Technology for Technology’s Sake

When questions arise in schools today about instruction, accommodation, differentiation or intervention, the first solution often proposed is "let's use the computer." Unfortunately, the most important question, "How will it be used?' is not addressed. The use of technology without teacher planning, direction, input and feedback can easily make a problem worse instead of better. The proper guidance of a teacher is usually more important than any piece of technological hardware or software and will ultimately determine the success or failure of student learning as a result.While it may be tempting as a teacher to use a computer or tablet…

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Listening for Real

In my current position in secondary education, I spend a great deal of time in classrooms with teachers attempting to understand their instructional needs and partnering with them to help and support them in fulfilling those needs. I have found that one of the most important skills that I have to constantly work to develop is the skill of focused, real listening. When I enter a teacher's classroom, at the teacher's request, to observe students and their reaction to instruction, it is usually because a teacher has some basis for believing that some aspect of their daily instruction could work…

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