The future of education is digital. We live in an increasingly digital world, where technology is a part of our lives in so many ways. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we incorporate digital technology into education. To prepare students for higher education and future jobs, we must ensure that they are familiar with technology. If we don’t, we will have a populace that is not prepared to compete globally.

Administrators who want to prepare their K-12 school for the future of education should look at the ways they use technology in the classroom. Schools that are future-ready are those that blend technology with learning seamlessly and include technology in nearly every lesson.

To prepare for this digital future, many schools are adopting a one-to-one program. In this type of program, there is one computer or tablet for every student. Schools with one-to-one programs have seen a boost in students’ achievement, especially when it comes to their 21^st-century skills.

However, this increase in test scores doesn’t always happen right away. Just as important as the devices themselves is the way in which they are used. Schools where teachers receive professional development to help them learn best practices for implementing technology in the classroom see better results. Teachers must use technology to facilitate student-centered learning, rather than as a new way to deliver direct instruction.

That means to prepare any K-12 school for the future of education, teachers must understand best practices for using technology. Studies have also found that technology in schools is most effective when it is regularly used, even daily. Allowing students time to use digital technology to collaborate in the classroom is crucial. This kind of interaction facilitated by technology is necessary to prepare students (and schools) for the future.

The burden of preparing for the future of education doesn’t just fall on teachers, either. The same studies found that schools, where principals acted as leaders in introducing technology, had better results. To truly prepare schools for the future of education, administrators must lead the way in implementing digital technology and ensuring teachers use that technology according to best practices.

In summary, if you want your school to be ready for the future, technology is only one piece of the puzzle. The way that administrators and teachers use technology is just as important.

How is your school working to prepare for the future? Let us know what’s worked and what hasn’t worked in your school.