effects in the classroom

Digital Technologies in the Classroom

My selection of technologies was guided by practical usability, accessibility, and alignment with the Technology Mandatory 2026 learning outcomes TE4-DIG-01 and TE4-DIG-02. I applied a simple “litmus test”: if a teacher finds a tool difficult to operate or explain, students are likely to experience the same challenge. Consequently, I prioritised browser-based and free tools, such as TinkerCAD, Scratch, Canva for Education, and Google Sheets, that are easy to set up for students, prepare lessons with, and explicitly model in class.

This approach reflects the argument that technology should be “embedded into pedagogy, to support the learning process” rather than used for its own sake (Eady & Lockyer, 2013, p. 80). It also aligns with research highlighting that introducing technology without teacher preparation limits its impact, since “whatever resources you put into schools you need to back up with training” (McKeown & McGlashon, 2015, p. 120). Furthermore, teachers’ confidence and perceptions significantly shape classroom practice, as “teachers’ perceptions and some individual factors influence not only their use of ICT in the classroom, but also their out-of-the-classroom use” (Ibieta et al., 2017, p. 434). Collectively, these views informed my focus on intuitive, inclusive, and low-cost tools that build both teacher and student confidence in digital learning environments.

References

Eady, M. J., & Lockyer, L. (2013). Tools for learning: Technology and teaching strategies. In P. Hudson & S. Hudson (Eds.), Learning to teach in the primary school (pp. 71–89). Queensland University of Technology.

Ibieta, A., Hinostroza, J. E., Labbé, C., & Claro, M. (2017). The role of the internet in teachers’ professional practice: Activities and factors associated with teacher use of ICT inside and outside the classroom. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 26(4), 425–438. https://doi.org/10.1080/1475939X.2017.1296489

McKeown, S., & McGlashon, A. (2015). Brilliant ideas for using ICT in the inclusive classroom (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315750255