Technology, slowly but surely, is transforming education and making teaching more than just a one-to-many session by improving engagement between the teacher and the students. Whiteboards have replaced the conventional blackboards in many schools today.
Why is the technology driven education gaining popularity despite its high cost? Technology is transforming education in a manner that dynamically involves students by replacing a teacher-centered model with a student-centered one. The role technology is playing in making education a motivating business is noteworthy. The usage of equipment like the document camera or the digital overhead in classrooms aids in visual learning. Teachers are able to effectively organize and present lessons enabling students to understand concepts better.
The underperforming students are likely to participate in lessons projected on their whiteboards by providing input. Such interactive lessons can be coupled with the student response systems that make it instinctive for students to answer questions and take part in lessons. Furthermore, the time spent in photo copying and circulation of study material is reduced.
Students are able to produce more data through internet research where a myriad of information could be found that helps them multiply their knowledge. The equipment has transformed classrooms; it has developed commitment and reduced student discipline. The tools encourage both teachers and students to participate, thus making education an interesting and an interactive course.
The equipment is surely rekindling the passion in most educators. The aim of the teacher to develop a student’s knowledge is accomplished through such improved engagement where the gap between information and student is bridged by technology. Innovative educators are finding out that they can’t live without technology. Many have started to incorporate several apps and tools as well.
Schools are installing wireless hotspots in order to make schools wireless and give the power of information. Teachers and students are starting to bring their own devices, and we can see Tablets are popping up everywhere.
We are in the 21st century, 21st century learning is student-centered and engaging. And teachers today are using different classroom technologies like smart boards, tablet computers, smartphones, projectors, digital videos, and games which are great tools for helping students learn in the 21st century. 21st century teaching includes lessons with student response systems so that students who, in the past, weren’t being heard—are now giving their input. Teachers are using devices such as iPad and moving around the room, knowing that through smart TVs students can interact with their learning in a whole new way.
Technology is not just for traditional teaching it is to create a completely new environment. Technology is a great aid to learning for students to not memorize the facts that they will remember all through their life, but know how to find information, how to validate it, how to synthesize it, how to leverage it, how to communicate it, how to collaborate with it, and how problem solve with it.
In the 21st century, technology is a tool which can be used to fundamentally transform what a classroom is. Integration of technology with learning as a tool provides you with a scope to explore what you can do with knowledge, what you can make of it and what you will allow your students to make of it.
Do you think schools/universities that do not use technologies should really consider its adoption and implementation soon? What is your opinion on that?
