What are the best ways to use EdTech to empower student voice and agency?

1 Personalize learning paths

One way to use EdTech to empower student voice and agency is to allow students to choose their own learning paths, based on their goals, preferences, and needs. EdTech can provide adaptive and flexible learning environments, such as playlists, dashboards, and portfolios, that enable students to access different resources, activities, and feedback at their own pace and level. By personalizing learning paths, students can develop a sense of ownership, autonomy, and motivation for their learning.

2 Promote collaboration and communication

Another way to use EdTech to empower student voice and agency is to promote collaboration and communication among students and with educators. EdTech can facilitate various forms of interaction, such as online discussions, peer feedback, group projects, and presentations, that allow students to share their opinions, perspectives, and experiences with others. By promoting collaboration and communication, students can develop critical thinking, creativity, and social skills, as well as a sense of belonging and community.

4 Amplify student voice and impact

A fourth way to use EdTech to empower student voice and agency is to amplify student voice and impact beyond the classroom. EdTech can enable students to showcase their work, ideas, and achievements to a wider audience, such as through blogs, podcasts, videos, or digital portfolios. EdTech can also enable students to participate in local and global issues, such as through social media, online communities, or digital citizenship initiatives. By amplifying student voice and impact, students can develop confidence, identity, and empowerment for their learning.

5 Empower student choice and leadership

A fifth way to use EdTech to empower student voice and agency is to empower student choice and leadership in the design and implementation of their learning. EdTech can involve students in co-creating the curriculum, the assessment, and the learning environment, such as through surveys, polls, feedback tools, or learning management systems. EdTech can also involve students in leading their own learning, such as through self-assessment, self-regulation, or self-directed learning. By empowering student choice and leadership, students can develop responsibility, metacognition, and leadership for their learning.

6 Enhance teacher-student relationships

A sixth way to use EdTech to empower student voice and agency is to enhance teacher-student relationships. EdTech can help teachers to understand and respond to the needs, interests, and strengths of each student, such as through data analytics, personalization tools, or communication tools. EdTech can also help teachers to foster a culture of trust, respect, and support for student voice and agency, such as through feedback, recognition, or mentoring. By enhancing teacher-student relationships, teachers can facilitate and inspire student voice and agency for their learning.