Teacher technology adoption: What’s age got to do with it?

Jennifer Williams
A older techer sat with students, in particular looking at a laptop with one of the students
Reading time: 4 minutes

Educators, by design, are innovators. Living and working in a constant state of beta, teachers bring to the classroom a natural desire to explore and better understand new practices and methodologies to support students in their search for knowledge.

Guided by an internal drive to make the world a better place and powered by the rewards of working daily with the youth that can create that positive change, teachers collectively are part of a profession different from any other. Within one classroom on any single day, a teacher can become a scientist, a historian, an inventor, or a scholar. Over time, whether in a one-room schoolhouse a century ago or in a technology enhanced classroom of the digital age, these defining characteristics of “teacher” have seemed to stay constant.

Bridging the generational and digital divide

Today, as citizens of our digital and global world, we are in an extraordinary time where divides are closing and collaboration becomes standard – where differences are truly celebrated and associations are surpassing separations in society.As educators, this change reflects what we have consistently asserted in our classrooms.

Yet, terms like 'generational gap” and “digital divide” suggest a significant separation between us as teachers and our students. In truth, teachers and students are increasingly using asharedlanguage of innovation and exploration. Rather than sticking to notions of a technology-based generational divide, many are transcending the labels of “digital immigrants” and “digital natives”.

This is further reinforced by current research demonstrating that technology adoption in education has less to do with age and instead is based more on exposure and experience (Bennett & Maton, 2010; Bullen, Morgan, & Qayyum, 2011; Guo, Dobson, & Petrina, 2008; Helsper & Eynon, 2010). As opposed to a focus on divides, this new evidence offers supportive pathways of possibilities to bring together older and younger generations in the process of learning in our world through exploration and wonder.

Embracing skill development

Moving attention away from a fixed age factor to emphasizing a continuum of proficiency based on exposure and experience enables teachers of all ages to identify as part of this digital age of education. Though digital technologies are fixtures in the daily lives of many (if not most) of our students, the ways students use technologies are not always consistent.

Students of today – like students of previous generations – continue to need the guidance of teachers in finding ways to take and apply their understanding of technology to effectively convey perspectives with the world, influence the opinions of others, and contextualize and synthesize information in meaningful ways.

Timeless lessons from teachers

Teachers as innovators – young and old, tech-savvy and tech-novice – have extraordinary gifts to bring to their students, who are also navigating through digital environments. Though there are countless lessons teachers bring to students, here are several timeless ones that transcend any generation of teaching. Teachers guide students to use advanced technologies so that they can be...

Critical consumers

Today, students in our classrooms are bombarded with information at nearly every moment in time. With basic searches for information often leading students in multiple directions, research at every level has now become a highly complex and sophisticated process. The result is that we now see learning practices shifting from finding answers to discovering more questions.

Teachers can guide students to evaluate and consume information critically. By promoting transparency and sharing, they help learners consider context and sources, reason with evidence and build knowledge.

Creators of rich content

As classrooms advance as blended learning environments, seamless integration of technologies and innovative teaching practices offers students opportunities to transform from passive learners to active content creators. With countless digital tools available for content creation, students can seek guidance from teachers on matching the best tool to a particular communicative purpose.

Teachers who are skillful in creating synthesized messages can show students ways to comprehend and compose with combinations of digital technologies. Less in the role of directing lessons, the teacher becomes a catalyst for learning, inspiring students to work creatively and collaboratively to solve problems and respond to instructional lessons as producers of information.

Centered on relationships

A defining quality of a master teacher is the ability to create a positive learning community built on empathy and understanding. The focus on relationships in these classrooms models the continued importance of valuing alliances and friendships.

Soft skills, such as joy, honesty, trust and respect, become even more essential as our students continue to interact in a highly networked and diverse world. Balance, too, becomes a critical area for discussion as students look to divide attention, time and social-emotional reserves between onscreen and in-person experiences.

Within responsive classrooms and digital learning spaces that keep emphasis on the formation of relationships, teachers can offer opportunities for students to develop through collaboration, teamwork, solidarity and conflict resolution.

Resilient in endeavors

Our students are looking out onto a world where anything is possible. Digital age technologies are empowering students to believe: “if you can dream it, you can do it”. The impossible is within reach, and a mindset of grit and determination moves sparked ideas to a place of accomplishment and excellence.

Through the creation of learner-driven classrooms centered on the student, teachers can help guide students to narrow their interests and ultimately find their passions. With relevance and authentic purpose, teachers can connect students in the process of learning through design thinking and trial and error – shifting the outlook from fear of failure to resilience and 'stick-to-itiveness' to advance learning to a place of discovery and invention.

And it is this mindset – a position of inquiry and exploration – held by students and teachers, young and old, that can show that great will come from risk. We all just need to be ready to try.

Learn about professional development for teachers

Read our blog posts 'The importance of teachers professional development' and 'The impact of AI on language learning'.

References

Bennett, S. J. & Maton, K. (2010). s.Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 26(5), 321-331

Bullen, M., Morgan, T. & Qayyum, A. (2011). Canadian Journal of Learning & Technology, 37(1)

Guo, R. X., Dobson, T. & Petrina, S. (2008). Journal of Educational Computing Research, 38(3), 235–254

Helsper, E. J., & Eynon, R. (2010). British Educational Research Journal,36(3), 503-520

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    The ultimate guide to language assessment in business

    By Samantha Ball
    Reading time: 7 minutes

    Effective international communication is crucial in the world of global commerce. In today's borderless marketplace, companies need to be linguistically flexible to be successful. For HR managers and business practitioners, comprehensive language evaluations are not just an add-on but a vital duty that can enhance your organization's success in the international market.

    This guide will take you through the crucial role of language assessment in business. It will discuss why language assessment is important, how to effectively implement it, its benefits for students and business professionals, and the current tools and technologies available. By the end, you will have the knowledge to identify the significance of language assessment in your business and make informed decisions that reflect the essential role of linguistic ability in the modern global economy.

    Why language assessment matters

    Enhancing communication effectiveness

    Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful business. When diverse teams come together, be it in an office, on a shop floor, or at a virtual meeting, the ability to exchange information clearly and concisely can mean the difference between streamlined operations and costly misunderstandings. Language assessment ensures that employees possess the necessary language skills needed to communicate across teams and with clients worldwide.

    Global market competitiveness

    Accessing international markets hinges largely on the language capabilities of your workforce. Assessing language skills not only amplifies your organization's ability to engage with prospective clients and partners but also ensures that the customer experience is seamlessly delivered, regardless of the customer's primary language.

    Talent acquisition and retention

    Proper language assessments play a pivotal role in the recruitment process. They aid in identifying candidates with the language proficiencies required for specific roles, such as those involving international correspondence or multilingual customer support. By enabling a streamlined and objective measurement of language ability, your business can attract and retain talent, securing a competitive edge in a multilingual talent pool.

    Types of language assessments

    Proficiency tests

    Proficiency tests are the benchmarks for evaluating a person’s overall language capability. This category includes tests that cover all language skills, such as reading, writing, listening and speaking, like the Versant tests offered by app. These tests provide a comprehensive analysis that helps gauge an individual's ability to function effectively in a language, both in academic settings, the workplace and everyday contexts.

    Interviews

    Conversational skills and the application and comprehension of language in real-world scenarios play a significant role in many job roles. Structured interviews that focus on language are a vital component of the language assessment suite. These interviews typically evaluate oral and sometimes written language skills, providing context-specific insight into how these skills might translate in a professional setting.

    Role-playing scenarios

    Simulations that mimic workplace interactions provide an immersive method of assessing language skills beyond language proficiency tests. Candidates engage in practical scenarios that mirror the challenges and dynamics of a business environment, which is particularly valuable for assessing their ability to manage real-time communication under pressure.

    Implementing language assessment

    Best practices for HR managers

    When starting your language assessment program, begin with a thorough needs analysis. This involves identifying which roles require language proficiency, to what level and in which languages. Then, select or develop an assessment that aligns with these requirements. It's also important to provide clear instructions and support for candidates, ensuring that the assessment process is transparent and equitable.

    Training and development strategies

    Personalized learning plans can be a game-changer for employees who require language improvements. Identify the areas for development, set achievable goals, and incorporate regular assessments to measure progress. This approach ensures that training is targeted and effective, helping employees advance their language skills in a way that's both strategic and supportive.

    Benefits for business professionals

    Career advancement opportunities

    Proficient multilingualism can open doors to international career opportunities and is a key differentiator in many sectors. A dedication to mastering a foreign language can lead to personal and professional growth, including access to leadership positions and broader responsibilities.

    Cross-cultural competence

    Language proficiency is closely tied to cross-cultural understanding and competence. Business professionals who possess these abilities can traverse cultural boundaries with sensitivity and insight, essential for global leadership and successful collaborations in multicultural teams.

    Enhanced collaboration

    Clear and expressive communication fosters an environment of trust and collaboration. By investing in the linguistic abilities and listening skills of your teams, you're not only improving the performance of individual employees but also elevating the collective capacity for innovation and problem-solving within your organization.