Making Tech Work FOR Teachers, Not Against Them
October 2024 | Issue 40
"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery." - Mark Van Doren
On this special issue of World Teachers Day, it's time to shine a spotlight on the heroes of education. Let's dive into the real issues they're grappling with and how technology is reshaping their roles – for better and sometimes for worse.
The REAL Challenges in the Special Education Classroom
Gone are the days when lack of resources was the primary hurdle. Today's special education teachers face a more nuanced set of obstacles:
1. Individualised Education Overload: With caseloads growing, teachers are struggling to provide truly personalised attention. Special Ed teachers feel they don't have enough time to adequately address each student's IEP goals.
2. Behavioural Complexity: As our understanding of neurodiversity expands, so does the range of behavioural challenges in the classroom. Teachers report feeling underprepared to handle the intricate emotional needs of students with conditions like ADHD, autism, and anxiety disorders simultaneously.
3. Data Management Burnout: While data-driven instruction is crucial, the sheer volume of documentation required is overwhelming. A survey by the Council for Exceptional Children revealed that special education teachers spend an average of 12 hours per week on paperwork alone.
4. Inclusion Friction: As schools push for more inclusive environments, special education teachers often find themselves caught between supporting students in general education settings and providing specialised instruction.
5. Parental Expectations vs. Reality: With increased access to information, parents are coming to the table with higher expectations. Balancing these with realistic goals and available resources is an ongoing challenge.
The Changing Landscape
The role of the teacher has fundamentally shifted—driven by the rise of technology, particularly AI. But let’s be real: AI in education is neither the enemy nor the saviour. It's a tool, and whether it serves to uplift or burden teachers depends on how it’s implemented. With AI tools now entering the classroom, many wonder: Can technology really ease the workload, or is it just another layer of complexity?
Let’s look at the example of Tower Hamlets LAS, a school that’s been piloting AI tools for teacher planning. AI platforms like ChatGPT—the very tools many of us use for quick lesson ideas or resources—promise to revolutionise how teachers approach their workload. Teachers in Tower Hamlets report AI tools that help them generate personalised lesson plans, create differentiated learning materials?and track student progress.
Bernard Marr’s analysis in Forbes breaks this down: Teachers can now offload more administrative tasks to AI, allowing them to focus on the more creative and human-centred aspects of their job.?
Tools That Ease, Not Add to, the Work
Tech can do wonders—but only when it’s used thoughtfully. The key is to look for ways technology can streamline a teacher’s workflow rather than pile more tasks onto an already full plate. So, how can it help with classroom management and reduce the workload??
1. Routine Automation: Apps like Classcraft ( HMH ) or Remind help streamline day-to-day tasks like attendance, grading, or even parent communication. For teachers in special ed, where documentation is crucial (think IEPs and daily behaviour logs), these tools can save hours of manual work. Systems like AIMSweb Plus ( Pearson Clinical Assessments ) can handle routine assessments as well.
2. Inclusive Learning: Tablets loaded with adaptive learning programs, like Dragon NaturallySpeaking for kids with dyslexia or maths apps like Prodigy tailored for students with cognitive disabilities.
3. Streamlined IEP Management: Platforms like Euna Special Education, Powered by SpedTrack are simplifying the IEP process, allowing teachers to spend less time on paperwork and more time on instruction.
4. AI-Assisted Lesson Planning: Tools like Planboard ( PowerSchool ) use AI to suggest differentiation strategies based on student data, saving teachers hours of planning time.
5. Personalised Learning: Software like Kahoot! and Quizlet can create personalised quizzes and activities that adapt to a student's pace and level of understanding. Platforms like Knewton Alta and Carnegie Learning are using machine learning to tailor lessons to each student's needs.
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However,?let’s be clear: These tools still require a teacher’s oversight to ensure relevance and accuracy. The introduction of AI / tech in education isn’t without its downsides. WeForum recently pointed out the very real issue of over-reliance on tech. Many teachers, particularly those less tech-savvy, are finding that AI often feels like an extra job rather than a helpful tool.
This brings us to a different issue: Can technology ever fully replace the teacher? At one point, it seemed we might head that way—especially when computers began handling more routine tasks. But as The Guardian pointed out in 2020, even in the most technology-forward classrooms, the irreplaceable factor remains the teacher’s ability to build relationships, foster trust?and adapt learning in real-time. Computers, for all their advancements, can’t feel the subtle cues that a student with autism might display when they’re about to become overwhelmed. AI won’t stop a lesson halfway to ask if a child needs a sensory break. Teachers, especially those in special education, have a deep well of emotional intelligence that machines can’t replicate.
Overthrowing Education touches on this key point: AI can assist with personalised learning, but it can’t deliver the relational care that teachers offer. One example from their podcast illustrates this perfectly: A teacher noticed that one of her students, a non-verbal child with cerebral palsy, was starting to show signs of frustration. While the AI program suggested pushing forward with the lesson, the teacher could see from the child’s body language that what was needed wasn’t more academic rigour, rather?a moment of calm. This is where AI falls short—no algorithm can truly account for the real-time adjustments that special ed teachers make every day.
Ultimately, Imperial College framed it perfectly: AI can enhance but not replace. It’s about augmentation, not substitution.
How Can Tech Help Teachers Manage Their Wellbeing?
1. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditation and mindfulness exercises that can help teachers manage stress and improve mental health.
2. Time Management: Tools like Trello and Asana can help teachers organise their tasks and manage their time more effectively. These platforms provide a visual way to track progress and prioritise tasks.
3. Online Support: Communities and forums, such as TeacherVision, Teachwell or Happy Teacher Revolution can provide a space for teachers to connect, share resources?and seek support.?
Our Commitment
At Cosmo, we are driven by a passion to uplift special education teachers, ensuring they have the support and tools to manage their workload and student needs. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, we’re here to help navigate these changes in ways that align with your goals.?
Please feel free to book a call with our team to chat more
References
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