Technology in the classroom immediately conjures up images of mobile phones going off and disrupting the learning, it has the potential to be so much more than that. It can be an essential tool, both in terms of educational resources and connecting with younger generations. Technology in the classroom improves engagement as students become more interested in the subjects when using a medium they are familiar with and comfortable with. For instance, taking virtual trips or using educational video games or other learning resources. Students who are more invested tend to retain the knowledge learned in lessons longer.
Technology isn’t just necessary for the benefit of students. Teachers can utilize pupil tracking software to record attendance and predict patterns of absence. They can also use software to seek out weaker areas of the curriculum. There is even an Educator school report writer which helps in formatting. Teachers have taken on more of a coaching role of late, they aren’t just instructors who deliver the lesson, but they support and guide students, and provide feedback and coaching to the class. This is becoming easier with countless online resources compiled by a community of teachers. Virtual lesson plans, grading software and online assignment turn-ins can save a lot of time.
No two students learn in the same way or at the same pace. Technology can provide opportunities for making learning more effective for the individual. Students can learn at their own pace, review difficult concepts and supplement their understanding of them with different resources or even skip ahead as needed. The internet gives students unfettered access to a broad range of research and resources from reputable sources to increase engagement.
This online environment can also develop a student’s collaborative skills by getting them involved in different activities, from forums to virtual learning environments. Technology encourages collaboration between students in the same classroom, school or even around the world. In doing this, students refine their thinking and reach higher levels of comprehension and understanding.
Teachers can also conduct more formative assessments to ensure that students are not only learning the concepts but also how to use the technological resources they have. Technology facing activities require mostly critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Teachers then become facilitators, providing feedback and enabling students to dig deeper. These types of assessments are essential for the modern student as they develop skills essential for success in the 21st century. It helps to develop a myriad of practical skills, such as creating presentations, learning to differentiate between credible and unreliable sources and the proper online etiquette. These skills are very important for success and can be easily learnt in the classroom.
Teaching is all about introducing students to concepts and ideas they haven’t heard of yet. Technology in the classroom is like an expedition into modern invention, rather than seeing it as a threat to your classroom, it should be viewed as a way to enhance growth.
