We've always known that the best learning doesn't stay inside four walls — and that's exactly what Extension is all about. This third piece of the Triple E Framework asks us to consider whether technology is helping students make genuine connections between what they're learning in school and the world they actually live in. When it does, the classroom expands. Learning becomes relevant in a way that sticks.

But extension goes beyond just real-world connections. It also includes what are often called "soft skills" — things like collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. These are the skills that employers consistently say they're looking for, and the digital age gives us more opportunities than ever to weave them naturally into learning experiences. Technology, when used intentionally, can be a powerful vehicle for helping students start building that kind of toolkit.

So as you think about the tech tools in your lessons, it's worth asking: Is this helping students see themselves as learners beyond the school day? And is it giving them a chance to practice the skills they'll actually need as they move through the world?

When the answer is yes, that's Extension working the way it's meant to.

The following questions can help you analyze whether a technology tool is truly extending learning goals — take a look and see how your lessons measure up:

1. Does the technology create opportunities for students to learn outside of their typical school day?

2. Does the technology create a bridge between school learning and everyday life experiences?

3. Does the technology allow students to build skills, that they can use in their everyday lives?”