Integrating educational technology into the classroom has risen to the top of the list for school leaders as a way to support teaching and learning effectively. The shift towards digitalization in education offers many opportunities to enhance teaching, engage students, and improve overall understanding.
The online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Coach Teacher Leader PreK-12 program from Emporia State University (ESU) provides aspiring school leaders with the skills and expertise to integrate technology seamlessly into their schools and classrooms.
The Value of Technology for Learners and Educators
Educational technology is immensely valuable for both learners and educators. For students, it provides a variety of resources; instructors can tailor interactive learning experiences and personalized instruction to meet individual needs and learning styles. Technology enhances student engagement, encourages collaboration, and aids critical thinking and problem-solving skills students need.
For educators, technology offers tools and platforms to create original lesson plans, assess student progress, and alter instruction methods. It streamlines paperwork, enables communication with students and parents, and makes professional development opportunities via online courses more widely available.
In addition to incorporating technology in their schools, school leaders are vital for cultivating a creative and technologically savvy culture for students and teachers. They offer the leadership and direction needed to ensure educational technology supports the learning objectives and students’ experiences. Leaders can encourage ongoing technology integration by advocating for access to technology, support, and opportunities for both students and educators.
Types of Educational Technologies
School leaders can integrate various educational technologies into classrooms to support teaching and learning, including the following:
- Learning management systems (LMS). Platforms like Canvas, Google Classroom, and Schoology help with the organization and delivery of instructional materials, communication with students and parents, and overall assessment.
- Digital content and resources. Interactive multimedia tools, digital textbooks, educational apps, and online databases provide access to a range of educational content, help boost instruction, and support learning.
- Collaborative tools. Tools like Google Workspace for Education, Microsoft Teams, and Flip (formerly Flipgrid) encourage collaboration, communication, and project-based learning with students and teachers, regardless of location.
- Adaptive learning platforms. Adaptive learning platforms like Khan Academy, DreamBox, and IXL personalize instruction based on students’ distinct learning needs by providing targeted interventions and support.
Challenges of School Technology Integration
Despite all the benefits of educational technology, school leaders may encounter challenges in integrating technology into their schools. These issues include:
- Access and equity. Ensuring equitable access to technology resources can be difficult in schools with students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Professional development. Providing ongoing training and support helps educators integrate technology into their classrooms and adapt to new tools and platforms.
- Infrastructure and support. School leaders must handle technical issues, maintain a reliable network, and address data and privacy concerns associated with educational technology in the classroom.
- Digital safety. Promote responsible use of technology, educate students about digital citizenship, and address concerns related to online safety and cybersecurity.
About Emporia State University’s Online Instructional Coach Teacher Leader Program
ESU’s online MS C&I – Instructional Coach/Teacher Leader program prepares students to understand these challenges and use educational technology to support teaching and learning effectively. The Supporting Technology Integration for School Leaders course provides students with the knowledge and skills to identify, evaluate, and integrate technologies into their schools.
By valuing educational technology and knowing how to use it, program graduates can use their knowledge to create engaging classrooms that empower students and educators.
Learn more about Emporia State University’s online Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Coach Teacher Leader PreK-12 program.
