Technology in the classroom is a great way to encourage active learning. It allows students to learn new skills and provides teachers with ways to present topics in more interactive and creative ways.
Students have access to a range of programs and information sources with the click of a button. For example, teachers can assign programs that allow students to research topics that align with their interests.
1. It Increases Student Engagement
Students who are engaged in their learning retain more of what they learn. Using technology in the classroom is one of the most effective ways to get students to engage with what’s being taught.
Unlike traditional textbooks, which are often confined to a single resource, students have unlimited access to global resources through the internet. This includes everything from educational videos to e-libraries and even audiobooks.
This means that there are numerous opportunities for creative projects like music composition, videography and even the old-fashioned pen pal. Using online signup forms for presentations is an easy way to incorporate this, as it gives students the option of delivering their work at a time that suits them. It also opens lines of communication with teachers and peers, allowing for open dialogue.
2. It Enhances Communication
Using technology in the classroom helps students develop communication skills that are applicable to both their academic and professional lives. They can collaborate on assignments with classmates across the country or even around the world using video conferencing software, free online storage solutions and collaboration tools like myViewBoard.
They can share their work with teachers and parents through sites like PowerSchool and email to keep lines of communication open. Students can also access online resources through their laptops or tablets to help them research a topic more thoroughly.
Students can showcase their creativity by using tools to create videos, infographics and posters that demonstrate what they know. They can also explore their creative interests through online programs that offer a variety of content for all interest levels and subjects.
3. It Allows Students to Work at Their Own Pace
Students don’t all learn at the same pace. Technology allows teachers to offer different instruction to match each student’s learning capabilities. It also helps build technical literacy for students as they progress into their careers.
Instead of a traditional lecture, edTech can provide online videos, textbook examples and interactive websites that allow for more engaged learning. Programs like spelling training or virtual educational games help develop a range of academic skills such as math, phonetic and reading.
Using communication tools, teachers can reach out to students outside of class to discuss homework and offer one-on-one support. Online grading systems make it easy to post grades and communicate with parents about each student’s progress. This keeps lines of communication open and makes it easier for both parties to understand a student’s strengths and weaknesses.
4. It Encourages Collaboration
Working together, whether peer discussions or group projects, helps students develop higher-level thinking skills and communication skills while boosting subject retention. Collaborative learning also challenges students to consider different perspectives and makes them more likely to respect others’ viewpoints in future social interactions and employment situations.
Technology allows teachers to incorporate a variety of learning methods to better accommodate student interests and needs. Online resources like educational videos on nearly any subject, audiobooks, and interactive online games help students learn at their own pace.
Other tools, like cloud-based collaboration suites and virtual meeting platforms like Zoom, allow students to work asynchronously on documents or presentations with others, while commenting and version history track progress and engagement. Using these tools also frees up time for educators to walk around the classroom and assist students who may need more help.
5. It Helps Students Learn New Skills
Students learn new skills through the use of technology in the classroom. For example, video games and simulations can teach students how to collaborate and build teamwork skills. They can also develop critical future-ready proficiencies by learning coding and robotics.
Other technologies like e-libraries and online information databases allow students to research topics and explore subject matter outside the scope of their course curriculum. This familiarizes students with the information management skills that many employers require of their employees.
Educators can also use technology to customize learning for individual students. For example, visual learners may benefit from video presentations while audio learners may enjoy podcasts related to their lessons. This level of personalization can greatly improve student engagement and help them grasp the concepts they are struggling with.
