Jan 19 2021
Classroom

3 Tech Initiatives to Prioritize in the Virtual Classroom

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) has identified its top three tech enablers that educators should prioritize to overcoming remote learning obstacles.

Finding technology tools and solutions amid the challenging year that was 2020 often felt like Mission: Impossible at times for many school districts. There aren’t necessarily “wrong answers” when it comes to adding technology to the educational experience, but there are some initiatives that you should prioritize over others to achieve the most important outcomes for your students and educators.

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) has identified its top three tech enablers as part of the next report in its Driving K–12 Innovation series, set to be released in early 2021. Based on its survey of K–12 IT decision-makers, here are the tech enablers school leaders should prioritize to overcome learning hurdles and embrace accelerators.

1. Digital Collaboration Combines Online and In-Person Instruction

Digital systems, tools, technologies, connectivity and pedagogy combine to enable learning experiences through various degrees of online interaction. Digital collaboration environments include synchronous and asynchronous communication tools — platforms that allow multiuser virtual communication, whether across the room or across the globe. These tools can be used to strategically integrate online and in-person activities to enable student learning.

2. Untethered Broadband and Connectivity Boost the Learning Experience

Ubiquitous broadband internet and the underlying technologies that enable untethered, robust connected learning and connectivity are essential to the educational experience.

MORE ON EDTECH: Ask these 3 questions before selecting tech for online learning

3. Blended Learning Tools Support Remote Learning for Students

The blended learning model requires digital tools, technologies and pedagogy to create a rich learning experience through a mix of face-to-face and online interaction. These tools can be used to strategically integrate online and in-person activities to support student learning.

READ MORE: What districts need to know about blended learning.

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