Technology use does not equal blended learning. However, technology can be the driver of the transformation to a blended environment. Blended teachers utilize technology to assess students and quickly provide feedback, then make instructional decisions based on that data. When used in stations, technology can free up the teacher, allowing for opportunities for him or her to work with small groups of learners, thus maximizing the teacher-student interactions. At the same time, the technology stations also provide opportunities for students to create, think critically, collaborate and communicate. In addition, technology can help students access content, often with choice and differentiation for more personal learning paths. All of these benefits of technology were evident in the classrooms which I visited this month!
Yes, change is hard. And transforming a classroom from traditional to blended takes work. And time. I know teachers do not have enough time. But if they could see what I saw and hear what I heard in the last few weeks, they would know that the work and sacrifice is worth it! And those teachers who have broken through those barriers and made the shift in their classrooms will testify to that! They will also say that sometimes it is hard and it may not always be pretty, but change is good! (most of the time!)