A Tool Worth Using
- Kasey Brown
- Aug 30, 2023
- 3 min read
Why technology and teaching should go hand-in-hand
Introduction
Within the fast paced world of 21st century learning, technology has become a necessary tool that should be utilized regularly across all learning realms. Our students are developing skills that will build industries and contribute to occupations that don’t yet exist. As educators, it is important that we harness the times and truly embrace new ways of learning in order to tailor to the diverse needs of students. While it is widely known that education is generally slower to catch onto trends, this does not validate the idea that technology doesn’t belong in the classroom. As educators, our attitudes towards the effectiveness of technology must begin to lean towards the scientific benefits it has on learning and development for our students.
Developing Relevant Learning
While technology generally gets a bad rap in the hands of children, there is no valid evidence that supports the idea that the use of technology can cause any major corruption on the cognitive capacities of students (Taylor, 2012 as cited in Wilson et al., 2017). Knowing this, educators must learn to understand the cognitive benefits of multimedia components and understand its ability to “support learners in accessing prior knowledge, evoking emotion, stirring interest, heightening curiosity, and appealing to multiple intelligences” (Wilson et al., 2017). Allowing students to access technology offers them relevant learning experiences that are connected to their plugged in world. Without the use of media or visual literacy, what we teach can quickly become static information to our students.
A New Way of Learning
In considering the science, Adidas Group corporate leaders began exploring the ways in which they were offering training to their workers. This investigation led them to find evidence that supports the claim that most of their job-related learning was taking place on the job, rather than in the formal training that was being offered. The company reevaluated the methods in which they were training based on the 70:20:10 Framework that was developed in 1996 by Morgan McCall. The idea behind this framework is suggestive of the evidence that 70% of learning happens on the job, in real time. While 20% of learning occurs through social experiences with others, and only a mere 10% of learning actually comes from the formal course settings (McCall et al., 1996, as cited in Wilson et al., 2017). By implementing this type of set up to train and educate employees, Adidas adapted their new strategy to be called “A New Way of Learning.”
Technique Over Technology
In further support of those statistics, it has also been found that the brain can only retain 50% of the information it is given within an hour's time. These things should be highly considered in thinking about the influence technology has on learning. Knowing that technology can increase engagement, reach multiple learning styles, as well as help students retain information should be enough motivation for teachers to begin utilizing this powerful tool in everyday learning. While there is ample research supporting the usefulness of technology, it needs to be noted that “the pivotal achievement factor is not the type of technology but rather the actual use of the tools.” (Wilson et al., 2017). An educator’s belief in the importance of technology is imperative when it comes to successfully integrating its use into learning. It is important to understand that it is not essential to know all there is to know about technology. Just by understanding its effectiveness, cohesive, technology rich environments can be created and sustained.
Theories in Theory
Within this research has come many theories that surround the idea of brain development and learning. These theories are something I know a little bit about, but I am eager to pursue them a little more. The ideas presented through a few theories by Sweller and Mayer produce the idea that the delivery of content and its connection to the memory play major roles in how learners absorb and retain information. By understanding these theories and their processes, educators can begin utilizing technology beyond the basic levels and truly deliver instruction that enhances learning for all learners.
Conclusion
Overall, the resources provided this week just reiterated the importance of a marriage between technology and good teaching. Both are required in order for learning to occur in our modern day classrooms. Technology won’t replace teachers, but teachers need technology. It’s the gateway into creating collaborative spaces that support problem solving and critical thinking. By viewing digital media as a tool rather than a substitute, powerful learning can begin to take place (Wilson, et al., 2017).
Additional Resource
Works Cited
Wilson, D. K., Alaniz, K., & Sikora, J. (2017). Digital media in today’s classrooms : the potential for meaningful teaching, learning, and assessment. Rowman & Littlefield.
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