In most situations, technology is at the center of our lives, and the classroom is no exception. The students you teach in a kindergarten through high school have grown up in a technologically advanced world. They have no idea what life is like without cell phones, computers, televisions, and other common technological devices.
Despite this familiarity with technology, educational settings may be slow to integrate it into the classroom. Many schools continue to use analog tools in instructional design, such as books, notebooks, whiteboards, and posters. In many ways, technology has the potential to make aspects of education easier and more equitable. Let’s look at how additional technology in the classroom can benefit both teachers and students.
Engagement
Students may be more engaged in the classroom if technology is used. Students benefit when schools implement a 1:1 initiative (one device for every student) because technology can be more easily integrated into the curriculum. As learning technologies, many teachers use interactive software and programs to allow students to respond to questions and lectures digitally. Furthermore, gamified learning makes education more fun and engaging as students earn badges and progress through competencies.
Collaboration
Students can collaborate and save their work more easily thanks to technological advances. Traditionally, when students collaborated, they might have made posters or notes about their work. Technology, on the other hand, enables students to create digital collections of research and ideas. They can draw and write in the same program, resulting in fully collaborative documents and projects.
Inclusion
Technology enables some students to participate in the classroom in ways they have never before been able to. Many special education students can benefit from technology that enables them to write, spell, read, and perform mathematical computations. Students can be alerted to spelling errors by word processors.
Productivity
Analog tools must be maintained, cared for, and replaced. Students can access what they need when they need it by using technology. They can keep calendars online, and teachers can use a learning management system to send out due date reminders (LMS). Word processors do not require sharpening, and online books do not become misplaced. Students now have instant access to all of the materials they require, saving time, space, and mental effort.
Creativity
The amount of information available on the internet is limitless. Students who want to learn about the arts, music, videos, and virtually anything else will find a wealth of resources. Any creative endeavor that a student is drawn to can be aided by technology. Students’ sketches can be captured using tablets. Students can use editing software to bring photos to life and manipulate them in novel ways. If students have a say in what they create, technology can boost rather than stifle creativity.