As a high school teacher, the struggle is real—building meaningful relationships with students is increasingly difficult amid the constant distraction of phones and other technology. Creating a learning environment that fosters genuine connection is important to me, but it is challenging when many students are more comfortable connecting through a screen. When students do not buy-in or reciprocate my relationship-building efforts, I find it frustrating. From the moment I walk into my classroom to when students place their phones in the cell phone holder, I barely get a response to a simple “Good morning” and it is this disconnect that makes me reflect on technology in my classroom.
Using technology is part of my daily routine—it is involved in almost everything I do. Every aspect of teaching includes a digital component- from communication and assessment to attendance, my practice has evolved with the times. Embracing this shift has not been easy, but it has been essential for my growth and my students’ success. While incorporating technology can enhance and supplement learning, I believe I must be intentional as to how I use it. My ongoing challenge is striking the right balance- using digital tools to help my students stay engaged and understand content, while still focusing on what matters most—building real connections, encouraging reflection, and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Throughout my career, especially over the past five years, I have utilized a range of educational technologies to support both instruction and communication. Platforms such as PowerSchool, MSS, and Edsby help me track attendance, share academic progress, and stay connected with families in real-time. In the classroom, I rely heavily on Google Slides and PowerPoint, especially in my Financial Literacy and Foods classes, to present content clearly and visually. To keep students engaged and check for understanding, I regularly use tools like Kahoot and Blooket for pre-assessments or to review content. I also use Padlet as a space where students can share their ideas and learn from one another in an interactive way.
For planning, I use Google Slides and Planboard to organize units and lessons in a way that helps maintain structure throughout the year. During my time teaching online, I worked extensively with Moodle, which became my go-to platform for remote learning and assessment. Communication with the Division Office and staff typically occurs through Microsoft SharePoint, Google Docs, and Google Slides—platforms that facilitate streamlined collaboration and information sharing.
Technology has a valuable place in my classroom and can enhance student engagement, but only when I use it strategically and with the right intention. For me, the challenge is finding the right balance between technology use to enhance or supplement learning and creating opportunities that prioritize human connection
