Technology Training that Thinks Outside the App
In their article, It’s Not About the Tools, Mehta et. al. (2019) suggest that effective ed-tech training for teachers must go beyond merely providing instruction on how to use the latest piece of educational software a school has acquired. Technology is changing and evolving so rapidly today, focusing our attention on learning the features of a specific app or web-based tool is a poor use of professional development time and school resources due to the exceedingly predictable chance that the application will be obsolete within a few years. Alternatively, Mehta and his colleagues found that taking a broader approach to technology-centered professional development is far more effective. “As teacher educators and scholars interested in effective technology integration in the classroom, we’ve found that teachers need to develop what we call a creatively focused, technology fluent (CFTF) mindset.” (Mehta et. al., 2019, p.65).
Mehta and his collaborators share that ed-tech training is far more engaging and effective when it is practical, collaborative, and fun. Their Master of Arts in Educational Technology summer program is designed to help teachers develop a CFTF mindset rather than mastering the latest ed-tech app. Their approach allows educators to incorporate all sorts of new technology into lessons and projects relevant to the students and subjects they teach. “Much of the learning time is spent actively and collaboratively, in lessons, activities, and projects aimed at creating content and becoming more technologically fluent.” (Mehta et. al., 2019, p.66). A foundational component of their program is the underlying belief that making mistakes is not to be avoided but embraced as part of the learning process. Mehta and his colleagues create a sense of community to support the participants in their program and boost their confidence when they feel stuck. “We stress a collaborative spirit to help support teachers through failure. Giving them opportunities to work in small groups across different creative projects lets them check in with each other to problem-solve and troubleshoot solutions.” (Mehta et. al., 2019, p.68). Another key element to their program is creating a learning environment that emphasizes technological exploration and “play”. This teaching and learning approach fosters flexibility, open-mindedness, and willingness to take risks and try new things (Mehta et. al., 2019).
After reading this article, I immediately thought of Carol Dweck and her 2006 book, Mindset. In 2023, I’m sure most American educators are aware of Dweck’s theory of having a fixed or growth mindset. (At least I hope this is the case!) Through their program, Mehta and his colleagues encourage teachers to develop a growth mindset (Dweck, 2006) in integrating technology into the classroom. Especially in connection to trying something new and making mistakes. The sequence of trying, failing, and trying again is crucial to the learning process. Failure should not be perceived as a negative result, but rather as an opportunity to learn valuable information about what did not work and then try again (Dweck, 2006). I agree with this approach to teaching and learning as do many other educators teaching in schools today. Therefore, let us strive to lead by example when we are the student and attempting to learn something new.
Here are some ways you can adopt a creatively focused, technology-fluent mindset as you explore new teaching technologies:
- Be open-minded when learning about new educational technologies. Ask yourself, “How could I use this with my students?”
- Be brave and persistent when trying something new. Embrace mistakes as opportunities to grow and build confidence.
- Experiment and Have Fun! Give yourself time to just “play” with a new tech tool or app.
References
Mehta, R., Henriksen, D., & Rosenberg, J.M. (2019, February). It’s not about the tools. Educational Leadership, 76(5), 64–69. https://eds.p.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=4&sid=7e8b47f9-d09e-450f-ae3c-64700910627a@redis
Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House Publishing Group.