General Strategies

Educational technology has become an integral part of teaching and learning, offering countless opportunities to enhance engagement, accessibility, and collaboration. However, navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of ed tech requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. To effectively integrate technology into teaching, instructors must focus on aligning tools with pedagogical goals, remain critical of trends, and prioritize the needs of their students.

1. Start with Pedagogy, Not Technology

When considering a new tool or platform, begin by clearly defining your learning objectives. Technology should serve as a means to enhance teaching, not a distraction from it. Ask yourself:

• How does this tool align with the goals of my course?
• Will it foster deeper engagement, understanding, or accessibility for my students?
• Does it support diverse learning needs or create new barriers?

Focusing on pedagogy ensures that technology is purposefully integrated to support meaningful learning rather than adopted for novelty’s sake.

2. Stay Open to Experimentation and Collaboration

Technology evolves rapidly, and staying open to experimentation can help instructors discover what works best for their students. Start small by piloting a tool for a single assignment or activity, gather feedback from students, and refine your approach.

Collaboration is also key. Share your successes and challenges with colleagues, and seek out examples of effective practices in your discipline. Engaging in communities of practice—whether through professional organizations, campus workshops, or online networks—can provide valuable insights and reduce the learning curve for adopting new tools.

3. Avoid the Hype, Focus on Purpose

The ed tech market is filled with tools promising to revolutionize education. While some may deliver on their promises, others may distract from teaching and learning priorities. When evaluating a new technology, critically assess its claims and focus on its potential to enhance student learning.

A measured approach ensures that technology adoption is driven by purpose rather than marketing trends.

4. Build Flexibility into Your Practice

Effective technology use requires flexibility and adaptability. What works in one course or context may not work in another. Be prepared to iterate based on what you and your students learn from the experience.

Incorporating metacognitive activities—such as prompting students to reflect on how technology aids their learning—can provide valuable feedback and empower students to take an active role in shaping their educational experiences. Flexibility also means recognizing when a tool isn’t meeting your goals and being willing to let it go.

5. Foster Transparency and Inclusivity

Transparency is crucial when incorporating technology into your teaching. Students should understand how and why tools are being used and feel confident that their privacy and learning needs are respected.

Instructors should also prioritize tools that promote inclusivity, ensuring they are accessible to students with diverse needs and backgrounds.

6. Look Ahead with Caution and Optimism

Technology’s impact on education continues to evolve, and its future potential is still being realized. Rather than assuming today’s tools fully represent the possibilities of ed tech, approach the field with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Stay informed about emerging trends while remaining grounded in evidence-based practices.

Encourage discussions about how technology can be used to enhance learning, and consider how it fits into the broader goals of your teaching philosophy. As you explore new tools, always return to the central question: How does this technology help my students learn?

By thoughtfully engaging with educational technology, instructors can enhance their teaching practices while remaining focused on what matters most: creating meaningful, accessible, and transformative learning experiences for students. While the tools may change, the principles of sound pedagogy and student-centered learning remain constant.