Educational technology promises interactive, personalized learning in the classroom. But with that rapid adoption comes a challenge: teaching and empowering instructors to use the tools.
In 2023, instructors used an average of 49 educational technology tools, seven more than in 2022. Nearly one in three instructors say they have too many tools to learn how to use them effectively.
Let’s explore how educational institutions can effectively implement new instructional technology so it empowers instructors instead of burdening them.
How to Introduce and Implement New Educational Technology
According to instructors, one of the top reasons instructors struggle with incorporating technology is because the school doesn’t offer enough guidance. Here’s how school leaders can guide, support, and train instructors to improve student outcomes.
1. Create Buy-In
First, instructors need to understand why a tool is being introduced and how it will help them in the classroom.
“Instructors are overwhelmed, and they need to see how it will make their jobs easier, student outcomes better, and how it looks to implement the change,” says Dave Hunt, former school administrator and Sales Enablement Specialist at Interplay Learning.
“Give a clear and compelling use case of the technology so instructors can understand the ‘why’ to utilize a new learning tool, as well as plenty of learning and support for making it happen.”
Involve instructors in technology conversations early so they can ask questions, share ideas and concerns, and advocate for their needs. Creating buy-in will build an underlying culture of support and trust.
2. Give Robust Training and Support
Requiring an instructor to use a new tool without any training or support is a recipe for frustration and failure. Instead, build a support system for your instructors and sufficient professional development to use any tool effectively.
“Having an implementation support role within the school staff would be invaluable,” recommends Tori Cash, Engagement Manager at Interplay Learning.
“If possible, have someone go from room to room and show students and instructors how to use the tool initially. Give instructors time to experiment with the tool and consider providing a ready-made lesson example for them to get started.”
Educators can also lean on a technology provider’s support team to answer questions, facilitate demos, or create onboarding modules for instructors. For example, Interplay Learning provides new customers with custom implementation services, such as “train the trainer,” to ensure everyone is set up for success.
3. Phase In New Products
Another tactic is to phase in technology use and let instructors pilot or test it before requiring them to fully implement it.
A gradual release approach gives schools a chance to analyze how students use the new tool and address any issues before rolling it out to a wider student population. Start with just one grade level, or create a pilot timeline for the initial phase.
Implementation Case Study: Remington College
Remington College successfully uses Interplay Learning’s 3D simulations in their HVAC and Construction Building Maintenance programs. Initially introduced as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these simulations quickly became an integral part of their hybrid education model.
But to get instructors on board, they needed to walk instructors through the technology and pilot it in classrooms.
“As soon as the instructors see how we’ve engaged the students in their learning, and that they really caught on and they’re scoring higher on their tests, they buy into it,” shares Sergio Cazares, Director of Faculty Development for Remington College. “That’s when the instructor’s light bulb really comes on, and they say, okay, there’s something here. This technology is working. This approach, the way that we instilled this pedagogical style, is working for us.”
Interplay Learning technology allows Remington College to offer students greater flexibility and autonomy. Students can now practice fundamental skills at home through engaging, gamified simulations, which improves their confidence and familiarity with tools, equipment, and industry terminology before hands-on lab sessions.
This self-directed approach enables students to identify and focus on areas needing improvement, maximize lab time, and better prepare students for industry certification exams.
Create a Culture of Learning and Success
Once a tool is introduced, your job isn’t done. It takes sustained efforts to keep instructors engaged and help them navigate product updates.
1. Become a Leader Advocate
A culture of adaptation starts at the top. School leadership should play an active role in coaching instructors and advocating for technological adoption. To do that effectively, they need to get in the weeds with the instructors and learn to use the technology themselves.
Instructors will feel supported and incentivized to leverage new tools when they know they can turn to their Assistant Principal or an Instructional Coach for troubleshooting.
2. Create Systems for Continual Learning
Training should never be “one and done.” It should be bite-sized, relevant, and continual. Make a plan for ongoing instructor training that fits within existing meetings like professional development days or can be done on-demand, rather than adding to an instructor’s workload and schedule.
Creating an effective system will also help you train new instructors who join your school. Twenty-three percent of instructors leave their schools each year, according to ERS, creating a hefty training gap for schools at the start of each school year.
“It’s so critical that schools rely on systems that work for their instructors, instead of instructors working for the systems. Instructors will always come and go, and over the past 5 years, we have seen that increase exponentially. If a school can build the systems to make that tool work for the instructor and students, they only have to tweak it for the next instructor,” says Hunt.
3. Create Spaces for Peer Learning and Support
Finally, create a forum for instructors to help each other and share best practices.
“I recommend regular discussions through an online platform rather than requiring more in-person training,” says Cash. “Find ways to spark discussion with questions regarding best practices or share examples of successful lessons using the technology.”
From Resistant to Ready: Bridge the Gap by Empowering Instructors
To take advantage of the promise and potential of educational technology, schools should invest in training and supporting instructors. That starts with buy-in and requires systems of support, coaching, and peer learning that empower rather than overwhelm instructors.
When implemented well, educational technology can save instructors time and transform student learning with interactive, personalized learning.
Speak to a consultant to learn how Interplay Learning can save instructors time, lower costs, and engage students. Contact us today.
