By Genay Mitchell
As you probably already know, we are in the midst of a technology and educational shift. Our society is not only dependent on the resources and tools provided by today’s technology but ultimately self-proclaimed to not be able to live without it. So it is important that we as educators are uploaded on the most current trends in technology so that we can utilize them in our own classrooms.
Many school districts have begun to implement new technology programs that are developed to analyze each student using diagnostic testing and then use that data to instruct the student along a technology curriculum based on their needs. In the beginning of the year many schools perform the online diagnostic tests of each student let’s say in math and reading as core subjects. The teacher then uses the data to help drive instruction moving forward. The student then is given time daily or weekly to work on skills and curriculum set up by the program to increase proficiency while learning new skills.
The benefit of these programs is that the student receives a personalized targeted instruction. The online lessons are “highly engaging and provide a thoroughly immersive experience, giving students exposure to high quality texts that guide them on their path to becoming thorough and analytical thinkers”( Curriculum Associates, 2017). It also monitors student progress and gives them praise for correct answers. The teachers can upload and view the progress of the students as well.
The setbacks are few but can be impacting if they are not taken into consideration. Although the teachers have access to the data of each student and their progress, many teachers may not use the information to drive instruction. The data is often used only when required by administration or if the student is receiving interventions for other reasons. The reasons for this could be that they are not taught specifically how to read and analyze this information or they do not have the allotted time to take specific skills and develop them into activities for their students.
The solution for the setbacks can be to give more training opportunites for those teachers that do not feel as confident in reading and utilizing the reports and data. The teams and administration can be a part in making sure that the whole school is aware of each component of these technology tools because they have been proven effective and will help the teacher to not have to recreate lessons and skill strategies that have already been provided through the technology.
www.curriculumassociates.com