The steady stream of developments in education technology along with the books and blogs touting the newest, most student-centered methods of teaching makes it difficult to discern fads from true instructional innovations.
Technology should shift how students learn. However, without appropriate professional development teachers will be overwhelmed by the speed with which technology changes or merely replicate traditional teaching methods using digital tools.
The following is a framework for identifying instructional shifts due to technology and what their implications are for teachers and their professional development.
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Vision for Innovative Instruction |
Implications for Teachers |
Implications for Professional Development |
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Cultivate learning materials that meet the needs of all students |
Although some learning goals necessitate reading a common text together, the textbook and the teacher no longer are the only sources for learning content and skills. Teachers will need to become skilled at cultivating and organizing resources that are appropriate for their students and learning goals. Teachers should train students on how to find and select appropriate resources. |
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Create varied methods for demonstrating learning to authentic audiences |
To be successful in the 21st century students will need to be skilled collaborators, communicators, critical thinkers and creators. Therefore, teachers will need to design learning activities that teach and assess these skills. |
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Gather timely & actionable information about learning |
Powerful tools now exist that allow teachers to quickly assess students and respond to student needs by creating flexible pathways to learning. |
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