The Ed Tech Imperative – Keep it Going!

By. Craig Perrier

There was a frequently used saying being used among educators during the 2020-2021 school year that spoke to the seismic shifts that happened with teaching and learning.  It stated, “we are all first year teachers this year.”  The sentiment wasn’t an insult, rather it was commentary on the use of all things related to virtual learning. 

Unless you had already ventured into the virtual educational space, you were learning, often on the fly, how to structure, navigate, and implement this pedagogy.  To support this, teachers taught themselves, worked with colleagues, joined online networks, and attended district training to build their expertise.  From many accounts, the trial by fire experience was a success.  Teachers advanced and refined their practices while mitigating drawbacks.

This experience has been transformative. A year after this shift, teachers have not abandoned educational technology. Instead, integrating virtual and technological skillsets with traditional classroom practices has been the norm.  In turn, teachers want more, and students expect the application of technology to their learning. 

Educators Marketplace has some fantastic options to support this momentum.  Below is just a sample of what is there:

• Microsoft:  Get free tools you need to keep students energized, engaged, and on the path to learning and growing. The need for remote learning tools has never been more urgent.
• Acer: Save up to 40% – Get an affordable PC for your school.
• Academic Super Store:  Everything you need to kick off the new school year and keep it stocked through the year. Students and teachers, you can save big on laptops, software, and all the tech stuff we all need.
• Learning Resources: Learning Resources supports teachers and parents by providing unique, high-quality educational tools that enhance instruction and provide engaging learning experiences that meet children’s individual needs.
• Belkin: Belkin products enhance the technology that connects us to the people, activities and experiences we love…  Find great deals on gear for your iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, iPad Air, Galaxy Tab, & much more!

Whether you are a veteran educator or a first year teacher, last year’s schooling introduced the need for and value of technological prowess for educators.  Don’t ignore this imperative and remember, we are all new to this, because there is always something new to add!