Good teaching trumps tech devices for student learning, expert says

BOARDMAN

Most teachers likely would agree that Padlets, Google forms and other tools have aided in their lesson plans, but no type of classroom technology should usurp means to enhance students’ abilities to learn, a technology expert stresses.

“Don’t let technology get in the way of good teaching and learning,” Todd Smith told about 40 Boardman middle- and high-school teachers who attended his presentation during a technology conference Tuesday at Boardman High School. Smith is supervisor of Instructional Technology and Information Managment at Boardman schools.

The two-day seminar, themed “Think Different and Demand Different,” wrapped up today and was to make it easier for school personnel to stay current on programs and applications to better help students reach their academic goals.

Also on hand were Google and Apple representatives who introduced new learning programs.

Padlets are website tools that allow teachers to create virtual bulletin boards and can easily be altered to fit into given curriculums. Google forms often are used to create surveys and have applications for quizzes, tests, sports, basic student information and many other uses, said Smith, the high school’s technology director.

He also noted that many instructors and administrators need a “mindset change” to more effectively reach a greater number of students.

Read the complete story in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.