Technology is everywhere. That’s why it’s essential for educators to utilize ed tech as a regular classroom resource to help prepare students to positively impact their communities. These innovative technologies make learning fun and engaging, as well as entice and hold the attention of today’s technologically savvy students.
Additionally, educators with new technology resources have the freedom to develop new teaching concepts. The technology fosters collaboration and provides students with a vast amount of learning materials.
Maintaining pace with the technological evolution of society is vital for the continuing success of the educational system. Modern ed tech allows teachers and students to share ideas, conduct research, work together and – most importantly – learn.
Ed tech is growing increasingly important, as employers demand more workers that are skilled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sciences. Using technology to develop STEM skills is an effective practice for educators.
The following 4 entries showcase more ways that technology improves society and prepares students to make a positive impact on the modern world.
Improvement 1: Ed Tech Provides Flexible Education Options
Many universities offer online learning programs within a variety of subjects, including engineering, social work & even education.
These online programs provide students with the flexibility to work and take classes simultaneously. Some online courses also give students the opportunity to complete learning modules in the order that they desire.
Additionally, the students are free to take classes at their leisure, as long as all work is turned in by a predetermined deadline. This gives learners the flexibility to complete assignments at convenient times, such as before work, during lunch breaks, at the end of the day or during their days offs. Learners are also free to complete online coursework wherever they can connect to the Internet.
Students that participate in online learning are not subjugated to isolation. The platform provides learners with access to their professors and peers.
Modern leaning portals incorporate well-known communication tools, such as email, teleconferencing and video chat. The portals also integrate familiar mediums such social media, group chats and discussion forums.
Improvement #2: Enhanced Learning Tools for Special Needs Students
More than 6.5 million United States children live with disabilities. Assistive technologies in the academic setting aids this population with learning as well as athletic activities.
Special needs students who have historically faced challenges participating in coursework have greatly benefited from the introduction of new assistive technologies in the classroom.
As an example, Google Classroom aids educators in evaluating and tracking student performance and keeping course related information organized.
The platform gives teachers insightful information regarding special needs students, allowing teachers to craft customized learning paths that improve the outcome of classroom training. In addition, students can make the most of lessons by moving through course work at a comfortable rate of speed.
Improvement #3: Expanding the Reach of the Classroom
Internet connectivity and technology have combined to create a global learning environment. Technologies such as smartphones, broadband and cellular networks allow educators to deliver lessons to students, no matter where they’re located geographically.
For example, the well-known learning website Khan Academy delivers lessons to approximately 12 million students around the world every month, and comparable learning platforms are working to achieve similar outcomes.
This is of special importance to low-income communities around the world where education is a vital tool for improving students’ quality of life. These classrooms are increasingly gaining access to digital devices, such as tablets, computers and smartphones. When put to good use, technology empowers teachers and students by allowing them to create personalized, accessible and ingenious learning experiences.
Improvement #4: Making the Grade in Mathematics
New technology in the classroom has proven effective in helping students learn mathematics. Computer-managed learning evaluates student performance and issues assignments based on students’ learning needs.
In-depth training platforms, such as Cognitive Tutor programs and I Can Learn software, provide computer aided and non-computer activities that sharpen students’ math skills. This computer-aided instruction (CAI) delivers learning objectives that are appropriate for each students’ abilities. To date, the educational technologies have produced positive results for learners.
Educators no longer question the effectiveness of technology in the classroom. Today, they want to know how to acquire more technology resources for students.
Technology in the classroom has already transformed the landscape of education. Using logic and reason, technology developers and educators work together to produce effective teaching tools.
As time goes on, technological learning resources increase in creativity. In addition, educators around the world can now network and collaborate to develop new and exciting teaching concepts.
Helping students to learn is the primary objective and the biggest challenge for educators. As a result, student advocates continue to work on ensuring that the new technologies improve in deepening and enhancing the student learning experience.
In modern classrooms, chalk and poster boards have all but given way to digital resources. The new technologies engage and enlighten modern learners, while increasing student collaboration and their exposure to peers and thought leaders from around the world. In the end, new technologies in the classroom make learning more meaningful and entertaining for students.