Learning with Technology - Engagement Truth or Myth?

Look for media that is created with educational content and allows students to be active in the learning process.

If the screen time is passive, you can add instructional choices to create higher cognitive thinking activities around the media. 

If the screen time is created with non-educational content, try integrating instructional choices to help students focus on the educational pieces in the med

1:1 provides students with more time and access to digital devices.

1:1 may allow more time and opportunity for teachers to become more comfortable with integrating technology.

High-level learning activities with technology can happen in schools that are not 1:1.

Long-term and sustained professional development for teachers around sound pedagogy with educational technology is essential.

Teachers need to know how to manage the distractions that come with 1:1 devices.

Students can focus on only one task at a time and are easily distracted when digital devices are in front of them.

Structure technology in the classroom so that it is accessible only when it is needed in the moment for the learning task at hand.

Avoid using technology if the focus is on human-to-human social interactions.

Be aware that students in the back of the room are more likely than students in the front of the room to get distracted when they have technology in front of them.

If students are switching between tasks with technology, it may take them twice as long to complete the task than if they had done it without switching between tasks.

Students of all ages need breaks from technology to recharge their brains and stay engaged in a learning task.

Try shorter lessons (ten-minute increments) with technology or break up the tasks.

While students are using the technology, build in opportunities to remind the students of the learning goal.

Build in brain breaks when using technology.

Does the technology allow students to focus on the task of the assignment or activity with less distraction (Time on Task)?

Does the technology motivate students to start the learning process?

Does the technology cause a shift in the behavior of the students, where they move from passive to active social learners (co-use or co-engagement