Daniel Paul R.

Banac

B. Ed. In TESOL

Core 1

Educational Technology

1. “An effective 21st century teacher will be able to integrate technology in

the classroom to truly inspire and advance student learning.” Justify the

statement by explaining technical knowledge, a new-age global educator

should possess.

The modern educator must have the ability to integrate modern

technology within the classroom due to the fact that most educational

institutions today use technology as the main instrument in student

learning. Many students today have access to personal

laptops/computers and are fluent in using these for their studies.

The most important thing I believe that an educator must not just

integrate said technology but be able to effectively use it.

A.I. has become a staple in today’s learning. Teachers and students are

able to use these tools to make work more efficient. Some people

might say that using this technology would be harmful and would

teach students to be lazy. The same can be said for some teachers who

depend too much on these tools, which results in the dulling of their
skills. Therefore, the 21st century educator must be careful in how

these tools are used. There are no “bad” tools only wrong “uses”.

The first thing that an educator must do is to familiarize himself

with current technological trends. One can learn many things by

simply observing the surroundings. The current generation has

incorporated mobile phones into their daily lives. Many young people

cannot even survive one hour without their phones. It has evolved

from a simple communication device to a life-line to society for many

and has become somewhat of an addiction. An educator should be

able to use this “addiction” to help students study harder and have

focus in their studies. Mobile phones can be used as tools to learn by

using apps that help students track their learning, stay informed of

schoolwork, or check achievements. E.g., ClassDojo, Khan Academy,

Kahoot! Etc.

Sharma et al. (2023) in their review study highlighted that

technologies such as laptops, mobile devices and adaptive learning

software have stimulated student autonomy and enabled learning to

occur continuously and beyond the confines of conventional

classrooms.
 Hence, an educator who refuses to adapt to modern technology

ultimately undermines students’ academic growth and limits their

capacity to learn effectively. In a time where digital tools shape how

information is accessed, processed, and applied, failure to integrate

technology creates a disconnect between teachers and students’ real-

world learning environments. Said disconnect may reduce student

engagement, hinder the development of essential digital literacy skills,

and prevent learners from reaching their full potential.

Therefore, an effective twenty-first-century teacher must

possess not only basic technical competence but also meaningful and

purposeful technological knowledge. By thoughtfully incorporating

digital tools, educators can inspire curiosity, promote critical thinking,

and support diverse learning styles, ultimately advancing students’

academic achievement and preparing them for the demands of a

rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.

Technology has embedded itself in the fabric of modern

education. It has revolutionized the way we teach and the way we

learn. When technology is used properly, it transforms the traditional

classroom into a vibrant environment where learning is a natural

progression, understanding is a natural outcome, and skills are a

natural acquisition. It is no longer a supporting tool; it is a

fundamental alteration of the way education is conducted and the way

students learn. (Sharma et al., 2023)

Technology has several advantages, one of the most important of

which is the way it enhances the understanding of concepts.

Technology has the capability to enhance the understanding of

concepts. It does this through multimedia, which includes pictures,

animations, and virtual simulations. It is a more visual and practical

approach to learning.

Another obvious advantage is increased student engagement and

motivation levels. The use of interactive tools such as educational

games and quizzes can prove to be a great motivator for students.

technology for their learning, their focus and knowledge retention

levels increase manifold. However, the educator must be mindful how

technology is used in this way as it may sometimes lead to students to

be averse to other forms of learning.

The use of blended and flipped classrooms is a great example of how

technology is transforming the way students learn and absorb

knowledge. Flipped classrooms involve students accessing digital

content at home and completing tasks and activities during classroom

hours. The benefits of this model include increased student interaction

and engagement.

Another significant benefit of technology is its ability to increase

student collaboration and communication skills. Through online

forums and video conferencing tools, students can collaborate and

learn outside the classroom environment. These tools can help

students develop communication and collaborative skills, which are

essential for the 21st century. Some have voiced out concerns that

using this way of communicating leads to poorer social skills but I

the fact that they always use “social media”. It is the responsibility of

the educator to ensure that a balance be achieved. Students must learn

how to effectively communicate in-and-out of the classroom.

To conclude, technology has a significant impact on student learning

and outcomes. It has the power to increase student interaction and

engagement levels, provide a more flexible and inclusive learning

environment, and increase student communication and collaboration

skills. When used effectively and combined with effective teaching

methodologies, technology can prove to be a great teacher and guide

for students.
References:

Sharma, S., Tyagi, V., & Vaidya, A. (2023). Technology-enabled self-