In the latest episode of Unbox Innovation, host Amy Chodroff speaks with Nick Gearing, training and development specialist at EOS Education by Boxlight, about the intricate landscape of integrating technology into classrooms, delving into the challenges, triumphs and the critical need for a unified society. getting closer. Here are some highlights:
Navigating technology policies
Nick sheds light on the varied landscape of technology policies in schools across the country. While some districts have well-defined rules, others find themselves in a more flexible and even chaotic environment. This disparity underscores the need for a cohesive national conversation and agreement on technology policies to ensure a unified approach and successful implementation.
Striking a balance for classroom participation
As educators incorporate technology, they face a delicate balance between maximizing their engagement potential and maintaining control over the classroom. Nick emphasizes the importance of intentional and strategic use, highlighting that technology can facilitate student engagement or exacerbate problems if not carefully implemented. Teachers must carefully tread this tightrope to create a conducive and balanced learning environment.
Challenges of equity and access to technology
Nick recognizes the serious equity issues surrounding access to technology, which became even more evident during the height of the COVID pandemic. He highlights the importance of ensuring all students have equal access to technology. While schools and districts can attempt to close the gap through various means, equity issues remain, raising questions about the best approaches to providing access to all students.
The role of parents in technology adoption
Nick also emphasized the importance of including parents in the conversation about technology in education. Recognizing parents' hesitancy and unfamiliarity, he advocates for meaningful training opportunities. Educating parents about how technology is used in the classroom and its intended outcomes can foster a supportive home environment and ultimately contribute to a more cohesive approach to integrating technology into education.
To dive deeper into these discussions and more, watch the full episode of Unbox Innovation here:
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)(0);
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1&status=0”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
