Teacher's Role in a Technology Driven Classroom

Recently, I read an article titled “When Tech Teaches, What Do Teachers Do?” by Lisa Nielsen.   http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2015/11/when-tech-teaches-what-do-teachers-do.html#more  This article discusses the shift that is taking place in the classroom as the teachers role changes from a lecturer to a supporter who provides guidance. This can be a challenge, especially to digital immigrants. Technology has given us the opportunity to learn in ways that were not available even just 5 short years ago. This has opened our eyes to the fact that teachers are everywhere. It is part of our job as educators to assist students by helping them connect with other people to extend/expand their learning capabilities. We must aid students to effectively navigate the abundance of information available on the internet to ensure they are able to create desirable networks that will foster creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking. Teachers need to focus their efforts on finding ways that provide students the best opportunities to learn. This entails investing the time to become familiar with various programs and websites that will foster this growth.

In the past differentiating instruction has proven to be very time consuming and difficult to implement on a consistent basis. Through the integration of technology students reap the benefit of personalized learning through differentiated instruction, collaboration, and instant feedback. When technology is effectively implemented students are able to simultaneously read books at their own reading level, solve problems that are within their zone of proximal development, and receive one-on-one or small group intervention for those in need. In addition, technology can provide computer generated reports that inform instruction, intervention, and student self-assessment. I think it’s clear that educators must integrate technology into instruction. The question lies in how best to accomplish this task.