Technology can be used as a tool to amplify multiple aspects of a classroom: assessments, projects, discussions, presentations, etc. With 1:1 inclusion, there are multiple opportunities readily available for teachers. But what is the best way to incorporate tech?
One avenue that teachers can use technology for is amplifying student voice. Traditional classroom instruction contains teacher centered strategies that look for parroted responses from students. Often times, this does not allow every student a chance to participate. Using technology, on the other hand, gives each student a voice in the classroom on any topic.
And this is where it gets interesting. "Any topic" means any topic. There seems to be a certain perceived safety in being able to type out a response and edit that response accordingly. I noticed this with my Civics class this past semester. Sensitive topics were approached, with discussion occurring about immigration, gender, racism and many other topics. General, traditional discussion would only have several students leading the discussion, arguing points across the classroom while the rest of the class listened. And while active listening is important, the number of voices in the actual discussion became limited.
Enter technology. With each student having a Chromebook, every student was able to put forward their thoughts on a discussion board. The curious thing about the participation was the editing after posting. Students and their actual thoughts were edited to mirror other students. So while students were participating, they were still parroting their peers.
Building a comfortable classroom culture is the real step. And while technology improved student voice, it didn't improve the authenticity of the student voice. So while it was successful, improving student confidence and creating or reinforcing positive student culture is still the precedent in the classroom.
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