Technology in Classrooms
The past century has been a favorable environment for the evolution of technology. Impressive innovations, from simple household electronics, to incredibly powerful microchips that control complex computers, have marked development over the years. Technology has been a key to the continuous progress of society throughout the decades.
Although technology has always been used in education, only recently has it been introduced to classrooms around the world. What was once a privilege limited to children whose families owned personal computers is no longer the case with the introduction of technology in classrooms having graced us in the early 90s.
The Benefits of Technology in the Classroom
One of the earliest benefits to be discovered was that using technology in classrooms makes learning more fun and engaging for children. The main advantage of using laptops or tablets is the integration of digital images and videos in each lesson. Students are more likely to pay attention to the lecture if it's interactive.
Using technology for education from an earlier stage is also responsible for preparing students for the future. A very high number of companies have integrated technology into their everyday management and production. Interacting with technology from a young age will help children develop skills that will eventually be very useful to them in their careers.
Several studies have shown that even a simple PowerPoint presentation can increase the retention rate of children. Encouraging children to create their own presentations on different subjects not only increases their understanding of the subject, but also that of their colleagues.
Every child applies a different method of learning and understanding subjects. The majority of digital applications available for teaching offer an individualized learning approach. Technology allows teachers to tailor their lectures according to the particular needs of each student.
The implementation of technology in classrooms is responsible for creating a level of diversity and interaction like never before. Through the use of the latest educational apps, students can continue their studies at home while still being able to digitally interact with their teacher.
Can Teachers Keep Up With the Ongoing Progress of Technology?
Naturally, the introduction of technology in classrooms isn't only beneficial to students. It's also helpful for teachers. It may be harder for some teachers to cope with technological advancement, especially if they have little experience with it. However, connected teachers are the teachers of the future. Youngsters are already connected worldwide through social media, and teachers should be too.
Technology has improved access to information on a global level. Teachers that are connected and willing to stay up to date with the latest technological trends offer an array of advantages. They can now create new lesson plans with ideas from all over the world. New resources and materials are available at their fingertips.
However, there's one major downside to technology that must always be noted. The information found on the internet is not always verified for its accuracy. Although the best educational apps are always kept updated and verified, they only make up a small part of the available information on the Internet. Wrong information can be quickly spread if it lands in the wrong hands.
Are Tech Classrooms Better Than Non-Tech Classrooms?
Until now, study results have been mixed. Some studies report that using technology as a teaching medium improves the quality of education while other studies show that it has no real benefit.
Regardless of the studies, one thing is for certain; technology allows teachers to better interact with their pupils. While one on one mentoring is considered the best option, it's impossible to assign a teacher to every child. Therefore, having a medium that children are already accustomed to will create positive results.
Is Access to the Diversity in Media Bad at a Younger Age?
Free, open access to the information can mean academical education, as well as cultural and religious education, is easier accessed. There are no two people who have the exact same beliefs on this planet. Being brought up in a small community will always have a different impact on a child than being brought up in a more diverse community. The same goes when it comes to access to internet and technology.
Access to too much information all at once can overwhelm children. Worldwide censorship is not as strict as in the past, and information found on social networks is much more liberal. With guidance from parents and teachers, children can learn about different cultures and religions solely through technology. Interactive maps and diagrams can help children understand that each culture is different and that each religion has its own belief system.
Teaching diversity as a positive aspect of society will broaden a child's views and understanding of the world. Accordingly, children will grow up to be more open to diversity. Open borders and immigration will continue to diversify the population and culture of countries from around the world. Children should be prepared for this from a young age and technology allows them to do so.
How Can Teachers Embrace the Newest Technology?
Embracing changes can be challenging for anyone. In order to keep up with the latest technological trends, a teacher must first be willing to adapt. Teachers must also try to understand how technology and the internet work. Information is just a click away.
Probably one of the biggest steps forward to understanding the younger generation is to understand the benefits and dangers of social media. Understanding how children interact over the internet can help teachers create lectures that are more easily understandable. Students spend time every day in virtual environments that are highly engaging and encourage creative thinking and problem solving. They frequently participate in games and social media where they routinely acquire and apply knowledge and collaborate with friends.
Furthermore, all teachers should create accounts on platforms used by other teachers, thus creating a productive interaction between different peers. According to the Connected Educator Month Starter Kit, "One of the best ways to build your personal learning network is to become a blogger and use your blog to network with others".
Which Teaching Solution Should Be Chosen?
In order to create a technologically advanced classroom, teachers will need an array of tools and instruments. The most common are the digital projector, the document camera, and the SmartPen.
The digital projector is the quintessential tool for a modern classroom. Being able to project your lesson onto a large screen or wall is an excellent way of capturing the attention of every student in the room. The document camera is the tool connected to the digital projector. Anything that is captured by the camera will be displayed through the projector. The SmartPen is a brilliant solution for teachers and students alike. It allows not only writing but also video and audio recording. It is exceptionally useful when teaching complicated subjects.
In addition to physical objects, there are software applications and programs that facilitate teaching and learning. These apps can be used for every type of classroom and curriculum. Depending on the school's partnerships with either Apple or Android, software solutions may vary from school to school.
The Importance of Technology
Due to the ongoing development of technology, educational establishments must do all they can keep up with the demands of their students. Access to information has never been so easy and most children already have access to the latest news and technological innovations. Facilitating their learning process through the implementation of technology in classrooms is the next step in education.