Tools For Teaching
Henry County Superintendent Jared Cotton explains his simple test for classroom technology: it must help the work of teaching.
Dr. Jared Cotton’s litmus test for tech is simple - if it helps the teaching effort, it’s effective, if not, it will not work.
A district leader believes tech tools are just that
Dr. Jared Cotton is the superintendent of Henry County Public Schools, with main offices in Collinsville, VA. Jared worked his way through the ranks starting over 25 years ago, as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal before moving into administration.
I took an opportunity to talk to Jared at the recent AASA conference in New Orleans. I asked him about alternative sources of funding he pursues in his district, and he mentioned how grants from sources such as the Harvest Foundation helped fund programs for professional development. Innovation grants were also popular in bringing additional funds to the district.
Jared’s litmus test for technology is simple – if it helps the teaching effort, it’s effective, if not, it will not work. iPads or Chromebooks aren’t the stars; they’re just the tools that help the process. He always has a clear vision for how technology is used to enhance the educational experience for students. First and foremost, it’s of paramount importance that students remain engaged and excited about learning and attending school.
This article was originally published on Huffington Post
Further Reading
- New York Times – Technology as a teaching tool
- EdTech Magazine – Leading Teachers Toward the Digital Future, Together
- Mashable- Facial recognition will catch students watching Netflix instead of video lectures
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