Authentically using Technology in the Classroom

Authentically using Technology in the Classroom

Authentic learning, if you have read or listened to me on the SPS Digital Learning Hour Podcast, you know that this is something I am constantly saying about using technology in the classroom, but do you or I even know what it means?

Edglossary.com (A website that defines Ed Reform terms) defines authentic learning like this:

In education, the term authentic learning refers to a wide variety of educational and instructional techniques focused on connecting what students are taught in school to real-world issues, problems, and applications. The basic idea is that students are more likely to be interested in what they are learning, more motivated to learn new concepts and skills, and better prepared to succeed in college, careers, and adulthood if what they are learning mirrors real-life contexts, equips them with practical and useful skills, and addresses topics that are relevant and applicable to their lives outside of school.

Does that sound like something you desire in the classroom? It sure does to me. I think what is interesting about this definition does not address technology. The focus is on what the students are learning and how they are drawn to. If the content is something they are interested in, applies to real life then they are more apt to care about it. One of our ultimate goals as teachers is that our students leave us ready for the world they choose, ready to succeed whether they are going to college, trade school, or starting a career.

What does using Technology in the classroom authentically look like? The first thing I would note is not forcing technology into every single thing you are doing. Just because you have it, doesn’t mean it should be used for everything. With that being said, for technology to be authentic, you need to have seamless integration. This means that the technology is naturally a part of the classroom and as a teacher you need to be ready to adapt to the newness of it all. Edutopia.org has a great, short list of the way’s technology can be integrated well, to read the full article check out the article in the list below:

  • Updated primary source materials
  • Easier data collection
  • World-wide collaboration
  • Different ways of expressing the students understanding
  • Training for publishing & presenting their knowledge

These things are important to learning because whatever tools you are using, they need to be effective. The last part of authentic technology use in the classroom is giving the students voice and choice in what tools they are using. By letting students make their own choices then they can take full ownership of their work.

Here is one example of students using technology authentically and naturally in the classroom.

What this looks like in your room will differ from the room next year, so don’t worry about what is happening next door. Your classroom will be your classroom, part of our job at the district level is to help you use technology authentically in your classroom. Anytime someone asks me about what they should do in the classroom, I respond by asking you what you do now in the classroom and let’s start there. Instead of completely changing their classroom I have tried to encourage teachers to think about what they are doing now and then we can make small, logical changes.

Resources:

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

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