Technology assisted learning is a fantastic opportunity to enhance learning - is this something teachers are ready willing and able to embrace or are they recycling the same pedagogy, just with different tools?
Why do teachers use presentation software now? Is it a method of engaging learners? ‘if they were more engaged in their learning when their teacher allowed them to use technology for assignments (creating movies, PowerPoints/Google Slides etc). In response, 86% of the students said they were more engaged when allowed to use technology for assignments.’ (Hoffmann & Ramirez, 2018) With more and more young peoples’ lives being monopolised by devices and screens, have teachers moved towards presentations as a method of engagement? Or is it a method of planning and structure to a lesson? Or because technology has become so embedded into teachers working lives meant that practitioners use them as a norm, instead of the old “chalk and talk” method.
Do worksheets present a barrier to learners with a lower ability, ‘Worksheets are a kind of written material, so reading demand may be a barrier to students with low reading abilities. Researchers suggested that teachers should use easier language to support students’. (Rix, 2006) However they allow students to engage more on a one to one level with the lesson, ‘Worksheets can be useful in many ways in terms of academic achievement. For example, as supplements to textbooks, worksheets can be used to add information for particular classes. In addition, blanks in worksheets are invitations for students to fill in gaps; they are opportunities for knowledge construction.’ (Lee 2014)
References
Hoffmann, M. M., & Ramirez, A. Y. (2018). Students' attitudes toward teacher use of technology in classrooms. 21st Century Learning & Multicultural Education, 51-56.
Rix, J. (2006). Simplified language materials: Their usage and value to teachers and support staff in mainstream settings. Teaching and Teacher Education, 22(8), 1145–1156.
Lee C (2014), Worksheet Usage, Reading Achievement, Classes’ Lack of Readiness, and Science Achievement: A Cross-Country Comparison, ISSN: 2147-611X