Educational Technology Research
Project Tomorrow Speak Up
This past week I got a chance to explore some educational technology research. I examined some infographics by Project Tomorrow Speak Up. Two infographics that I focused my attention on were, "What is the Future of Virtual Learning for Students?" and "What K-12 Teachers Say They Need to Use Digital Tools More Effectively."
Future of Virtual Learning
In this infographic, "What is the Future of Virtual Learning for Students?" there were a few statistics that surprised me. One was 64% of students in grades 6-8 said they were learning at a pace that makes sense to them personally. A second stated 62% of students in grades 6-8 said they are learning how to be more responsible for their learning. The third was 56% of students in grades 6-8 said they were developing stronger technology skills.
To me, it sounds like there were some positives that came out of virtual learning. I guess I never really considered how the students felt about virtual learning. Previously, I went by what teachers expressed about virtual learning. Many of my colleagues and teacher friends were unsure how much their students were actually learning through their computer screens. Some would also say it was challenging to help them when they were struggling. When you think about it, students were required to sit behind a computer screen and learn for the last year and a half. Those that were hands-on learners were forced to now learn visually. They couldn't just turn to a neighbor in class for help or have a teacher come over and assist them. I am happy to see that such a high percentage got something positive out of virtual learning.
What Teachers Say
When the decision was made to go remote, teachers were required to incorporate more technology into their classrooms. They had to learn on a whim and quickly adapt their once in-person lessons to virtual lessons. Some districts provided teachers with a few days to prepare, while some had to jump right in. Teachers were learning while simultaneously trying to teach their students.
The other infographic I looked at was What K-12 Teachers Say They Need to Use Digital Tools More Effectively. On this infographic, there wasn't anything that really shocked me. Teachers' primary needs to use technology more effectively are the same now as they were before the Pandemic. Teachers need planning time with colleagues, a classroom set of digital learning devices for every student, and professional learning about the effective use of digital tools. When looking over this infographic, I can completely relate to the statistics. I, too, feel that to integrate technology into my classroom effectively, I have to feel comfortable using it and need adequate professional development.
Moving Forward
I think it's beneficial to see that some students enjoyed virtual learning and I was able to see some positives that came out of it. It makes me happy to hear that students felt they were developing their technology skills. As teachers feel more comfortable and find more effective ways to incorporate technology into their classrooms, students will in turn become more successful. I also suspect that once districts realize that teachers WANT to integrate technology, more professional development and time will be provided to teachers.
References:
Project Tomorrow. (2021). What is the future of virtual learning for students? [Infographic].Tomorrow.org. https://tomorrow.org/speakup/What_is_the_future_of_virtual_learning_for_students.html
Project Tomorrow. (2021). What K-12 teachers say they need to use digital tools more effectively. [Infographic]. Tomorrow.org. https://tomorrow.org/speakup/What-K-12-Teachers-Say-They-Need-to-Use-Digital-Tools-More-Effectively-May-2021.html
Hi Amy, thanks for your post! I love the infographics you found and included in your post. I was happy to hear that the older students felt that technology had made some positive impacts on their learning. While virtual learning was a huge shift and caused lots of changes, I'm happy to hear about some positives that came out of it! I agree that our technology skills really improve this past year! As a first grade teacher, I can see the benefits of technology but I also agree that in order to use technology effectively, I and other teachers need to first feel super comfortable using the new technology. There has been way more virtual collaboration within my school and grade level team this past year, which has been wonderful! There are so many benefits to technology and I look forward to learning more tech tools to help my students grow!
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I really like the data you shared. What stuck out with me is some of the positive outcomes of virtual learning specifically "less school drama". I actually had students tell me that they liked virtual learning because of this same reason. Some of my students shared that they felt more comfortable at home and were able to focus more. I can see in the not to distant future an option that students can choose to learn at home if they are being responsible and successful.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteThat is a little surprising how many kids enjoyed virtual learning. I wonder if that changed for some kids as time went on. Like, if some began to like it the more they did it, and as they got into a routine. Or if they liked it at first, but as time went on it began to lose some luster? I do think there is a place for a combination of virtual and in-person learning. Great Post!
Thanks for focusing on the positives!
ReplyDelete