The use of physical and virtual technologies in teaching, learning, and research is referred to as educational technology. It has become an increasingly relevant topic in education due to the rapid development of new technology in recent decades.
Educational technology refers to a variety of tools and products used to enhance teaching and learning in various settings. Educators have been using educational technology for as long as they have been teaching. Still, it has only recently been recognised as a normal aspect of education, with schools worldwide steadily integrating educational technology into their curricula from kindergarten to university level.
It’s known to all that the world is changing, and our schools are evolving along with it. Integrating technology into classrooms is one of the most significant shifts I’m seeing in education right now. Teachers who have a talent for maximising the use of technology will be the most successful instructors in this new century.
10 tips for becoming an educational leader
1. Look for methods to incorporate technology into teaching and learning
By making lectures more engaging, offering students quick feedback, or providing students with access to course materials on their mobile devices, technology can be used to improve teaching and learning.
Teachers can provide immediate feedback to students using technology such as quizzes or surveys to assess their understanding of the information covered in class. This allows them to immediately discover the areas a student is struggling with and reteach them accordingly.
2. Educate yourself on various technologies
Educational technology is constantly evolving. Therefore, educational leaders must educate themselves about new technology and advances to stay current with the latest trends.
Keep track of what’s coming up: The EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative examines new educational research and how it may influence future practice.
Keep an eye on the following trends in your coworkers’ conversations: EdTech Trends is a good example of a blog to follow.
Attend conferences or gatherings that feature speakers whose work you are familiar with or who can introduce you to new viewpoints from various industries.
You can also learn more by speaking with specialists, faculty members, students, other campus partners, vendors/manufacturers, and so on; make sure you only ask questions that they are qualified to answer.
3. Take part in continuing education
EdTech leaders must keep up with the current trends to continue offering high-quality training to their students and colleagues. Attending webinars, conferences, seminars, training, and workshops that focus on current advancements in this field of study is one way to accomplish this.
4. Be flexible and open-minded
Leaders in educational technology should be open-minded and adaptable. Of course, they must stay current with new technology, but they must not allow them to dictate the course of action without considering other variables such as cost and feasibility.
Being overly set in your ways might lead you down the wrong path – this is especially dangerous for any institution leading innovative efforts in education.
5. Pay attention to the tool’s functionality
You are not obligated to try every new tool that becomes available. Instead, concentrate on how the tool’s capabilities will benefit teaching and learning somehow. Hundreds of other edtech tools serve the same purpose. For example, zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are all video conferencing tools that can be used for synchronous class or peer learning activities in real-time. This means you don’t have to stick to Zoom because Teams and Google Meet have similar capabilities. Consider the function of the technology you’ll need to deliver the lesson, and then start looking for solutions that fit the bill.
6. Think about other options
Don’t limit yourself to just one edtech tool. Remember that you’re utilising one to assist students in meeting learning objectives, not just to try out the newest and coolest technology on the market. For example, you might want to assess pupils’ abilities to answer questions using critical thinking skills. You chose Poll Everywhere because it allows you to create polls, but you soon discover that several sophisticated features require a paid subscription. Instead, you may try Kahoot, which performs a similar role, and check if the needed features are accessible in the free edition.
7. Collaborate with your coworkers
As much as possible, collaborate with your classmates and other teachers at your school. Likely, you won’t be the only teacher who uses edtech to help students learn. Other teachers may be utilising the same tool in ways you haven’t considered, or they may be using tools you haven’t heard of yet. Share your thoughts and best practices, resulting in your informal professional growth.
8. Only use one tool at a time
There may be a strong want to test multiple edtech tools simultaneously but avoid the urge. We don’t want to jeopardise the learning process by spending too much time acclimating kids to a new technology each day. This detracts from learning, which is the most important aspect of the educational process. Instead, you can introduce more edtech tools as students become more comfortable with them.
9. Make use of the SAMR Model
The SAMR Model, created by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, is a paradigm for technology integration at four levels: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition. The SAMR paradigm demonstrates that artificial intelligence and augmented and virtual reality, for example, do not always need to be utilised to change or redefine learning. By having students record presentations online instead of standing in front of the class, technology can be equally effective at the substitute or argumentation level. Students will be able to see themselves again thanks to the recordings, and grading will be more thorough because you will be able to go back and review presentations.
10. Make Technology and Learning a Resource Hub
Having readily available and useful resources throughout the school year can be incredibly advantageous to your professional development. Continue to use Tech & Learning as a resource for teaching and learning in your classroom since it has a wealth of curated content.
The finest educational technology leaders know that there is no one-size-fits-all answer; they constantly test and implement new ideas while remaining flexible about what works best for their school or district at any given time.
Finally,
The subject of education is always changing, and educators must stay current with new technologies. This The subject of education is always changing, and educators and homework help experts must stay current with new technologies. This post has given you some excellent advice on becoming an EdTech leader. I’d be interested in hearing about your experiences in this ever-changing world.
