Teaching in the Tech Era

Technology is everywhere, and over the years it has integrated itself into the education system. For some of us—especially at the college level—this wasn’t anything new. But when COVID hit, many teachers and students had a huge wake-up call. Practically overnight, schools shifted from face-to-face classes to fully online learning. Technology has completely changed how we learn today.

In Edtech for the K-12 Classroom (Second Edition, Chapter 1, Article 1), sixth-grade English teacher Laurie Guyon shared her experience of using technology for the first time. She admitted she had never touched the device before but quickly realized its potential:

“I kind of fell in love with it,” she said. “From the first moment we did something on the iPad, I saw a higher level of engagement from students. There was a deeper learning that I started to see happen. I felt like it opened up more of the world and allowed some opportunities I would never have tried in the classroom.” (Krueger, pp. 2–4)

Her story shows what many educators have discovered—technology can spark deeper engagement and create opportunities that might not otherwise exist. At the same time, learning alongside technology comes with its fair share of challenges. The good news? With the right mindset, teaching with technology doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, it can open doors to creativity, collaboration, and meaningful learning experiences. Here are a few tips to make the most of it.

 

 

Embracing Technology Together

Technology is always changing, with new tools popping up every day. Sometimes it feels overwhelming—like it might be easier to stick with what we already know. And that’s okay! In fact, it can be the perfect chance to learn alongside our students. When students get the opportunity to take the lead in their learning, they often become more motivated and engaged.

Break It Down

One great approach is to break lessons into small chunks. Try using mini-lessons followed by a quick quiz or even just a couple of multiple-choice questions. This helps students process new information while it’s still fresh. Learning in short bursts keeps things interactive and allows for quick check-ins before moving on. Think of it like learning in “micro-sessions” rather than trying to absorb everything in one long stretch. 

Make Learning Connections

Schoolwork can sometimes feel repetitive, but making connections to real-life situations keeps it interesting. For example, one teacher shared a story about using a nonfunctional robot in class. Students worked on fixing its system until it finally worked. The same idea applies to writing: a rough draft is like the broken robot, and editing is the process of fine-tuning until it’s ready to go. When students see learning in action, it becomes more meaningful—and fun.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few simple tips to help educators and students make the most of online learning. Technology isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and it’s changing the way we all learn. As educators, the best thing we can do is stay flexible and open to growth. And the good news? We don’t have to do it alone—we’re all lifelong learners, learning together.