LISTEN

In the following podcast (3:20min), David Okello, ICT teacher in Padibe SS from Lamwo district explains how technology can increase student motivation to stay engaged using the Autonomy–Involvement–Competence (AIC) model from the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by psychologists Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan. 

Listeners learn how digital tools can support autonomy, collaboration, challenge, and self-regulation without causing distraction. The podcast stresses that teachers stay in control, using technology deliberately to keep learners focused, engaged, and confident.

 WATCH

Watch the following video by ClassPoint to get 10x practical tips on how to keep students engaged in your class when using digital tools. 

For a mobile optimised view, click 'Watch on YouTube'

  READ

Read the following article by David and Weinstein (2023) argues that technology alone does not improve learning—what matters is how teachers use it. Using autonomy-supportive teaching, where students feel choice, support, and purpose, makes technology more motivating and engaging.  

The Myth of Learning Styles article by Straub (2024) explains that multi-modal learning improves learning through the use of different teaching methods, not by matching one fixed style to a learner. When teachers engage learners through multiple forms, such as hands-on activities and different modalities, learners pay attention in different ways and are pushed to integrate knowledge more deeply. This makes learning more interesting, increases attention, and leads to better learning outcomes. 

 AI-INTEGRATION

How can AI support your teaching?

Digital tools work best when they are used with clear goals, simple choices, and active learners. They should help students stay focused, not distracted. Here are three prompts you can use (with or without AI) to check and improve learner engagement when using digital tools.

👉🏿 Prompt 1 – Focus on active learning
“My learning objective is ___. How can I use this digital tool so learners do something (answer, discuss, create) instead of just watching or listening?”

👉🏿 Prompt 2 – Check attention and focus
“Where might learners lose focus in this digital activity? Suggest one simple change to keep them engaged.”

👉🏿 Prompt 3 – Context check (Uganda)
“I teach ___ in a low-resource Ugandan classroom. Suggest three ways to keep learners active and motivated during a 50-minute lesson on this topic, even with limited devices or internet?”

Click Next to practice keeping your learners hooked by making use of digital tools.