Teaching in Inclusive Technology Systems
“Teaching supported by technology connects educators to people, data, content, resources, expertise, and learning experiences that can empower and inspire educators to provide more effective teaching for all learners” (National Educational Technology Plan, 2017). The NETP highlights the importance of equitable student access to both high-quality technology and teachers who have the skills to use technology to personalize learning. Teaching with technology can transform not only teachers as educators, but also students as learners.
Building teacher clarity regarding teaching with technology offers the opportunity to considerably accelerate and improve teaching and learning (Visible Learning Meta, 2020). Educators who build their capacity for their technology knowledge, skills, and implementation are more effective in the teaching and learning process. By taking a proactive approach to broadening personal technology skills, educators can more effectively offer explicit instruction and support to help students identify and remove barriers to learning with technology.
Practices educators implement to support inclusive learning when using technology include:
- Develop technology competencies, including how to use accessible and assistive technology to support student progress toward learning goals.
- Use technology to support student-centered learning for all students.
- Take responsibility for developing or enhancing the technology skills needed to support instruction for all students.
How do district leaders support effective teaching practices in inclusive technology ecosystems?
Learn how to systematically begin the process of creating and sustaining an inclusive technology ecosystem using the CITES Framework. The CITES teaching practices can be approached step by step, or as a “just-in-time” resource that focuses on specific areas most needed in your district.
Print the Teaching Practices Self-Assessment All-in-One Guide (PDF)
Alternate version: Teaching Practices Self-Assessment Tool All-in-One (MS Word)
Brazosport's Story
Brazosport Independent School District has prioritized implementing Universal Design for Learning to ensure teaching with technology supports student-centered learning. The district credits their collaborative approach for the widespread adoption of accessible instructional materials and teachers have come to view supporting digital tools as integral to their teaching practices.