Chalkboards / Whiteboards have been the primary tolls for instruction, supported by textbooks. Class time was spent delivering instruction and the students would practice the new skills or reinforce the new information doing homework.

This was the accepted role of teachers for a long time. Eventually, community expectations began to change and teachers adjusted their practices to meet those expectations and better serve their students.

The teacher designs the lessons and plans the use of time, while curating resources for students to use. Teachers still provide the information and model skills for students to practice. The teacher becomes more of a resource for students during class time, since the teacher is free to answer questions rather than lecture.

At this time teachers were put in the role of program evaluators as well as educators. Teachers took on more responsibility for the content and performance of their programs. (Cross, D, Sauer, K, California Journal of Teacher Education, Vol. 3, No. 1, pg 87-96)

Years ago technology was used to replace older technology but still had the same function. Overhead projectors were replaced by wifi projectors mounted to the ceiling displaying images from laptop computers, creating Google Docs has replaced hand written essays, and so on.

We have come to a point where the technological tools have allowed students the ability to do things that were not possible before. It has also replaced the role of teachers as primary providers of information. Students can access as much information as they can handle with a simple internet search. That has freed teachers to put more focus on interpreting and using that information than on lecturing.

Technology be a driving force in changing the roles of teachers. As advanced technology becomes more accessible, teachers will need to adapt to guiding students through internet searches and finding the best tools to help students synthesize and present what they've learned.

Different teachers are at different comfort levels with the current options available for their classrooms. Teachers are being encouraged to connect with peers to collaborate and enhance their skills. I believe the modern classroom is in a state of flux and experimentation. Teachers are exploring new technologies and methods to find what works best for them.

Community expectations for teaching are also changing. Teachers are expected to take on more of the social and emotional needs of students. Teachers are also under fire for what is being taught and how it is done. Teaching is no longer about imparting information and assessing retention of facts. Teachers are mentors, guides, and supports for students as they learn, develop, and struggle over the course of their school career.

I believe teachers will use different teaching styles and technology to best fit the lesson and students. The role of the teacher vary according to the situation. Teachers will become adept at lecture, discussion, guiding student led projects and connecting with students to provide mentorship and support. Teaching will continue to become more complex and demanding. Whatever the future brings teachers will be responsible for guiding the education of their students as well as guiding their development into responsible, critically thinking adults.

Sultan, The Evolution of Classroom Teaching Methods, bestedulearning.com/the-evolution-of-classroom-teaching-methods

Cross, D., Sauer, K., The Changing Role of Teacher Educators, California Journal of Teacher Education, Vol. 3, No. 1

NMC/CoSN Horizon Report: 2017 K-12 Edition