Traditionally, educators have always taught their students using huge textbooks and chalkboards. However, for the past few years, advanced technology has improved the education system drastically. Today, despite many institutions incorporating technology in their educational system, some teachers and students have found it challenging and overwhelming to accept the change. For this reason, teachers are required to develop and maintain a growth mentality when it comes to studying and incorporating technology in their everyday lessons.
Technology offers various tools that educators can utilize in and out of the classroom. Technological devices, for example, smartphones, computers, and tablets are beneficial in a classroom. However, these devices should be explored and supervised to provide a significant learning experience to learners. Making use of technology in the classroom improves learning and allows students to adapt to the current technological environment. Using technology, learners can acquire all the skills necessary for career advancement. The implementation of technology in education has also enabled students to personalize their learning experience, according to technology-in-classroom.
The effectiveness and efficiency of an education system are dependent on teachers and curriculum concepts. Issues that arise in either of these notions will lead to poor quality and an ineffective education system. As a result, for an effective and efficient educational system, the teachers should be highly trained. To help students understand and acquire new skills using technology, a teacher should have some technical skills. As a result, teacher education programs are being redesigned and improved with courses attempting to incorporate various types of technology. Teach for America recruits college graduates as teachers in low-income communities. The improvement comprises the knowledge and skills required to use and integrate technology properly. In addition to knowing how to use technology efficiently, educators should also utilize technology to increase their student’s understanding.
As a teacher, integrating technology in methods that familiarize students with the corporate world can leave a long-lasting impact on their lives. Listed below are ways in which an educator may use technology to help reinforce new skills.
Gamify learning
Gamified learning is a method of playing computer games through typing. Gamified learning makes learning enjoyable and helps students acquire and put their new skills into practice later in life. As we all know, typing plays a crucial role in today’s educational system. In addition to providing meaningful programs for teaching learners typing skills, gamified learning makes the use of computers pleasant and thrilling by laying a foundation for detailed computer knowledge.
Gamification also encourages friendly competition among learners. Healthy competition helps us improve in many ways. The reason being, the students are able to recall, apply skills, and improve their behavior when motivated and challenged by their peers. Many people tend to assume that for learning to be effective, it must be difficult and challenging. However, incorporating technology into your classroom to provide gamified learning can help make learning more interesting and enjoyable for your students. The students are able to work in groups, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
Incorporate social media
Today, with the availability of technology and internet access globally, many people, especially teenagers, spend most of their time on social media. An effective way to use technology to enhance learning is by incorporating social media into the classroom. Using social media platforms is a way of keeping students and teachers connected to discuss various relevant topics. Incorporating social media into the education system does not only help promote teamwork among learners but also helps them to acquire new skills and share their experiences.
Creating a social media group comprising your class members where you study and discuss as a team improves understanding of the complex concepts. For instance, Facebook groups and Twitter hashtags can be used by learners to discuss and inquire about difficult topics. Additionally, social media is essential to create a significant community that allows students to support one another throughout their learning experience.
Digital field trips
One of the most popular, helpful, and cost-effective ways to incorporate technology into the classroom is taking digital field excursions. With Google Street View and other similar applications, students can remotely tour parks, natural resources and discover various national and international sites from the comfort of their virtual or conventional classrooms.
The technological tool provided by Google Street View creates a remote environment in the classroom for learners to experience satisfaction and a realistic setting. It is an effective tool as students can find and learn about multiple locations, thus learning beyond the page.
Incorporate video and multimedia into lessons and presentations
The use of meaningful visual effects, images, films, and background music to enhance learning brings lessons and presentations to life and makes learning more engaging for your students. Moreover, creating educational slideshows and digital presentations can be used to increase the students’ understanding. The use of digital learning platforms such as skype and zoom allows you to invite virtual speakers to the classroom to improve your students’ engagement. Incorporating video and audio in your teaching makes the concepts easier to understand and digest by increasing learner’s engagement, and improving the retention of information.
Creating digital content
Learners can demonstrate their various creative capabilities while showcasing their skills by generating digital materials relating to what they have been taught. Like any endeavor, generating digital content is very productive, where learners are allowed to express themselves in a way that showcases and enhances their specific abilities. As an educator, it is crucial to allow students to express themselves through various means depending on their likes and preferences.
Develop an online classroom calendar
An online classroom calendar is important as it keeps the students informed about all the classroom activities. Teachers can create an online calendar through google calendar for uploading important classroom posts such as assignments and other activities. It also enables the students to be punctual while attending classes and handing over their assignments. Additionally, you can share the calendar with students and parents to allow them to monitor and be engaged in their children’s education.
