Technology is the Potatoes, Not the Meat

This week I want to focus on the idea that technology is a ‘distraction’. And the thing is, technology does not have to be a distraction. A lot of times, I have seen teachers used technology as a filler or as a reward. I have seen teachers fail to explicitly show and instruct students how to use the technology as a tool. So this post is to help and educate teachers and instructors on how to make technology the tool and not the focus. Or in other words, technology should be the potatoes, not the meat.

So, where does one start? Well, I have found the 3 E’s framework to provide a very straightforward recipe to success in technology use and instructor. The first E is Engagement. In previous posts, I have talked about how it is imperative that students actively learn and are motivated in their learning. In order for this to be the outcome, instructors must do a few things to guide students on the right path. First, explicit instruction must be provided. The teacher or instructor must say and show exactly how to use the piece of technology and how to use it with the specific activity. Then comes guided practice. The instruction should take the steps “I do, we do, you do”. After that, the teacher should monitoring the use of technology in the classroom to ensure students are using it correctly.

The next E is Enhancement. Enhancement in this case is the process of supporting our learning and scaffolding the material. Scaffolding the process of using what students already know to make connections with new information. When students make connections between new information and information they already know and understand, they are more likely to remember it.

The last E is Extension. Extension refers to bridging the gap between real life and classroom activities and learning. It is important that students see the ‘point’ of learning the material. If students fail to see that, it is a lot harder for them to stay motivated and to want to learn.

The three E’s model can really help you build success as you teach technology and use it as a tool to encourage a new generation and way of learning in your classroom. Technology is a great tool to further learning and expand a student’s mind. Technology can help students see beyond the classroom.