Skoolz Out!

I am over the stats. I don’t care how many kids are using the internet, uploading to YouTube or the number of email accounts the average primary student may have. We all know that technology is here in a big way, so lets get over it and move on!

The most important stat to remember is this -  the relationship between the student and teacher is the most influential factor in learning. Pretty simple, huh?

Maybe we should start refocusing on something more relevant as teachers – being human.

The alarm bells are starting to ring in the way technology is starting to take over the importance of relationships in some classrooms. While technology supports and extends learning in a meaningful way for our students, my fear is that many teachers are losing their connection with their students because of their focus on the technology. So no matter what amazing tool you are using, unless you are sharing your knowledge, skills and expertise in a way that is meaningful for your students, then you are having a minimal impact.

Consider these questions:

Are you becoming more accessible online than in person?

How much of your class time is being spent behind your computer?

Are your students interacting with each other in your class while using the technology?

Is the 1:1 laptop initiative taking away from your physical ‘connectedness?’

How much time are you spending seated behind a laptop in class, rather than ‘working the room?’

In such an influential moment in the history of education in terms of change due to the way technology impacts upon our students, and as access to new ideas and technologies becomes easier, faster and less expensive, let’s not forget the importance of being human. Sharing a joke, asking about their day, discussing their weekend…. all vital but sometimes overlooked. Only then can offering your support online be of true value.

We thrive on human interaction, so let’s make sure we are providing it in our classrooms. Let’s make sure we are using technology as just another tool in the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of educational strategies – not the only one.