Educational technology best practices of the utmost importance

The next generation of world leaders are currently exposed to technology before they are formed in the womb. With 3-D sonogram imagery allowing them to smile for the camera before their cheeks have taken shape. It is no wonder that these children are able to navigate effortlessly on any electronic device before they are able to stand without assistance. It is only natural to utilize their love for electronics to assist them in developing a love for learning with the assistance of technology as well. Although the education world has been slow to integrate the use of technology, it is now beginning to recognize the importance of its use.

Technology in the classroom is an important aspect of student development. It can assist with reaching students on their individual learning styles, academic levels, and comprehensive abilities. Although technology in the classroom has great benefits, there are still best practices that should be implemented to ensure that it is used accordingly. There are a lot of ideas on what those best practices should be. I feel that the there should be universal best practices, but some of them should be tailored towards the individual institution of learning.

The most common best practices are: thorough staff developments (in order to have a successful technological program, administrators and educators must be properly trained), meaningful integration (the technology must directly relate to the content area, classroom assignments, and learning objectives), seek student input (allow the students to give recommendations and feedback for the technology used) , experimentation (allow teachers some level of flexibility of the technology used), and bring your own device (most school districts face funding issues that limits the implementation of technology, allowing students to bring the devices that they have at home would help defer costs)..