Technology provides the opportunity for educators to provide timely and useful information to students regarding their learning. For example, learning platforms like IXL Science, BrainPop, Edpuzzle, and Blooket, provide students with immediate feedback and are interactive. Students are very motivated by the quick data that is received. Brainpop, and Edpuzzle are knowledge building applications. However, IXL Science and Blooket are skill building learning platforms.
Technology also provides educators with valuable data regarding the effectiveness of their teaching. As a middle school science teacher, without technology it would be difficult to provide immediate feedback on such a consistent basis as is provided by the above-mentioned learning platforms. Teachers do not have to guess how their students are progressing. Technology provides tools to check student understanding and progress regularly, even daily (Davis, 2017). Students sometimes mistake familiarity with understanding and the ability to apply what has been learned. Educators can be surprised by summary assessment, if formative data is not reviewed (Davis, 2017).
Formative assessment data, available with the use of technology allows teachers to observe trends in misunderstandings or confusion. Educators can pose open-ended questions in whole group such as “why is this answer incorrect? Why does it seem correct?” Then, when students are presented with the question again, they are more likely to choose the correct response (Saini, 2025).
An educator has a professional obligation to utilize technology as a valuable and effective tool in determining the success of their teaching practices. Technology also provides data to determine trends that can be discussed in collaboration with other educators. The platforms mentioned above, Discovery Education, IXL Science, and Edpuzzle can provide educators with detailed reports related to standards taught. These reports provide quick and accurate feedback quickly that teachers can use to create lessons for review or to advance as students demonstrate learning objectives have been met. It is difficult to determine such data with 100 students or more at the middle school level. Frequently students do not accurately assess their understanding of performance expectations. It is also important not to place an unfair amount of weight on a single exam.
Technology impacts student learning since timely feedback provides students with information about areas of growth and improvement related to learning objectives. Timely feedback can motivate students to succeed.
The bible includes many verses about words of encouragement. For example, in Proverbs 13:25 (New International Version), we are told that anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers us. Teachers can share areas of improvement, and offer words of encouragement for correctness, neatness, or other areas of student success.
We are also taught the importance of our words and warned of the harm of reckless speech, and that the wise use words intentionally (Proverbs 12:18).
Words from the mouth of the wise are said to be gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips (Ecclesiastes 10:12). As teachers, we do not simply want to cover the page in red, or only provide feedback on what is wrong, but encourage our students by sharing what they have done well, and ways to improve. We can provide this in a kind and supportive manner. Our correction should tend to inspire, not to condemn for incorrectness.
Positive teacher feedback is sought by students. Students want to know that they are doing well. Teachers can use formative and summative tools to provide fast feedback, both personal and through platforms with immediate feedback like, Edpuzzle, BrainPOP, Discovery Education assessment builder. Even if we do not necessarily wish to utilize technology, there is no doubt that the immediate feedback of these and other learning platforms, if used regularly, can benefit students and teachers in monitoring and helping students progress. Constructive feedback from teachers can even help students to provide better feedback to their peers, and manage their own learning better (Di Michele Lalor, 2022).
References
Di Michele Lalor, A. (2022, June 24). Feedback that empowers students. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/feedback-empowers-students
Saini, A. N. (2025, January 8). More than criticism: Feedback strategies that lead to independent learning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/feedback-strategies-that-enable-independent-learning
New International Version Bible. (2011). The NIV Bible. https://www.thenivbible.com (Original work published 1978)
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