Technology and learning in the classroom: six tips to get the balance right

theconversation | February 19, 2019

Australia was one of the first countries in the world to have more computers than students in schools. But as the numbers of computers and other technological devices increased, student performance did not. The days of cramming computers into classrooms and expecting improvements in learning are numbered.Some argue there’s little evidence to justify investment in technology in the classroom. In fact, some studies even suggest potential harms. Some have suggested links between screen time and increased ADHD, screen addiction, aggression, depression, and anxiety, dizziness, headaches and blurred vision. There is also a risk that schools’ focus on acquiring the “next best thing” may come at the expense of students’ interpersonal, cognitive, critical thinking and communication skill development. Teachers should use technology in a balanced way that enhances learning and skill development. Here are six evidence-based tips on how to do just that. There are endless opportunities for students’ writing to appear in ways that combine two or more modes (such as visual, audio or spatial). Making e-books, videos, animations, blogs, web pages, and digital games are the new ways of demonstrating literacy that involve clever combinations of these modes.

Spotlight

The B2B buyer journey has always been complex. And today, with the ever-changing demands of the modern industry buyer, it has become even more necessary to rethink the buyer journey, creating a future-ready digital experience

Spotlight

The B2B buyer journey has always been complex. And today, with the ever-changing demands of the modern industry buyer, it has become even more necessary to rethink the buyer journey, creating a future-ready digital experience

Related News

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

Alliance for Decision Education Bolsters Its Board and Advisory Council with New Members

Alliance for Decision Education | April 19, 2023

The Alliance for Decision Education, a national nonprofit organization leading the movement to have decision-making skills taught in K-12 schools, today announced that it has expanded its distinguished group of Board and Advisory Council members. Lopa Desai and Simon Hallett joined the Alliance Board along with Advisory Council additions, Carl Wieman and Baruch Fischhoff. With their diverse backgrounds and expertise, they will help guide and support the Alliance in its mission to make Decision Education a part of every student's learning experience. “The addition of these visionaries to the Alliance team further reinforces the importance of Decision Education, and strengthens our efforts to bring decision-making skills and dispositions to the classroom,” said Alliance Executive Director, Joseph E. Sweeney, Ed.D. “Their expertise, perspectives, and influence will help us advance and accelerate the Decision Education movement." Joining the Alliance Board: • Lopa Desai, Managing Director of Niraat Family Office, Advisory Board Member at Transcend Wealth Partners, and Executive Committee Member at the Forge Community • Simon Hallett, Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee at Harding Loevner asset management firm, and Chairman/majority owner of Plymouth Argyle Football Club Joining the Advisory Council: • Carl Wieman, Nobel Laureate, Professor of Physics and of the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University • Baruch Fischhoff, Decision Scientist, Professor in the Department of Engineering and Public Policy, and the Institute for Politics and Strategy at Carnegie Mellon University The new advisors join dozens of other business, education, and sports industry leaders who serve on the Alliance Board and Councils and are committed to the mission of the Alliance. About the Alliance The Alliance for Decision Education is a national nonprofit and field builder leading the growing call to have Decision Education taught in schools across the country. Founded in 2014 and backed by experts in decision science and education, including several Nobel laureates, the Alliance believes that better decisions lead to better lives and a better society.The Alliance is working with teachers, academic and business leaders, families, and community members to raise awareness and improve lives by empowering students with essential skills and dispositions for making better decisions.

Read More

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

HMH Acquires Canadian EdTech Company Classcraft

TALENT DEVELOPMENT news | May 12, 2023

Learning technology company HMH today announced the acquisition of Quebec-based education technology company, Classcraft. The acquisition will bring to HMH a best-in-class engineering team and innovative functionality that improves the customer experience, empowering educators and supporting student engagement. "HMH looks forward to welcoming the talented team from Classcraft into the HMH community," says Peter George, Chief Technology Officer at HMH. "Montreal is already home to an HMH technology Center of Excellence, and we are thrilled to begin working together to bring innovative learning experiences to even more students and educators." Known for creating unique, dynamic, learning processes to support student engagement, achievement, and motivation, Classcraft uses science-based motivational principles to support learning. "At Classcraft, we seek to make school more relevant and meaningful by creating playful and collaborative learning experiences that teach the whole child," says Shawn Young, CEO at Classcraft. "We know HMH shares that goal and we're excited to join them in supporting millions of educators and students." Current Classcraft users will continue to have access to Classcraft for the '23-24 school year in its existing form and contracts with schools and districts will be honored. HMH is a portfolio company of Veritas Capital ("Veritas"), a leading investor at the intersection of technology and government. About HMH Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a learning technology company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. As a leading provider of K–12 core curriculum, supplemental and intervention solutions, and professional learning services, HMH partners with educators and school districts to uncover solutions that unlock students' potential and extend teachers' capabilities. HMH serves more than 50 million students and 4 million educators in 150 countries.

Read More

CORPORATE LEARNING SYSTEMS

AccessLex Institute's New JDEdge Program Aims to Sharpen Skills of Incoming Law Students

PRnewswire | April 12, 2023

AccessLex Institute® announces JDEdge by AccessLex℠, a free preparatory skill-building program for rising 1L law students. AccessLex has prided itself in creating resources that assist law students during their journey from admittance to law school through admittance to the bar, from support with law school selection, to scholarship search opportunities, to calculating student loan and repayment options, to academic and bar success. However, their latest resource is available to students before they set foot in the law school classroom. Beginning on July 1, 2023 and offered free of charge to AccessLex member law schools and their students, JDEdge by AccessLex℠ is a comprehensive summer program, designed specifically for incoming 1Ls, which provides them with the necessary knowledge, resources, and support they will require when the school term begins. Through live webinars, video lectures, and interactive online lessons, the program provides 20 hours of asynchronous content organized into five modules, along with opportunities for interaction with JDEdge instructors and peers. Students will gain confidence and skills related to class preparation and post-class strategies, case reading and briefing, writing for law school exams and exam preparation, critical reflection, and professional expectations, all before they attend their first law school lecture. JDEdge provides students with a solid foundation of the skills they need to succeed in law school. "We're excited to offer JDEdge to schools free of charge to help their students learn how to learn in law school. We believe that if students develop metacognitive skills early on, they can learn more efficiently and effectively throughout law school and during bar study," states Cynthia Cassity, Senior Vice President of AccessLex Institute and Chief Operating Officer of Helix Bar Review. "JDEdge fits squarely within our mission to support the law student journey from admission to law school to admission to the bar." About AccessLex Institute: AccessLex Institute is a nonprofit organization committed to helping talented, purpose-driven students find their path from aspiring lawyer to fulfilled professional. In partnership with its nearly 200 member law schools, improving access and positively influencing legal education have been at the heart of the Company's mission since 1983.

Read More