(This discussion post is used in conjunction with EYPD Education courses. The purpose is to increase awareness on the specific topic that may coincide with courses.)
Educational Technology is defined as “the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating using, and managing, appropriate technological processes and resources” (AECT. 2004. p.3).
Instructional Technology is defined as “the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning” (Seels and Richey, 1994, p.1).
By: Melvin Robinson
Executive Director
melvinrobinson@earnyourpd.org
Earnyourpd.org
What is instructional and educational technology for K-12 schools? It’s more than smart boards, power-points, surveys, laptops and tablets in the classroom and library. That may have been the initial design but much in this area has improved by innovative software applications that work with various operating systems. Most of it is web based and others use certain apps for functionality. Schools need data that is aggregated with the appropriate analytics in order to receive useful informative information. This will give educators the ability to make real-time adjustments to their instruction that would otherwise take longer to achieve.
The need for instructional applications that focus on active learning that is used in conjunction with smartphones, tablets and laptops should be required for all testing areas. This is not new and many technology companies are successful with active learning products. There are many areas in which innovative ideas in educational and instructional technology are used. Many K-12 schools have already made that shift and others have not. In some cases, schools have the resources in place but not the staff for full implementation. The potential in schools that have these resources are great and can be the key to increasing more engagement in the classroom.
So what are some areas of great instructional and educational technology usage?
- Assessments
- Analytics
- Forecasting
- Online assignments
- Online Homework
- Online Classroom blogs and newsletters
- Online students blogs (writing skills)
- Interactive gradebook (online or apps)
- Active Learning apps
Districts and schools need educational and Instructional technology companies to help make classrooms exciting and productive. Here is a list companies that could work for your school or classroom. We do not endorse any company but offer our expertise in choosing the right solution for your needs. With over 20 years of experience in IT field, our staff can quickly locate barriers or training needs in your current solution to solve them.
Technology in the classroom has become absolutely vital in the past decade. With the internet at our fingertips, a wealth of information and resources are available. Some of the most important resources that we use in our school district are software applications relating to subject content. These software programs can be used for differentiated instruction including enrichment and remediation. Students with disabilities can also benefit from educational technology. Another awesome thing about technology is that students can use their phones for interactive classroom activities that keep students engaged. Great list of resources!
I agree with you , it has given our students greater opportunities at learning
I think technology in the classroom is important .It has connected us to different people in the world and we can learn how to do thigs differntly. It has given the students with disabilities the opportunity to be educated, but it has also made some of our students lazy, too
Technology is extremely important in education today. We all have to get on board if we want to move education forward.
As a first grade teacher, it is vital that I use the type of technology that has appropriate analytics for my students.
My students need to be actively learning with a technology that will give a teacher useful information. This will help the teacher to adjust her instructions to address the students needs.
We will lose the paper trail. The teacher can check her student’s data anywhere at anytime, along with communicating with the parents as often as necessary. All of these new things are exciting and adding new energy to education.
It will be a learning process for the educators as well as the students!