Teachers are the linchpin to implementing effective learning environments. Many teacher leaders have embraced technology tools and resources in the classroom similar to how they have adopted these tools in their personal lives and professional learning opportunities. These teachers recognize that leveraging technology tools and resources is essential for all careers from clerks to mechanics to artists to engineers to physicians – all professions are expected to understand and implement technology tools and resources. As teachers transition to digital learning, there is a need to re-establish classroom routines, change lesson planning and student activities and shift expectations to best meet the needs of all students.
What resources can help teachers implement digital learning in their classrooms?
In addition to the benefits of having opportunities to explore topics, locations and activities beyond a school campus via virtual and online tools, teaching and learning in the digital age includes new challenges including digital citizenship, equity of access and the interoperability of tools. It is imperative to provide professional learning opportunities for navigating shifts in learning models, reviewing digital content, programs and applications, as well as ongoing, sustained onsite support for teachers. With effective professional learning strategies, educators can choose the digital instructional materials and technology tools most appropriate for their instructional practices that best meet the needs of students. In addition to district and school resources, teachers have access to many different professional learning organizations.
With so many digital instructional materials and resources on the internet, how do teachers select quality materials?
Districts and schools will often have a list of vetted or approved digital instructional materials that teachers can access. In addition to those vetted materials, teachers may select other instructional materials for learning. When selecting materials, teachers should consider digital tools and resources that focus on the active use of technology that enables learning through creation, production and problem solving. Passive uses of technology such as apps that mimic worksheets or flashcards aren’t the best choices for learning. Digital resources can be purchased, free, or may be open educational resources (OER) with open licenses to provide the opportunity to modify and remix the content.
How can teachers help ensure that students use digital tools safely and responsibly?
Effective digital citizenship helps create a positive school culture that supports the safe and responsible use of digital tools and resources. Information literacy–the ability to find, evaluate, interpret, and apply information is an important component of teaching in the digital age. Teachers can also help navigate cyberbullying, internet safety, and other digital concerns with their students. Librarians are a valuable resource for teachers to help students learn to use technology safely and responsibly.
