Most offline and online teacher training courses emphasise the use of technology. Have you wondered why? Well, technology gives students instant access to information. That is why it is so important in the classroom. In fact, if there was no technology today, we couldn’t even think of online teaching or learning. In today’s tech-driven world, we can hardly find someone who is not familiar with the use of tablets, smartphones, computers, laptops, and other devices. Hence, it’s desirable that both teachers and students explore the potential of technology in the classroom to create meaningful learning experiences.
Engaging students in the learning process becomes more enjoyable when various technologies, such as PowerPoint presentations and Microsoft Office software, are incorporated. Here is reference for these tools, because the use of these will not only add an interactive dimension to the learning experience but also contributes to a more dynamic and participatory classroom environment.
Technology integration in education is simply the use of technology to improve student learning experiences. Different types of technology can be used in the classrooms to make students genuinely interested in learning and actively engaging in a classroom.
Ways to integrate technology effectively in a classroom:
There are various online tools and technological innovations that can make learning fun for students. Using appropriate technology in a useful way in the classroom can bring amazing benefits to the table. And hence, using it in the classroom is imperative. Here are a few ways to integrate technology effectively in a classroom—
- PowerPoint presentations and educational games
PowerPoint presentations can be a creative way for teachers to introduce new concepts in a classroom. Not only this, but these can also be used by the students to present their work in class and provide them an opportunity for interaction with other students of the class. Slides can also include links to videos, as well as graphics and bulleted info.
There are also dedicated educational games that can be played on computers and phones. Teachers can choose whether students should play in groups or independently. Since there are a variety of such games available, teachers can decide which one would be the best for their students accordingly. Moreover, these days, there are apps that can be used in the classroom to help students review lessons and units. Teachers can share the apps, and students can create usernames to join them. This allows whole-class participation, as it stokes the interest of even those students who may otherwise be reluctant to attend classes.
- Online home assignments
Many teachers are able to start integrating technology in their classrooms by posting home assignments through various learning platforms like MS Teams. The assignments are easily accessible, which can inculcate practice and revision habits in students, as well as help students become more organised.
- Online communication systems
Communication is an important element of education. It allows parents, teachers, administrators, and students to identify their strengths and areas that need improvement. There are many online communication platforms like Zoom, Google Meet etc. available that allow teachers to communicate with the guardians of students, post grades, manage transcripts, and analyse student attendance patterns.
- Tools for students and parents
Teachers can boost students’ learning outcomes, especially in classrooms where students have access to more technological tools. Students can work at their own pace, and teachers can offer one-on-one instructions when needed.
There are also tools for parents, such as software that allow them to organise their email lists. Teachers can notify parents about important announcements, news, and discussion topics through them.
Technology implementation strategies most offline and online teacher training courses will talk about
Any modern classroom can reap the benefits of technology. There will be differences in the ways technology is used in different grade levels and content areas, but the benefits are profound.
- Incorporating technology in primary classes
Younger students can use technology to develop basic skills, and this prepares them to learn independently in the future. Interactive games are a great way for students to practise their reading, solve mathematical problems, learn spelling and phonetic skills. There are tools that let teachers or students upload their word lists and create interactive games. You can also use certain websites to help children learn fundamental skills outside the classroom walls.
- Incorporating technology in middle school
Technology can also be used to help students develop life skills as they start to think independently. Students in middle school are more independent and generally learn based on observation and research. Any content area can benefit from technology to help students learn research skills. The world of the internet teaches students a lot about research and helps them do assignments better. Students can do their research by locating credible sources via a range of search engines. It’s the duty of the teachers to teach students how to cite sources to avoid plagiarism correctly.
- Integrating technology in high school
After students complete their secondary education, they are able to learn new ways to use technology for their careers and college. Microsoft Office and Google Drive are tools that can help students create documents and spreadsheets. Students cannot just use these tools to write but also share their documents to receive feedback about their work. Such features offered by these tools make them an absolute must-have even when students land jobs. They allow them to organise information and work with clients and colleagues in a better way.
What are the top benefits of integrating technology in the classroom?
Teachers are often more successful in ensuring desired learning outcomes when they allow students to use technology in the classroom. While technology can be used to teach, it has many other benefits as well as consequences.
Technology can be disruptive when there is an unrestrained flow of information or entertainment. However, technology integrated into the classroom does more good than harm. And, any harm can be minimised by making sure that there are routines in place that monitor or assess the progress of the students so that the pros of technology integration outweigh any cons. Here are some of the most important benefits of integrating technology in education—
- Keeping students engaged
If you have ever taken any online teaching classes, you will likely know that active engagement is an essential part of any lesson plan. And the best part is students can engage with technology, regardless of whether they are working alone or in a group. Different learning styles are supported by this tool.
- Self-paced learning for students
Different students learn differently, and not all students retain information at the same rate. Teachers can use technology to give their students the ability to learn in a way that is most appropriate for them. Technology can allow students to work at their own pace.
- Develop life skills in students
Technology is now a form of literacy due to how frequently it is used every day. It can be used by teachers to develop life skills in students using many online creative tools like educational games that focus on good habits and many more.
With so much on offer, you simply can’t afford to facilitate technology-driven learning for your students. Starting from primary school to middle school and high school, technology can aid learning in so many amazing ways. Teachers cannot just use technology to boost student engagement but also encourage self-paced learning and the development of life skills.
