8 Myths Busted for Technology-Resistant Teachers: Part II
Earlier this week in Part I of this blog post we squashed a few misconceptions about teaching with technology. By debunking certain myths about classroom tech integration (such as the belief that it’s always complicated, expensive or cost-prohibitive, or impossible to implement with scarcity of support or resources), we hope to help even the most reluctant teachers dip their toes in the water and eventually grow to love teaching with technology. And if our suggestions and helpful links didn’t take you from lukewarm to fired up about teaching with tech, then maybe discussing these next four myths together will!
Continued from Part I…
5. Myth: There’s Nothing Advantageous About Teaching with Technology
This is a rather outdated mindset that could potentially leave so many stones unturned in your classroom. Giving technology a chance means considering the data: among the myriad studies and statistics which support teaching with technology and show that the use of educational technology improves learning outcomes, these articles from Stanford and SecurEdge Networks stand out:
— Technology Can Close Achievement Gaps, Improve Learning (Stanford);
— 8 Studies Show iPads in the Classroom Improve Education (SecurEdge Networks)
- More: Student Collaboration is More Effective with Tech
- More: Community-Based Learning can be powered by tech
- More: Technology skyrockets students’ creativity and innovation like never before
- More: Technology breaks down barriers, unites cultures, and inspires exploration
- More: Students can come together on almost any educational topic, while the teacher can use the technology as an assessment tool
6. Myth: Technology Will Be Nothing But a Distraction in My Classroom
One of the biggest culprits of classroom distraction and disruption is boredom. Disinterest with the material being taught, lack of understanding, and varying styles of learning can all play into disengagement. While the misuse of technology may prove distracting (such as when students are allowed unrestricted cell phone access on class time), teaching with technology in a purposeful and focused way can take any lesson to the next level.
- More: Important topics like coding and programming, which are already technological in nature, wouldn’t be able to be effectively explored without tech
- More: Vetting different technologies to make sure they’re worthwhile doesn’t have to be a difficult chore
- More: The right technology actually makes it possible to streamline classroom management and stay more organized
- More: Technology engages students in ways that make any topic relatable and fun
7. Myth: Using Technology in the Classroom Will Make My Students Tech-Dependent
To this we say, it’s all about balance. Chances are, most of today’s students are tech-dependent in their personal lives anyway (ever try to separate a teenager from their phone?) There will be users and then there will be abusers of every kind of technology and system in the world but, luckily, there are resources for teachers. Apps and sites like TurnItIn and Viper make it easy to verify and enforce authentic work while discouraging laziness, and teaching with technology to support student assignments and projects has proven to be more beneficial than not.
- More: Technology encourages efficient research and fact-finding to increase students’ worldly awareness
- More: Technology teaches students how to effectively interpret data in ways that are conducive to different styles of learning
- More: Showcase learning and have students take ownership of their work with digital portfolios
8. Myth: It Would Take Me Too Long to Learn to Use Technology in My Classroom
Don’t worry, there’s always a learning curve. But there are shortcuts for teachers which make technology accessible and user-friendly, and there are plenty of resources like Google Drive and Google Apps for Education (most suitable for tech-supported schools) which make implementing tech pretty much fool-proof. Plus, you’ll have a classroom full of experienced helpers if your use of classroom tech does indeed lag a little.
- More: Take a look at the SAMR Model in order to evaluate and find a level of technology integration you’re comfortable with, and then re-evaluate and progress later
Let’s continue the conversation! If you have questions or if you’d like to share stories about your own adoption of classroom technology, please comment below or connect with us on social media. You may also be interested in checking Eduspire’s extensive list of course offerings, many of which deal directly with specific topics related to classroom technology integration.
