Authentic Learning with Technology

In her leadership journey, Dr. English has championed technology integration in education, starting from her early teaching days when her school received funding from Apple Computer. She stresses the importance of technology as an accelerator for classrooms, especially in addressing equity gaps. Notably, she highlights initiatives in Vista Unified School District where every student gained access to devices and internet connectivity, transforming learning at home and empowering parents through training programs.

Dr. English also advocates for the use of open educational resources (OERs) to ensure students have access to current and relevant materials, particularly in districts where traditional textbooks may be outdated or underutilized. She emphasizes the role of technology in providing students with alternative ways to learn and build confidence, reducing the stigma associated with not knowing answers in traditional classroom settings.  This closely aligns with ISTE standard 1.1b, Customized Learning Environments.  Students are given an opportunity through blended learning to build new learning networks and work with others online and in person to support their research and learning process. 

To effectively employ a blended learning environment, educators will require comprehensive and ongoing professional development that covers various aspects of technology integration, pedagogy, and instructional design.  Audrey discusses how Resnick and Collins introduced ideas connecting classroom learning to real-life applications. Their research emphasizes tasks integrating knowledge, skills, and attitudes, promoting the transfer of learning to life or work settings. Approaches like project-based learning and problem-based support authentic learning by focusing on real-world tasks and student agency. They also discuss authentic learning components, such as addressing real-world problems, open-ended inquiry, discourse in a community of learners, and empowering students through choice and relevance. Educators need to engage in professional development that allows them to learn how to facilitate the use of technology with students in a blended learning educational environment.  This type of inclusive educational environment allows students to engage in authentic learning, critical thinking, and real-world connections across disciplines.

John Albert highlights several real-world challenges educators face when employing technology in education:

Equity and Access: Albert emphasizes the importance of bridging the technology gap for students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Many students in his school come from poverty and might not have access to technology at home, unlike their more affluent peers. Ensuring equity in access to technology is a significant challenge that educators need to address to provide equal learning opportunities for all students.

Purposeful Integration of Technology: Albert underscores the necessity of having a clear strategy before integrating technology into education. Educators must focus on pedagogical goals and instructional strategies first, rather than viewing technology as a standalone solution. This approach requires training educators to use technology purposefully to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.

Teacher Support and Professional Development: Integrating technology effectively requires comprehensive professional development and support for teachers. Albert's approach involved starting with a voluntary pilot program, where teachers were trained to use technology to enhance their teaching strategies. Supporting teachers in integrating technology into their pedagogy and providing ongoing professional development are essential for successful implementation.

Changing Mindsets: Albert addresses the challenge of shifting mindsets about technology in education. Technology should not be viewed as a mere tool or "babysitter," but as a means to amplify student voices, foster creativity, and enable students to become active participants in their learning. Educators need to cultivate a mindset that sees technology as a vehicle for empowering students rather than replacing traditional teaching methods.

Sustainability and Scaling Up: Albert's approach involved starting small with a pilot program and then scaling it up across the school. Implementing technology initiatives sustainably and ensuring they have a lasting impact on student outcomes requires careful planning, ongoing evaluation, and scalability. Educators face the challenge of sustaining successful technology integration over time and expanding it to reach all students effectively.

These challenges highlight the complexity of integrating technology into education and the importance of thoughtful planning, professional development, and ongoing support to maximize its impact on student learning and engagement.

I am inspired by Albert’s views on the transformative potential of technology in addressing educational disparities and empowering students.  Here are some of the points that stood out most to me:

Technology as an Equalizer:  Dr. English emphasizes technology's role as an equalizer, providing access to tools that support learning for all students, regardless of their backgrounds. By ensuring access to digital tools, educators can mitigate the digital divide and create more equitable learning environments.

Building Confidence and Reducing Fear: Educational technology offers students a platform to engage without the fear of judgment or embarrassment. Students who may feel reluctant to participate in traditional classroom settings due to insecurities or fear of exposing their lack of understanding can use technology to build confidence, take risks, and explore their learning without stigma.

Empowering Student Voices: Technology enables students to amplify their voices and share their stories. It encourages active participation, creativity, and collaboration, fostering a sense of agency among students who may otherwise feel marginalized or silenced.

Engagement and Personalized Learning: Digital tools allow for personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Students can engage with content at their own pace, receive immediate feedback, and explore diverse learning resources tailored to their needs and interests.

Parent and Community Engagement: Technology not only impacts students but also extends its benefits to families and communities. Initiatives like parent training programs and access to online resources empower families to support their children's education and bridge the gap between school and home.

Mindset Shift and Educational Transformation: The integration of technology requires a mindset shift among educators and leaders. By embracing technology as a tool for innovation and equity, educators can drive transformative change in education, leading to improved student outcomes and a more inclusive learning environment.

The profound impact of technology in education, not just as a tool but as a catalyst for empowerment, equity, and educational transformation is astounding as is the importance of leveraging technology strategically to address systemic barriers and create opportunities for all learners to thrive.

References:

International Society for Technology in Education. (2024). ISTE Standards. http://iste.org/

Rule, A. C. (2006). Editorial: The components of authentic learning. Journal of Authentic Learning Vol 3. (1), 1-10.

Stachowiak, B., & McClay, J. (2019). Igniting Your Leadership with Technology. Independently Published.