Have you ever wondered what educators consider their favorite technology in the classroom? We did this too, so we asked the experts themselves! In our We Are Teachers survey, more than 500 educators shared everything from high-tech gadgets to tried-and-true classics that help make magic happen every day. Let’s dive into the results – you’ll see that one platform in particular took home the gold!
First, let’s look at how often teachers and students actively use technology in the classroom.
Clearly, most teachers fall somewhere in between: They use technology for some or most of their teaching, but not all of it.
Teachers also told us they are using a variety of technologies in the classroom. Seventy percent responded that their students have 1:1 devices and 23% said they have laptops in the classroom. The overwhelming majority of teachers use these devices for student assessment (77%), student engagement (43%), student presentations (82%), and teacher productivity tools (74%). Only 11% of teachers said they allow students to use ChatGPT, AI or cell phones during classes.
Now, let’s look at how teachers obtain new technology.
Most teachers said the two biggest obstacles to using more technology were price and lack of professional development.
Teachers also mentioned other factors that prevent them from using technology more. Fourteen percent of teachers said the district’s lengthy approval process was a hindrance, 9% of teachers said they lacked actual technology (e.g., laptops), and 8% of teachers said a lack of technical support and access specialists were their biggest obstacles.
When given the choice of technology, most teachers say that the most important factor in selecting technology for the classroom is that it should not create extra work for them.
And why would they want extra work? Teachers are already overworked enough. Teacher and interviewee Natalie M. put it this way: “Technology needs to speed up teachers’ tasks, not create more.”
Hovering around the same percentage (between 15% and 19%) were price, versatility, and accessibility features. Teachers are looking for free technology, a one-stop shop, and technology that works for them. all students.
Now, let’s take a look at what the teachers said were their favorites.
Teachers’ favorite technology for student engagement is Kahoot, followed by GoNoodle and Nearpod.
Teachers’ favorite technology tool for student assessment is Google Forms, followed by Kahoot and Edpuzzle.
Without a doubt, teachers’ favorite tool for student presentations is Google Slides.
Google Classroom and Google Calendar are teachers’ favorite technology tools for teacher productivity.
Finally, teachers’ favorite learning management system is Google Classroom, followed by Canvas.
Teachers also wrote about their other favorites: Blooket, Canva and Quizizz.
When it comes to technology in the classroom, what do teachers wish they had more of?
We asked teachers what they would change about the way technology is used/acquired. Here’s what they had to say.
More PD/training
“I think teachers need to test technology in the classroom, not just receive it and expect us to like it and figure out how to use it. Better training would also be helpful.” —Ellen Hester, teacher
“I wish we had more professional development time to explore and implement. It’s hard to see exactly how this works when you only see the teacher’s side.” —Shelley Sims, teacher
More voice and choice
“Teachers would receive their own technology budget and then be able to purchase the platforms that best meet their needs.” —MVM, professor
Better awareness of what’s out there
“Don’t keep ALL the good stuff behind the premium wall. Give us a little more about the free version to get us hooked and wanting to advocate for our building/district to buy the premium features for us.” —Molly Ketchell, teacher
Global financing
“We can’t do anything without money. Not just for the devices, but for the maintenance. Not just for premium memberships, but for premium memberships year after year.” -I. Ross, 9th grade teacher
What do teachers care about when it comes to technology in the classroom?
Technology replacing fundamental skills
“I am concerned that with the increased use of technology in classrooms, especially in the early elementary grades, students will have more difficulty with spelling, grammar and sentence structure. All the ‘smart’ devices we have automatically correct these things for students, which doesn’t help them learn the skills.” —Breanna Underwood, teacher
Following this
The Wild West of AI
“I’m worried that some teachers will try to completely ban anything AI because they think it does too much for kids. Teachers need to embrace it, learn about it, and discover how it can improve teaching and student learning.” —Melissa Jaeger, teacher
“I am concerned because there are no guidelines/laws on using AI in the classroom for both teachers and students, but we are already using it.” —JN, literacy specialist
Privacy
“Student privacy. We have had to stop using some tools because companies are not willing to sign a document (required by our state, NY) that states that student data will be protected. I don’t want to be the reason a student’s data ends up on the Dark Web.” —JH, teacher
Clearly, our research offers several conclusions about the current state of technology in the classroom. Teachers and schools need better funding and a greater voice in the allocation of that funding. They need quality professional development when new technologies are launched by someone who knows the technology inside and out. Most importantly, teachers need technology in the classroom to make their jobs easier, not harder. One company in particular seems to be getting it right: Google.
