The integration and progressive usage of technology in the classroom has drastically transformed academic learning and has giving both teachers and students an upper hand in educational industry. Making learning more efficient, effective and fun is the goal of technological usage in the classroom environments.
The value which technology offers to the classroom is vast:
- Accelerated learning
- Simplified lesson planning
- Access to effective research without the need for bulky encyclopedia and dictionaries
- Increased motivation for assignments
- Vitalized lesson delivery
- Effectively organizes data, and reports
These are only a few of the benefits that makes technology an attractive tool for empowering learning in the American classroom.
Incorporating technology in classroom activities enables teachers to save time and effort, allowing them to manage learning more efficiently and effectively. The type of technology includes:
Interactive Whiteboard-allows teachers to do group presentations using attractive illustrations and colorful slides. In addition, such technology as videos, movies and audio assignments can be projected on the interactive smart board.
Desktops-allow teachers to manage and store student records and files. Teachers can install software designed to monitor student academic progress. For example, Desktop computers are used to test student’s comprehension of such subjects as mathematics, reading, and language facts and more.
Websites and blogs-teachers can create a website or blog and allow students to access it for posted academic assignments and other school related information.
Laptops and iPads-mobile technology such as iPads and laptops allow students to work with installed educational apps. Razz Kids, Cool Math and Prodigy are some of the most popular educational applications used.
Smartphones– teachers, middle and high school students can use smartphones to do extensive research both inside and outside the classroom. `
The Projector -the wonderful things about projectors is that they make it possible to project pictures, videos and slides onto interactive whiteboards or other screens.
Digital microphones-some classrooms can get extremely loud, doing times of project developments, transitions or other activities in which voice levels are high. Digital microphones can be worn around a teacher’s neck and make it possible to cut thorough the noise and capture attention.
Videoconferencing technology-the remarkable thing about videoconferencing is that students can interact with one another on an international level. For example, a Spanish teacher in American can connect her students with actual Spanish speaking classrooms in Puerto Rico.
Computer networking-a network of computers can greatly enhance a teacher’s ability to monitor the progress of his or her student from a pivotal point. Teachers can immediately determine what students are doing in terms of correctly executing assignments.
Distance learning-technology designed for distance learning eliminates the problem of traveling long distances to attend school, whether students were traveling from in the states or from across the world.
Virtual Field Trips– this unique technology allows students to visit any place in the world without leaving the classroom. No longer do students have to wonder what it would be like to go to China or visit the Eiffel Tower in France, or even Niagara Falls in US or Canada.
Software Applications-although many computers have various software application prepared for instance usage, there are tons of educational software available for integration into lessons and activities.
Online media-several media tools such as YouTube and Facebook pages are used to enhance academic learning and awareness. Teachers can have students take advantage of YouTube for research projects dealing with History, Science and Social Studies.
Online study tools– online educational tools abound for every academic subject imaginable, including Math, English, History, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Languages. For example, online study tools such as Khan Academy, Quizlet, Schoology, Desmos, Better Explained, and Duolingo are only a few of the outstanding study tools available to students and teachers. Many or free.
Technology in the classroom is powerful because of its ability to reach those students who otherwise would have trouble just sitting and listening at the teacher teach. The ability to grab a Chrome book or iPad makes learning more attractive for highly active students or students with a high degree of ADHD problems.
Without the value of technology in the classroom, learning wouldn’t be as fun and entertaining as it is today, especially for students who are easily distracted or bored.
