Rise to the Challenge by Jeff C. Marshall

Author:Jeff C. Marshall
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781416628019
Publisher: ASCD
Published: 2019-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

Technology

For the last 10 years or so, we have lived under the premise that more tech is better for learning. Unfortunately, this premise is rarely challenged, and rarely is it based on strong evidence. A large international study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, 2015) found that heavy computer use actually leads to lower student outcomes in math, science, and reading. Used wisely, however, technology can enhance rather detract from learning.

In contrast to its findings on heavy computer use, the OECD found that some computer use was shown to be advantageous over no use at all. When computers are used as word processors, students tend to write more and better than they do by hand. Further, student outcomes significantly improved when computers were used to study or practice skills learned in class. This is largely because computers can provide immediate feedback and deliver differentiated responses much better than teachers can; for example, if students keep getting all the problems correct, many programs will automatically introduce more difficult problems to the mix.

Technology can and should be used to augment teaching, but it cannot be a substitute for human instruction. Too often, I see teachers provide a few introductory statements—sometimes on topic, many times not—before they direct students to their laptops or tablets to learn a lesson that was pre-published by an app. Although we may think this practice helps students to become more independent learners, the opportunity to challenge students to think deeply and interact with others is lost, and we are less able to tie each lesson to larger classroom goals.

Here's a better way to use technology with students. Provide them with a challenging question or real-world problem and have them work in teams to solve it. Only let students use the internet if the answer to the question can't easily be searched (e.g., "How many yards of concrete would be required for a building with three-inch concrete walls and six-inch concrete floors and X dimensions?"). Present a choice of problems at different levels of difficulty so that all students can feel engaged in the lesson.

Before implementing any technology-based experience in the classroom, think deeply about the value it does or doesn't provide to students. And when assigning homework, bear in mind that some students may not have access to the internet at home, and plan accordingly.

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