Technology and Teachers!

By merely speaking the words they seem to be existing in harmony. It is quite a rhythmic quote in fact.

But when we deal with it practically they are similar to ‘cheese and chalk’. I hope you understand what I’m trying to say.

OK-Let me explain. All the teachers are using smart phones.

Is the above statement correct? Yes to a large extent.

Out of them how many of them know how to work on a computer or a laptop? Then answer would not be so enthusiastic. They shy away, they procrastinate, they have tons of excuses or else they immediately move to the computer teacher who can help them out.

For most educators technology is limited to the use of Social Media.

We want them to use it for their growth and their development.

One of my Principal friends asked me to take an orientation programme for their teachers and make them techno savvy.

It was difficult but I worked on the below mentioned points to help them out.

Practice to make it simple:

As educators we are aware of the importance of revision. The Indian system of assessment brings in good results for students when they read a lot and they revise a lot.

And Practice works pretty well when you want to be more techno savvy. Use the laptop frequently. Make worksheets more often. Take difficult tasks of formatting and designing until you get used to it and adopt it like second skin.

This idea hit them instantly. Make mistakes but do not fear that you will not be able to do it.

Time Management:

Since they are not used to the techy tools, it is better to define a suitable amount of time which they will be dedicating to get used to technology. It is always better to devote disciplined time to learning and then some time for practicing.

Moreover one should not get distracted to browsing on the internet or using Social Media for personal use when you are trying to be a part of the learning process which is your intention. The overuse of Social Media distracts you from your motto of learning because looking at others pictures is irresistible.

Teaching Trends:

When we use Techno savvy in connection to the teaching community, what we are referring to are the latest trends in teaching and its application in the classroom.

It is important to know about the developments going on in the teaching world.

 What are the ways in which lesson plans are being upgraded?

Are the old methodologies getting extinct and losing their meaning?

Or are they time tested and can be applied by remoulding them?

Can the occidental be applied in the oriental setting?

At times it is not possible to be physically present for workshops. So the internet offers a good view of the teaching trends existing in the world and they can be summarised or cropped or expanded and used in our own classroom setting.

Follow Educators:

There are people who have invested many years in education. Their experiences are worth listening to.

Where do we find these wonderful gems?

On Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. You find them everywhere. Hook on to them. Follow them. Read what they have published. All the material is available out there for everyone to grab and swallow.

Apart from the veterans there are amateurs.

They are learning by experimenting. They fail, they publish it. They succeed they publish it and promote it.

There is a wonderful community out there who is willing to share what is happening in the world in the field of education.

Their experiences are the latest trends going on in the industry. Following educators helps you to assess your own teaching methodologies. You can upgrade or continue status quo. Both will be beneficial.

I strongly feel that whatever you are teaching is the latest trend in education.

Action Based Approach:

Merely reading and learning will not bring in the desired result. What you need is an ‘Action based approach’.

Most educators who do not succeed have failed here. Applying whatever you have learnt is the next most important step in self development.

When it comes to taking things to the classroom or sharing it with the students, I have seen teachers shying out.  They postpone the application part to tomorrow or the next day and ultimately it doesn’t happen.

In recent times I have interacted with many educators and found that they surf the internet and find out new innovative methodologies but have never applied them in their classrooms.

They appreciate others doing it. They are aware about the things which can be done but have never taken that precious learning to the classroom.

 Reason?

Lack of time, more number of students in the classroom, pressure of administrative work, too much of workload, etc.

These are mere excuses. If you are not applying what you have learnt then there is no growth in the educator.

It is commonly said that the more time you spend in planning, the lesser you will sweat in war.

True. The educators know the techniques but they do not spend time to plan their work outside the classroom and hence they fail in taking the necessary action.

Lack of planning leads to lack of determination to carry out the action. A lot of work has to be done on the planning part. Actually it is a circle. You learn, you plan, you act, you again learn.

Final Word:

Each literate individual is techno savvy these days. To keep ahead of the trends we all spend time learning. Learning brings in results only when we apply or we act.

“You can’t upload love, you can’t download time.

You can’t Google all of life’s answers.

You must actually live some of your life.”