I graduated high school and college without ever using Google. There was a time, not that long ago, when students were not able to access answers or even conduct real research using any kind of technology. Those of us who went to school in the time before such access was “necessary” have the gift of seeing both the advantages and disadvantages of technology in education.

How has technology helped education?

Think about the education system that had no access to technology but was able to produce the great scientific minds (men and women) who figured out space travel in the 1960s. Today, we have access to amazing, ground breaking technology, including artificial intelligence, that could put our education industry at the forefront of science, math, history, language and the arts. It could be used to solve climate issues, save animals from extinction, support environmentally friendly farming practices, cure diseases, maybe even convert trash to energy and solve multiple problems at once!

How can teachers employ technology/social media to work in their favor?

As teachers, we have the extraordinary job of educating generations of people. We are sometimes restricted by standardized testing, budget cuts and technology-addicted students. It can be a weary, thankless job. It can also be extremely rewarding when everything “clicks.” Teachers give their students the tools to think critically and creatively so they can grow up into mature, self-reliant problems solvers. Teachers can also help change the government by supporting diverse thinking practices, encouraging people to share their viewpoints and empathize, discuss and compromise.

After you’ve reflected, take a good look at your students to see how technology/social media is affecting them. They could be addicted! Have them recognize where they are spending their time. Instead of looking at social media, could they be outside somewhere experiencing life? Technology should be used to support the teacher and make the job more effective using less time and effort.

Teaching Opportunity

People dislike/like social media for many different reasons. Personally, I look at Facebook to catch up with old friends and Pinterest for craft and dinner ideas. Social Media has become a huge marketing tool for business however, in my opinion, has not always supported healthy socialization between people and/or groups of people. Much of the information we get from the Internet cannot be verified so once someone has formed an opinion, it is difficult to get them to change, even when faced with the facts of the matter.

This is an excellent opportunity for teachers to teach students the ability to change their mind when they are given facts. And to be honest. This absolutely has a lot to do with politics! Both Republican and Democratic parties engage in false information and fear-mongering. Any historian will tell you that political wars, manipulation and flat out lying have been going on since the birth of our country. Social Media has just made it quicker and easier for political parties to spread propaganda. The more teachers are aware of these issues, the more that can teach their students to be skeptical of unreliable sources, open-minded when listening to different viewpoints and truthful when it is their turn to communicate information. Teachers do have the power to make a difference!

Where can teachers find effective tech for their classrooms?

At The Teacher’s Academy, our technology courses are designed to make teaching easier, more effective, less stressful and support student engagement which leads to higher achievement. Specifically, our Google Suite bundle of courses teaches educators how to develop effective, custom tools for their classroom in a quick, easy to learn format. Some of the projects teachers will complete are:

Google Docs for Educators:

• Design a Test
• Parent Survey (Google Forms)
• Class Contract
• Add-Ons Exploration
• Certificate
• Written Assessment
• Download files

Google Sheets for Educators:

• Personal Budget
• Grade Sheet
• Address Database
• Labels (Mail Merge)
• Assessment
• Download files

Google Slides for Educators

• (1A, B, C, D, E) Assessment (5 Parts)
• Linear Presentation (Lecture Notes)
• Menu Driven Presentation (Book Report)
• Interactive Presentation (Review Game)
• Download Files

Google Forms for Educators

• Mini-Assessment- What is Google Drive?
• Quiz
• Rubric
• Peer Feedback Form
• Late-Work Submission with email notifications
• Templates and Add-Ons
• Parent Survey
• You Decide! Adventure
• Reflect

Our courses allow for creative and critical thinking because teachers can customize what they are producing and use their finished products for their specific classroom goals. We encourage teachers to share what they’ve learned with their students and love to hear their feedback!

Here are just a few of the states where teachers can earn professional development through The Teacher’s Academy:

• Pennsylvania, Act 48 Hours
• Texas, CPE Hours
• Colorado, Clock Hours
• Indiana, Professional Growth Experience
• Tennessee, Professional Development Points
• Virginia, Professional Development Points
• Massachusetts, Professional Development Points
• Michigan, SCECH Clock Hours (IACET)
• North Carolina, Renewal Credits
• New York, CTLE Hours
• Arizona, Clock Hours (IACET)

The Teacher’s Academy is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. Additional states who accept professional development from The Teacher’s Academy can be found here.