It seems that new apps are coming out everyday. They all have some cool new feature. Many of us are quick to use this new and exciting tool, but why? Does the new tool simply replace your current app or does this new tool enhance what you are doing?
Administrators and teachers often fall into this "cool trap." How often do we attend an inservice to find out we are moving to the next flavor of the week? We are presented with a new tool that, from our perspective, offers no additional benefits other than replacing what we currently have and do. I saw one district jump from a cumbersome teacher website, to Wikispaces, to School Fusion to the Google Suite in a run of four years. No one knew where we were going or what was next and everyone simply ended up doing their own thing.
As I recommend apps and tools for educators, I evaluate based upon how the tool will change and enhance our practice, not simply replace one for another. For example, why switch from MS Word to Google Docs? The collaboration and share-ability options. Why use VoiceThread instead of a presentation? The collaboration and ability to create your own explanation about a piece of work. Why use a simple Powerpoint when you can animate the same information with xTranormal or GoAnimate.
The next time you want to recommend an app, think about whether it is enhancing student learning or simply replacing your currently practice. If it is the latter, maybe you should show it as alternative to current practices rather than recommend it as a change.
Administrators and teachers often fall into this "cool trap." How often do we attend an inservice to find out we are moving to the next flavor of the week? We are presented with a new tool that, from our perspective, offers no additional benefits other than replacing what we currently have and do. I saw one district jump from a cumbersome teacher website, to Wikispaces, to School Fusion to the Google Suite in a run of four years. No one knew where we were going or what was next and everyone simply ended up doing their own thing.
As I recommend apps and tools for educators, I evaluate based upon how the tool will change and enhance our practice, not simply replace one for another. For example, why switch from MS Word to Google Docs? The collaboration and share-ability options. Why use VoiceThread instead of a presentation? The collaboration and ability to create your own explanation about a piece of work. Why use a simple Powerpoint when you can animate the same information with xTranormal or GoAnimate.
The next time you want to recommend an app, think about whether it is enhancing student learning or simply replacing your currently practice. If it is the latter, maybe you should show it as alternative to current practices rather than recommend it as a change.