As a teacher, I have always been the ‘techie guy’ with the latest gadgets. I’d be sending MP3 files when others were still using cassette tapes, or bringing an iPad to class and showing other staff members what it could do.
However, my own excitement at the possibilities of technology was not always infectious. Throughout my career, many of my colleagues have mistrusted technology – in part due to a lack of accessible information and training about its potential benefits. As a result, this led some teachers to feel that the traditional way of doing things was more RELIABLE, QUICKER AND MORE EFFECTIVE.
Even after the pandemic, many educators are simply not confident using technology, and understandably feel edtech is an unnecessary burden added to their already substantial workload, with little benefit.
If you find yourself in this camp, I would like to make the case for opening the door to edtech. Despite the challenges, my own prep school, Packwood, has successfully implemented a school-wide digital strategy and introduced edtech into our classrooms. Even more reluctant staff members are on board and slowly discovering how edtech can enhance their teaching, save time, create capacity and above all, get their pupils excited about learning.
Finding the right edtech
Countless colleagues throughout my career have said that they don’t know how to use technology. But the first rule of edtech is that if it’s not easy to use, it’s not working. Finding the right solution to meet your specific needs is therefore the first and most important step towards technology enhancing your teaching.