Rethinking the role of teachers in technology classrooms

1. Rethinking the Roles of
Teachers with Technology
Monica Morall

2. The rise of blended and online learning is creating a shift
in the roles of classroom teachers. While traditional
responsibilities such as assessment, discipline, and
classroom management remain, teachers are now
expected to incorporate technological pedagogical
strategies to meet the needs of 21st century learners
(Horizon Report, 2016).

3. Educators’ duties are expanding to include the roles of
“curating and facilitating learning experiences and
encouraging student exploration to discover passions.”
“Teachers are now tasked with changing their leadership
style from directive to consultative and involving students
in planning, implementation, and assessment” (Horizon
Report, 2016, p. 24) .

4. The New Roles of Educators
Planner
Manager
Facilitator
Guide
Participant

5. Planner
The teacher is responsible for ensuring the inclusion of technology
in the curriculum, organizing the learning environment, and
fostering collaboration amongst students (Gilakjani, 2014).
Planning for Technology Integration in the Classroom (Cambaliza,
2016)

6. Manager
The teacher ensures that all students have access to technology with
appropriate programs suitable for their needs and capabilities
(Gilakjani, 2014).
6 Top Tips for Managing Technology in the Classroom("6 Top Tips
for Managing Technology in the Classroom," 2017)

7. Facilitator
The teacher assists students in setting goals to construct their own
learning and equips them to evaluate the validity of the information
they encounter (Gilakjani, 2014).
How Technology Can Improve Learner-Centered Teaching (Bart,
2011)

8. Guide
The teacher encourages students to pursue new avenues of learning
and to engage in activities that increase their higher-order thinking
skills(Gilakjani, 2014).
3 Ways to Encourage Higher-Order Thinking Skills with
Technology (Oxnevad, 2013)

9. Participant
The teacher collaborates with the student on cognitive learning
activities.(Gilakjani, 2014)
5 Examples of Collaborative Technology K12 Classrooms (Winske,
2015)

10. Implications
“Educators are now guides and mentors, modeling responsible
global citizenship and motivating students to adopt lifelong learning
habits” ( Horizon Report Toolkit, 2016, p.16). These factors alter
the way teachers must pursue their own professional development.
In-service trainings are now challenged to provide digital literacy
competencies as well as other professional requisites in order to
adequately equip teachers for 21st century learners (Horizon Report
Toolkit, 2016).

11. Implications
Government legislation will be paramount in helping teachers to
adapt to these new roles. As a result of President Obama’s 2013
ConnectED initiative and the U.S. Department of Education and
Federal Communications Commission’s LEAD Commission report,
school districts are quickly incorporating technology into their
curriculums (McKnight, et al., 2016). New programs are in place to
help teachers adapt to their new roles with the help of technology
(Horizon Report, 2016)

12. Resources
Horizontal Professional Development
How Peer Video coaching is Completely Changing How Our Teachers Teach
How to Manage a Digital Classroom
Reimagining Classrooms: Teachers as Learners and Students as Leaders

13. References
<a href="http://www.freepik.com/free-photo/classmates-laughing-together_862778.htm">Designed
by Freepik</a>
<a href="http://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-higher-education-teamwork-designer-
folded_1074203.htm">Designed by Freepik</a>
6 Top Tips for Managing Technology in the Classroom. (2017, March 20). Retrieved June 8, 2017,
from https://gradelink.com/6-top-tips-for-managing-technology-in-the-classroom/planning-
fortechnologyintegrationintheclassroom

14. References
Bart, M. (2011, December 05). How Technology Can Improve Learner-Centered Teaching. Retrieved
June 8, 2017, from https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/ instructional-design/ how-
technology-can-improve-learner-centered-teaching/
Cambaliza, S. (2015, March 26). Planning for Technology Integration in the Classroom. Retrieved
June 8, 2017, from https://www.slideshare.net/forevermahiwagangbabae
Coiro, J., Castek, J., & Quinn, D. J. (2016). Personal inquiry and online research. Reading
Teacher, 69(5), 483-492. doi:10.1002/trtr.1450

15. References
Gilakjani, A. P. (2014). A detailed analysis over some important issues towards using
computer technology into the EFL classrooms. Universal Journal Of Educational
Research, 2(2), 146-153.
http://www.cosn.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2016:Horizon_Report_Digital_Toolkit.pdf
McKnight, K., O'Malley, K., Ruzic, R., Horsley, M. K., Franey, J. J., & Bassett, K. (2016). Teaching
in a Digital Age: How Educators Use Technology to Improve Student Learning. Journal Of
Research On Technology In Education, 48(3), 194-211.

16. References
NMC/CoSN Horizon Report 2016 K-12 Edition. (2016). Retrieved June 7, 2017, from
https://www.nmc.org/publication/nmc-cosn-horizon-report-2016-k-12-edition/
Oxnevad, S. (2013, August 16). 3 Ways to Encourage Higher Order Thinking with Technology -
Getting Smart by Susan Oxnevad - blended learning, common core, digital learning, EdTech,
Innovation. Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http://www.gettingsmart.com/2013/07/
3-ways-to-encourage-higher-order-thinking-with-technology/

17. References
Winske, C. (2015, November 01). 5 Examples of Collaborative Technology in K-12 Classrooms.
Retrieved June 8, 2017, from http://www.channelpronetwork.com/slideshow/ 5-examples-
collaborative-technology-k-12-classrooms