Elmer Wheeler coined the phrase "Don't sell the steak, sell the sizzle" in the 1920s. Instead of focusing on he encouraged sales based on a product's potential benefits and the customers' experience using the product.
When new technology is introduced we often concentrate on the extensive list of features and the possible results that the new technology could bring. Implementing new technology to the depth that is required to see those results is often overwhelming, which results in lower long-term adoption and low rates of success. When the steak arrives at the table, it should come with a knife to cut it into bite-sized pieces.
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Instead of concentrating on the expansive features of a technology we should identify simple ways that it can be integrated into a teacher's current process. The simplest ways to implement new technology into a classroom is by either substituting for an already existing process.
Teachers that have held class virtually probably started with simple substitution. Schedule a one-time meeting on zoom and use that technology to deliver the same lecture that you would have delivered in person.
Using substitution results in the same information with different delivery.
The next step to technology integration is to augment existing processes with technology. Instead of handing out a worksheet for students to complete one might instead use a gamified learning platform, such as Kahoot, to encourage more interaction.
An assignment can also be augmented from the other end. Instead of requiring a student to write a standard essay they might be encouraged to demonstrate understanding of a subject with an alternative submission. Opening up submissions to slide presentations and videos allows students to utilize other forms of media and may increase engagement.
The natural progression of technology integration leads from substitution and augmentation to modification. Modification fundamentally changes an existing classroom process. Many technology modifications have become the new standard in education. The move from physical gradebooks to centralized repositories has now been supplanted by the use of learning management systems to more effectively coordinate classroom needs.
Other technology modifications might include student communication and tracking tools.
Using technology to redefine the classroom is the first step that bypasses existing processes entirely.
Technology can be used to redefine the classroom by allowing students to interact with the outside world in a way that otherwise would not be possible. Technologies that use augmented or virtual reality to allow students an otherwise impossible experience follow the world to classroom experience.
You may also use technology to allow the world to interact with your students. Students can utilize technology to interact with their community or even with students from other cultures.
It is easy to get overwhelmed when trying to integrate technology into a classroom. Instead of concentrating on all of the features available to you it might be helpful to instead ask a few questions with the new technology in mind:
How will the new technology integrate into my current process?
How can the new technology keep students more engaged?
Can the new technology improve my classroom?