Introducing new technology and integrating digital literacy skills into our adult education instruction is challenging. While some programs offer separate digital literacy courses to their students, others do not. Alternatively, the skills acquired during those courses might not be the same skills you need your student to have during your class.
As an HSE and ABE teacher, I was hesitant, fretful, scared, and frustrated with helping my students become digitally literate as they worked towards achieving their adult education goals. However, I knew it was important not only for a more engaging lesson, but for them to be able utilize those skills outside of my classroom. My solution (keep in mind I was a teacher with a beautiful computer lab) was to integrate technology one tool at a time. In the beginning, it was AWFUL, but it in the end, it was amazing and worth every painful moment.
My strategy was to do the hard part first: introduce them to the technology, model it, do it together, then let them do it. And as they do it, let them try to figure it out, let them collaborate to figure it out, let them come to me to figure it out. And as we figure it out, the critical thinking skills are hard at work, we are growing a community, and we are learning together... ONE tool at a time.
I would love to know your thoughts:
- How do YOU introduce new technology to your students?
- What steps need to be taken when introducing new technology in the classroom?
Comments
Along with the steps you mentioned, which are right on point, I've found that repetition is also important. When introducing a new technology tool it is important to provide multiple opportunities for students to use the tool. Repetition will build student confidence and help them advance in their overall digital literacy.
I've also found that I can help students build their digital confidence and independence by using tools they are already familiar with. For example, most of my students are familiar with accessing websites. So I created a Google site for the class with reminder information and basic steps on how to access the digital tools used in the class. While none of my students had used Google classroom before, they were all able to use the information from the class site to add themselves to the classroom. I didn't have to add any of them. This also applied to the other ed tech tools used during class. Creating a tool like this allows students to take the extra time they need to log in and navigate the digital tool on their own time, without them feeling the pressure of taking up class time. This goes a long way in building their digital confidence.
The processes previously mentioned and used to introduce new technology is on point. I actually used the same process. I also like to create power points that demonstrates a list of steps to help guide the process, Then I would model in front of students how to operate the technology tool. I found it to be quite interesting to see how well an individual is learning how to become familiar with the new tools being presented. Another idea that I found to be helpful is to utilize a helper who is open-minded and anxious to model how the tool should be used. Students who are not engaging tend to become more engaging with their peers who are interested. I also, would encourage student engagement opportunities with having different students to model just to see how well they have learned how to use the tool that was introduced.