowledgeable people all over the world, or should teach skills like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. If the goal of implementing technology is to implement technology, we have missed the point altogether.
Next Steps
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References:
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TLDR (too long didn’t read):
Educational technology is often seen as a failsafe in education causing districts to chase after the latest trend. However, implementing educational technology can be time consuming and difficult and when implemented poorly can become more of a barrier than an improvement. I have worked with numerous teachers in large group, small group, and one on one sessions to help implement educational technology well into the classroom. Below is a list of five common mistakes teachers make when implementing educational technology into the classroom (source).
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