Active vs. Passive Use of Technology

As classrooms fill with more and more technology, experts have determined that it is not the use of tech itself that increases learning, it’s how and why that technology is used. Through research, two methodologies have emerged for using educational technologies: active use and passive use.

Active technology use allows students and teachers greater interaction with technology, with a focus on collaboration and content production. In other words, students should be making things and connecting with others and exploring the world, rather than consuming pre-made content.

Passive use of technology is defined as simply using tech to take a test or complete a worksheet. Though technology can provide great efficiencies when used in passive ways, technology has big opportunities for active use.

How do I know if my students are using tech actively and what does it look like?

• Students are using tech to create, not consume. Look fors: 

• Students are engaged in activities like video production, podcasting, website creation, blogging, photography, game design, etc…
• Students are planning and/or designing a product for an authentic audience

• Classrooms look more like the real world. Look fors:

• Students are collaborating
• Students are working to solve authentic problems
• Work is interdisciplinary and/or connected to the community
• The learning environment is responsive, flexible and dynamic

• Teachers and students are learning about the technology alongside one another, with the teacher acting as a guide on the side. Look fors:

• Students can follow their passions and demonstrate their knowledge through web design platforms, photo editing software, music composition software, etc… even if the teacher is not an expert with these technologies
• Some students serve as “local technology experts” ready to help others when needed

*This blog post is a summary of EdTech Magazine’s 2017 article, 3 Ways to Tell If You Are Using Classroom Tech Actively