The learning environment for students is more dynamic than ever before. As a result of this, learners of today are subject to a completely different mode of education than what the traditional system of education was designed for.
With recent advancements in technology and digitalization of education systems worldwide in a post-Covid 19 scenario, traditional classrooms have been redefined and remodeled in numerous ways to suit the evolving needs of digital learners.
Thus, how effective are these new forms of classroom technology? Do they actually help to instill learning and knowledge in students better than traditional methods?
Read on to find out how new modern classroom technology can impact student’s learning abilities.
Modern classroom technology – A brief insight
With the increase in remote learning opportunities for students, higher education institutions around the world are substituting traditional classroom teaching resources with more modern educational technologies. However, many post-secondary professors and educators view technology as a means of distraction. Even if they are allowing the use of mobile phones during classes, they tend to begrudgingly view modern technology as something more than a necessary evil.
However, after almost two years of remote learning worldwide, individual opinions and perspectives are changing. Rather than just “tolerating” modern teaching technology, instructors and professors are realizing the potential of modern classroom technology that can help to increase collaboration, encourage engagement, spark innovation and enhance a student’s learning.
Research done on the effects of technology on students found out that the addition of modern technology in classrooms can help students master writing, reading, and math skills better than traditional forms of teaching. With this being said, let’s take a look at the various tech options available for students to use and learn in the classroom.
Types of modern classroom technology
The modern classroom tech that is present helps to improve the quality of learning. Also, various devices have become essential in carrying out daily essential learning activities. Let’s take a look at some of the classroom technology that we have in place.
1. Electronic whiteboards
Gone are those days when the teacher used to manually write on the blackboard and erase them later. Step in electronic whiteboards! These boards work much like a touch screen on a phone, allowing you to write with a stylus, edit your text and even erase them with the click of a button.
2. Flipped learning
Flipped learning is where students use their own mobile phones or personal computers to watch and attend lectures. Teachers can also interact with students through these devices.
3. Laptops and Desktops
With more teaching software and applications being introduced, there is a need to use sophisticated computers with capable processors that can handle the workload. Computers eliminate the need to have bulky textbooks, encyclopedias, and more!
4. Projectors
Projectors help a large group of students to accurately view classroom teaching materials and learning resources. Projectors can be hooked to laptops and desktops to display content on a much larger screen.
5. Virtual Reality
VR can be used to deliver digital learning experiences, unlike none. Imagine going on a field trip by just wearing a pair of VR glasses. Lessons also can be more fun when you actually get to experience what you are studying. For example, a student learning about the pyramids of Egypt can actually get to see what it looks like in first-person by using VR.
Apart from these main classroom technologies, 3d printers, network processors, televisions and video conferencing technologies can provide you with an enriching and engaging experience as a class student. Moving on, let’s look at some of the ways in which classroom technology can impact one’s learning.
Advantages of Classroom Technology
Apart from making learning and education more fun and interactive, the advantages of classroom technology are plenty!
1. Helps to connect students with the real world
A geography teacher can take her students on a virtual tour of the Yellowstone National Park. A history teacher can take his students to view the sites of the American Civil War! The use of efficient classroom technology allows us to remove the physical barriers of our classroom and offers us a way to connect with the real world.
2. Prepares students for a challenging work environment
For thriving in the 22nd-century workplace, students need to have specialized knowledge of different tech tools, software, electronic devices, among others. When students are subjected to such devices and gadgets in class, they become more familiar with using them. This helps to ensure that students get prepared for jobs in a modern office.
3. Encourages Collaboration
Many modern classroom technologies encourage and promote collaboration among students. Students also learn how to use collaboration software for meetings, group projects, and team presentations. Learning software like Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft teams can help them collaborate effectively and easily with other employees in the future.
4. Supports learners of different types
With modern classroom technology, the learning abilities of individual students can be easily measured to provide feedback on teaching techniques. The software can help determine certain areas where the student is lacking, and also provide feedback for the improvement of teaching techniques. Certain specialized software can adapt to students’ learning needs and deliver customized learning experiences also.
5. Easily access information
Gone are those days when you had to run to the library to get answers to your assignments. Gone are those days when you had to carry all your textbooks with you, including handbooks and dictionaries. Now you can easily store all your data and information on hard disks, and view them whenever you want. Also, with the ease of coming online, you can get essay help answers to almost any academic problem out there.
6. Helps to add a fun factor in learning
Using technology in classrooms can make studying and academics all the more exciting and fun. According to a survey, the use of technology in teaching helped to make studying more desirable for students. When technology is used in learning, the attendance of students improves and dropout rates decline. This further reinforces the fact that classroom technology can deliver a fun and enjoyable learning experience.
Final thoughts
Although technology does have its own limits, integrating it into classroom teaching practices can provide students with new and effective ways to engage and interact with their subject matter. Thanks to technology, education now is no longer confined to the walls of a classroom. Social media and YouTube videos are no longer distractions. They can be a part of your lesson plans as well.
