The Technology Curve: Keep Going!
Week One Blog: Make Your List!
Before we get to our list of "Ten Things Every Educator Should Know About Technology," I was curious about the different kinds of technology "adopters" in terms of how different people approach this learning curve in or outside the classroom.
Some categories I found interesting were created by researcher, Everett M. Rogers. The five stages and their percentage distribution, based on Rogers’ research, are:
1. Innovators (2.5%), 2. Early Adopters (13.5%), 3. Early Majority (34%), 4. Late Majority (34%), 5. Laggards (16%).
I used to fall somewhere in between an early and late majority adopter. Having said that, my take on this "Ten Things" list reflects a shift away from my natural instinct to shy away from technology and more towards my recent life/work experiences to try new things that scare me. I have found myself on the other side of fear I am happy to say and am a believer now that technology doesn't get in the way of reading, for example, but rather many things can exist together in a learning space that is beneficial if done right and with intention.
I enjoyed reading comments to Olson's question and related to one particular comment, "Use technology only when it makes rich, real and relevant curriculum richer, more real and more relevant" because it sums up the "why" behind using technology in the classroom.
So here it goes:
10. It's Alive!
Think of the learning curve like it's a baby. The moment you get comfortable and confident, a new phase has emerged to keep you on your toes. But you get to watch it grow and be part of something amazing!
9. Keep Going
This requires a flexible framework to ride the waves of change. There are good days and bad days like anything where you will achieve great success and then are told the school is no longer using the particular technology you just mastered. Be prepared to try get frustrated but keep the end goal in mind: supporting student and teacher success.
8. The Wild West
I like to remember that there is no one right way to do things. This can be terrifying or thrilling for many. Of course there are some best practices around adopting and using technology, but there is freedom to try and change course and try again.
7. Fight not Flight
Sticking around is worth it. One of the comments to Olson's blog spoke to this: we are doing this for the students and our collective future. Technology is not going anywhere and it is our responsibility to prepare students to navigate the world to the best of their ability.
6. Find The Experts
Ask your students! Meet them where they are and don't be afraid to have them show you what they know and how to use new technology. This lets you get the baseline. What are the emerging trends? Why do students or teachers use what they do? What have they learned? Collaborate! Borrow from them and figure out how they know what is working best.
5. Practice Makes Progress (Not Perfect)
Play! Play around with new stuff to work out the kinks and figure out what you know or don't know and how to address challenges or anticipate student or teacher questions. No, we don't have all the time in the world to do this but even if you set aside 15 minutes out of your day, it is worth it so you feel more comfortable and confident.
4. Connect The Dots
It is so easy to jump on the newest trend because everyone else is but intention is important. How does the technology align with and support learning outcomes? You do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on something that just sits there and on the flip side, you don't necessarily want lots of students using a new trendy technology for something that really doesn't benefit them in any clear way.
3. Weed Your Garden
When we invest a lot of time into something, we like to keep it around. But what if that means that it is taking up space in our classrooms as well as lesson planning even if the benefits are not clear? Don't be afraid to make room by removing what is not working anymore. This is hard- it is hard to remove beloved books from our shelves and it is hard to let go of tools that have been reliable. While we don't necessarily need to "fix what ain't' broken," don't miss out on an opportunity to try something better because your garden is too full.
2. Have fun!
Fun in my mind means you are living the moment and able to enjoy yourself. When we think of trying something new, however, it can make us feel uncomfortable and doubt our capabilities. But what if the adoption of technology was framed as a game where we are not being judged and in it together as a learning community? Maybe even try to create actual games during a PD about Technology Integration...
1. Make Your Own List
Not convinced? Try creating your own list of what educators should know so you own your technology path within a framework you can always refer back to when you are not sure about next steps.
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