Learning Engagement #SRSULearns

The following are resources and information to help shed light on learning engagement with the following questions posed:

1. How can schools foster an engaging environment where teachers feel confident and empowered to integrate innovative technologies?

There has not been effective technology integration in many classrooms for various reasons, mainly a lack of professional development. The teacher is the facilitator of learning, so if their district has not invested its time and money in adequately training them in educational technology, then it will not benefit their students. It’s not enough to provide devices and software without the proper training on how to use them effectively and teach them best practices. Teachers must feel comfortable and confident enough about how to use innovative technologies to integrate them into instruction. Teachers are the direct link to students and they need the guidance and support to provide an engaging learning environment. They should be provided with vital resources and hands-on learning opportunities where they can grow their confidence in this area. Only then will teachers gain the empowerment necessary.

Resources

* 3 Ways to Empower Teachers and Transform Classrooms:

https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/3-ways-to-empower-teachers-and-transform-classrooms

* EMPOWERED- Teachers building real-world ready:

https://teachempowered.org/

* LeaderinMe- Empower Teachers Who Empower Students:

https://www.leaderinme.org/blog/empower-teachers-who-empower-students/

2. How can we ensure that teachers continue to utilize technology Post-COVID as they did during the pandemic, and do not revert back to traditional teaching methods as in Pre-COVID?

COVID forever changed the world as we knew it, especially in the education field. Schools scrambled to shift from traditional teaching methods to online remote learning. There were many hurdles that were overcome but, nonetheless, everyone provided the best instruction possible. There was educator growth as many learned new digital skills and utilization of different hardware and software. Everyone came out with more knowledge after this experience. Now, the issue arises when teachers are underutilizing the crucial skills learned. Many are reverted back to traditional teaching methods, instead of creating a blended learning environment where they continue to integrate technology into instruction as before. Schools must guide and support teachers' journey to utilizing technology as heavily as they did during the pandemic. They must create a school environment where educators are well aware of the importance of educational technology.

Resources