I have had the pleasure of working alongside some really great teachers. In my observation, the best teachers are those who make a sincere effort to understand, respect, and honor their students’ individual abilities and learning styles. They find ways to make every lesson resonate with each student. They also make sure they are not just teaching disconnected facts. Instead, they attempt to help students understand context and underlying systems so they can bring isolated facts together into a cohesive, sensible whole. Finally, they make learning fun and engaging by planning innovative lessons and activities that stimulate students’ innate curiosity. 

I have seen technology used poorly in schools and I have seen it used well. When it is used well it doesn’t replace the elements of great teaching I listed above. Technology, if used appropriately, can actually enhance a teacher’s ability to recognize, reach, and engage students. The key question when planning curriculum with technology integration should be: Does this enhance teaching and learning? If we are just checking the technology box rather than thinking hard about how to integrate technology in innovative, effective ways, it will not be a useful exercise.