How to Make the Most Out of Advancements in EdTech

Required: Ongoing education for teachers.

It’s important to note that integrating technology in schools is not just about the technology itself. School administrators need to be mindful of where teachers are in terms of their ability to access and use digital materials in a new way in the classroom. That’s why Flanagan recommends that schools take the time to build what he calls “scaffolding,” essentially understanding that every teacher has their own entry point when it comes to using technology in the classroom. Some are more adept, he says, whereas others need to have a printed out checklist of steps handy to show them how to use a new piece of software or hardware.

School administrators need to be mindful of where teachers are in terms of their ability to access and use digital materials in a new way in the classroom.

“You need to respect that some people need to help to get that entry point,” he says. “Then you have to consider how to build off that knowledge base.”

He’s realistic about the time investment required, noting that there will never be enough hours in the day for traditional, face-to-face professional development for integrating technology into classroom teaching. Thus, he advocates for an approach that is “more applied, iterative, and team-based.”

Teachers need to be trained in using new technology in the classroom, but they should avoid trying to layer new technology on top of traditional learning models. He advises teachers to embrace some of the new teaching models, which include blended- or competency-based learning.