OTAN News

6 Ways to Balance Tech with Traditional Methods

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Giving adult learners a “healthy balance of traditional” and technology integration results in enhanced instruction. Alicia Sewell, author of this article, recommends the following 6 Tips:

1. Be intentional with tech choices. Basically “if a tool doesn’t directly support student learning, don’t use it.” Even if it’s a really cool app. Tech overload can overwhelm, so its intentional use is crucial.
2. Embrace flexibility. We’ve all been there when technology FAILS! It’s a good way to model resilience with students when it doesn’t work.
3. Foster collaboration with technology. Collaborative writing, discussions, and sharing ideas with different platforms enables great structured interaction and can build a “strong sense of community.”
4. Teach digital citizenship. It’s important to “discuss online behavior, privacy, and the impact of our posts.”
5. Don’t be afraid to learn alongside your students. Technology moves too fast for us to know all the answers. Build a “growth mindset” and engage students in learning tech with you.
6. Give yourself-and your students-grace. “None of us can be the experts at everything immediately.” Give yourself and everyone around you time to learn, make mistakes, and learn at their own pace.

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