Edtech integration has become a necessity in education. It adds value to the teaching-learning processes and ensures effective and efficient learning teaching. However, it continues to be unfamiliar to many, and many edtech misconceptions are floating around technology usage in education. Here are a few common edtech myths busted for all education stakeholders.
If it’s cool, it’ll engage Kids, and teachers will use it
Technology does have the “cool” factor to it. But often, institutions fail to analyse the needs of the students and teachers and end up implementing technology just for the “cool” factor.
For instance, many institutions install interactive whiteboards, but whether teachers use them or students are excited to use them remains a mystery. However, we know they are costly and require extensive training and professional development to successfully implement and generate desired learning outcomes. Without this training, teachers tend to use these expensive boards or any other technology as “glorified chalkboards,” or worse, not at all.
Students are all aware of the tech
Kids may like to use technology from a very young age. They have access to smartphones and other such devices. They may learn to play games, access YouTube and click pictures, but that doesn’t mean the technology comes naturally to them.
EdTech tools are much different & complex as compared to most other techs that the kids like to spend time on.
Educators can only expect students to know some pieces or functionalities of digital technology. They must be prepared to train students to use the tech they have in their classroom. Not doing so will only leave students confused and overwhelmed. This will make their learning journey difficult and impact their learning due to the added distraction of operating the new tech.
It is advisable that educators first get thoroughly trained on the latest technology being implemented and pass on the required training to the students for effective and seamless usage.
Technology will make learning interesting
It’s funny how many still believe that a touch of technology will magically make learning interesting for students. It does not work that way. Transferring dull lectures from paper to screen will not do anything.
Engaging students and catering to their personalised needs is the key to making learning enjoyable. Properly using technology can help you achieve this but enforcing tech just for the sake of it will be a waste of time, effort and money.
It’s not a substitute for what teachers can do; it can only enhance and enrich the learning experience for students. With the proper use of technology in education, educators can use multimedia, diverse learning material, teaching strategies and pedagogies that support personalised learning to hook the learners.
Independent learning is the best
Independent learning is not the “only solution” to everything. It does have its place in some education sectors but does not eradicate the need for students to be taught. Educators need to teach students and not let students rely solely on independent learning. Students need direction and guidance in many subjects and topics. They must get the necessary support and guidance until they do not need it any longer. Independent learning should be a part of continuous structured teaching and not the only “teaching strategy“.
Another related myth to independent learning is technology integration. Technology aids and supports education. It sure can provide an independent learning environment; however, it is still a part of the holistic teaching strategy and must be used in the required proportions instead of being seen and used as a facilitator for independent learning. Technology is a tool in the tool belt, not the whole belt itself.
If it works well and is cool to use, it must be good for the classroom
EdTech tools are surfacing in the sector like never before. You’ll come across many new apps, tools & platforms that promise to deliver results and are easy to use. Initially, these tools do seem to be solving the problem at hand. However, in many cases, they are redundant. Educators start using multiple tools, one for each of their pain points. This is because each product showcases its own USP, and with a lack of research, they end up using tools that offer the same features. Consequently, your academic and student data gets distributed across multiple apps and platforms. This concerns parents and the school due to the unclear and uncertain data privacy and use terms.
Not to miss, many edtech companies may get excited about an excellent tool they have built. Their beautiful UI and branding are tempting, but it is not a surprise many such products do not offer any real value to teachers over the tools they already use.
Multitasking is students’ second nature
Many believe that keeping students busy with multiple tasks helps exercise their “brain muscles” and develop the skills required to thrive in the dynamic “21st century”. While this is partially right, it varies for individuals.
Multitasking is not a vital element of every person’s nature, nor can you develop the “skill of multitasking” by force.
Contrary to this, several reasons prove why this is entirely fiction. Even if we think we are. (Kirsches & De Bruyckere, 2017; Willingham, 2010).
What we call multitasking may be task switching (flipping attention between one task and the other), which may work for a few but results in severe productivity loss for many.
If we had to educate students to succeed in various work environments, be it futuristic office pods or humble “20th-century” cubicles, we must teach our students how to be efficient and productive over multitasking.
For a few, multitasking may work, but most struggle with focus and efficiency issues. Approaching one task at a time and limiting the number of background distractions can boost their focus, efficiency and productivity.
EdTech is an essential component for successful learning. However, with so much information & access to tools, we must be careful. We must assess our requirements, analyse our options and then adopt only the essential tools to avoid chaos and ensure maximum productivity.
These perceptions are apparent and often get ignored. Therefore, they made it to our list of EdTech Myths. We hope we brought your attention to the right points and were able to shed some light on the issues we take for granted.
Stay tuned for more.
