By Herman M. Lagon
Technology integration drives meaningful change in today’s fast-changing education system. The ongoing STEP 2024 Conference at Marist School Marikina underscores this transformation, highlighting how technology liberates educators and, in effect, empowers students. Professional development, teacher collaboration and the integration of advanced classroom technology enhance teacher capabilities, enrich learning and elevate educational standards.
To effectively use technology, teachers need more than gadgets and software; they need the skills and confidence to use them. This is where comprehensive professional development comes in. Teachers who receive purposeful and sustainable ed-tech training and support are likely to have improved lesson engagement and effectiveness.
The STEP 2024 Conference stressed the value of a robust research and innovation culture in school communities. This involves creating and nurturing systems, programs and solutions that facilitate the efficient and safe flow of new ideas. Engaging teachers, students and families in educational transformation is crucial. A supportive culture ensures teachers feel valued and have the resources to experiment with and implement new teaching methods. For instance, schools may consider introducing coding programs, educational apps, prompting skill exercises, and action research initiatives that allow teachers to innovate lesson plans, enhance student engagement, and promote data-driven decision-making.
A major theme raised in the three-day conference was the use of technology to improve student learning. Understanding the “why” behind tech integration is crucial here. AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, Bing, Gemini, and other educational chatbots, if used discerningly, can help students learn complex concepts at their own pace. The key is to discerningly integrate technology into learning in a way that aids, rather than distracts, the teaching process.
Balancing empowerment with well-being is also essential. To stay effective, educators were advised to focus on their physical, mental and spiritual health. This holistic approach recognizes that teacher health and morale are crucial to educational innovations. Wellness programs like mindfulness and stress management can inspire teachers and improve their technology skills.
As education uses more digital tools, cybersecurity has become a significant issue. Strong digital defense policies and practical data protection were stressed at the conference. Schools are prime targets for cyberattacks, making a security mindset crucial. Best practices include data protection and risk education for students and staff. Raising awareness and proactively preparing for threats can help schools protect their digital spaces.
The conference also emphasized the importance of teamwork and knowledge sharing. Teachers working together, maintaining learning commons, and sharing expertise can advance educational technology. Community growth and improvement come from openly discussing successes, concerns and challenges. This collaborative approach spreads and adopts best practices, improving educational outcomes. Some schools have created online platforms where teachers can share lesson plans and resources, fostering a community of practice that continually evolves and improves.
The STEP 2024 Conference outlined a clear path forward for integrating technology in education. This journey requires empowering educators through continuous professional development, creating supportive and innovative environments, using technology intentionally, prioritizing well-being, addressing cybersecurity, and fostering collaboration. As Xavier University’s Dr. Samuel Macagba III distilled these big ideas from the first two plenary talks, following these guidelines can transform education, leveraging technology to improve learning and elevate standards.
Day 1 of the conversation at the STEP 2024 Conference clearly laid a strategic path for educators and institutions eager to leverage technology in education. Adopting these forward-thinking principles can transform technology into a vital asset that enriches teaching and learning. This commitment promises to create a more vibrant, interactive, and impactful educational experience for every student and teacher.
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Doc H fondly describes himself as a ”student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with./WDJ