Educational Technology Research

As educators it is important to understand our students on a personal level, but also to look at data and research about their generation. This week I enjoyed looking at a variety of statistics about my students' generation and technology use.

I particularly enjoyed looking at data on home communication. There have been many times in my career that I was frustrated by the lack of contact information and also the response rate from parents.


Source: Project Tomorrow's Speak Up "School-to-Home Communication"

Project Tomorrow's Speak Up “School-to-Home Communication” report was very informative and made me realize that we may not be reaching parents because their preferences do not align with the school’s methods. Only 19% of parents are very satisfied with high school home communications, so I believe there is room for improvement. I love the idea that 52% of parents prefer text messages. I believe that would be a very effective way to communicate short messages, such as, absences. My school often uses automated phone calls and emails, blog posts, Facebook and Twitter, however, they are not personalized and appear to be ineffective.

After reviewing theses statistics, I have so many ideas on ways my school could improve their communications. I think one of the first steps is to ask the parents their preferred method or communication and have that information accessible to the staff.

Another report I found fascinating was Project Tomorrow's Speak Up “Flipped, Blended, Virtual: New Classroom Models, Technology & Personalized Learning” report. I love the idea of a flipped classroom and the results from the report just furthered my excitement to jump into that territory. I can completely understand why 61% of teachers believe a flipped classroom increases more individualized learning. I definitely think blended and flipped classroom are the way of the future. Students can work at their own pace, but also receive so much one-to-one instruction as they need it.

Project Tomorrow's Speak Up "Flipped, Blended, Virtual"

I’m excited to create a flipped classroom, but probably need some guidance. I think I will start here.

This valuable research is important to review every year, as students and technology change so rapidly. I am definitely going to keep these reports in my "toolbox" to ensure I am meeting my students needs.