Teachers as Catalysts in the Digital Age

It was interesting for me to find out that it is not computers that are compelling change in teaching practices towards a more constructivist approach. I was set up to believe the premise that technology was the agent of change, to which teachers must inevitably adapt. It made sense, initially, because of how learning is changing among the generations that grow up avidly using new digital technologies.

It was welcome news, then, that teachers have a say in the matter, as the main decision-makers in their respective classrooms. It makes sense that teachers would view technology only as a tool towards their own ends – employed to achieve the goals teachers make with respect to teaching.

I think the most critical change involved is the mindset concerning the role of teacher. By relinquishing their roles as ‘information giver,’ and instead seeing themselves as facilitators of student learning, teachers are able to embrace computer programs which allow their students a greater deal of autonomy in constructing their own understandings, which is what constructivist practices are all about. Relinquishing this control, however, can be difficult for some teachers.

The facts show, however, that more progressive teaching practices are ones that can successfully integrate more technology into them. Computers allow for more student participation, getting them actively involved in their own learning and keeping them interested. It seems like every teacher would want that for their students. However, not all teachers have the same access to technology.

As many teachers’ experiences and reflections lead them to embrace the idea of more student-centered instruction, I think they will embrace computer technologies for the structure and support they can bring to the process. It is still up to the teacher to make these changes, but a supportive environment and more exposure to educational technology could help them along the way. In the end, however, teachers must see technology as helping to accomplish their personal goals for teaching, in order for it to be viewed as a worthwhile means.