Effectively utilizing educational technology (EdTech) for learning poses challenges, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar or novel tools.
Many of us have experienced the excitement of exploring EdTech with a growth mindset, only to discover that the tool may not function as initially perceived. Despite initial setbacks, we persist in experimenting, watching tutorials, and investing weekends in mastering the tool. However, lingering doubts arise: will it truly be effective? Can it genuinely enhance student learning?
To assist educators in navigating this complex landscape, Edutopia has compiled a list of five valuable resources in an article titled 5 Tools Teachers Can Use to Find Research-Backed Edtech That Works. These resources enable educators to review tools, compare envisioned outcomes with reported results, and gain insights into optimal classroom integration. The recommended databases are:
In the same article, author Steven Yoder emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear goals, quoting Jake Miller, a podcaster of Educational Duct Tape: An Edtech Integration Mindset. Miller advises teachers to stay focused on solving the initial problem when incorporating technology into the classroom.
However, a drawback of the mentioned resources is their dependence on teacher innovators—the individuals who explore new technologies to solve problems. While these databases encompass technologies reported by many teachers, they rely on innovators to contribute information about emerging technologies.
The competitive side of me understands this, especially when I held a Learning Technology Integrator role; the expectation was to lead with innovation, often synonymous with emerging technology. However, as Jake Mille asserted, it doesn't have to be the case, as innovation can thrive with existing EdTech as long as it creatively solves the problem at hand.
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