Carissa Gray Explains The Importance of Instructional Technology

Instructional technology has become crucial in recent years. Carissa Gray is an educator and a long-time proponent of instructional technology. She’s here to explain why this new teaching method is so important.

What is Instructional Technology?

Instructional technology is the practice of using technology to improve education. The goal is to create effective and engaging learning experiences through technology.

This is facilitated by using technological tools to bring learning out of the abstract. It allows for a more hands-on or real-world learning experience, enabling students to gain practical knowledge.

Instructional Technology has Become Indispensable.

In today’s classroom, 42% of work is completed with traditional pencil and paper. 82% of teachers state that technology tools have improved teaching and learning experiences and outcomes.

Technology use in higher education has increased by 19%. Digital discussion and study groups have nearly doubled, while using tools for group work increased by 29%,

Collaboration and Soft Skills

Carissa Gray states that soft skills and hard skills are critical in today’s world, like reading and math.

She explains that collaborative learning allows students to learn complex skills while practicing hard ones. Collaborative learning allows students to improve soft skills like communication and teamwork. Problem-solving skills can also be enhanced with collaborative learning.

Blended Learning Improves Outcomes

Blended learning uses instructional technology tools for digital learning and traditional classroom instruction. The Rand Corporation paired with the Department of Education to determine the effectiveness of blended learning.

The Rand study focused on algebra and included 147 schools across the country. Research revealed that algebra scores improved by eight percentage points, a significant increase.

Automation

Carissa Gray knows teachers are always pressed for time. Instructional technology can provide automation, which gives teachers more time to work with students or create lesson plans.

Automation can include creating or updating lesson plans and grading online assessments. It makes record-keeping much faster and more reliable. Automation also allows students to access learning materials independently, without the teacher having to provide physical materials.

Engaging

The engagement has a strong correlation with learning outcomes. When students are engaged, they can retain information more easily. Studies have shown that engagement improves achievement by 12% across all subjects on average and 22% in math.

Instructional technology has changed what student engagement looks like. In the past, student engagement required high-energy teaching strategies.

Interactive technology, including online assessments and lessons and engaging video content, improves student engagement. Virtual tours and interactive models are also beneficial. Technology also facilitates student-led engagement, which is highly effective.

Carissa Gray

Carissa Gray joined Georgia State University Perimeter College in 2003. She is currently an associate professor of English. She is the founder of Instructional Technology Coaching. She is the founder of Instructional Technology Coaching. She participates in regional and national conferences. At the National Organization for Student Success, she recently presented “Reunite, Reconnect, Reengage: Make Learning an Experience.”