It is widely accepted that the classroom environment has been significantly altered in recent years, largely due to the impact of technological advancements. As a result, the integration of technology into educational systems has become increasingly recognized, leading to the emergence of the term “edtech”.
Research conducted by Project Tomorrow indicates that, while a majority of people believe the introduction of new technologies into classrooms has been overall advantageous, there are still numerous impediments present. For instance, only approximately 10% of schools report having access to cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR).
It is essential that teachers at all levels are able to ensure the effectiveness of the resources they use and are able to access the necessary technologies. Therefore, the question arises as to how this can be achieved.
Recognizing Your Educational Technology Needs
You need to know what you want before you can build an edtech infrastructure to support it. Methods for doing this are outlined below.
- Check out the equipment and methods you’re using right now.
- Take a poll and find out what your teachers want in terms of professional development and tech support.
- Keeping your educational institution’s mission in mind is essential.
- Keep an eye on students’ development as you apply cutting-edge tools and innovative strategies.
- Take some time to consider the goals of your classes and the specific uses you have in mind for any novel equipment you may bring in.
- Set objectives for your use of educational technology.
Gains from Using Educational Technology
Numerous benefits might be gained by both students and teachers through the use of EdTech. Using technology in the classroom can:
- Help you work together more effectively and efficiently.
- Let you efficiently expand your educational offerings to more students.
- You’ll be better able to reach students of varying backgrounds and skill levels via strategies like tailored education.
- Boost your skill at keeping students interested.
- Show you how your investments in training and other efforts are bearing fruit in real time.
- Adjust the course to each individual student’s needs.
Innovative Educational Technology Examples
Education as a whole is undergoing a period of innovation, which is having a tangible positive impact on student learning outcomes. Some of the most noteworthy examples of Educational Technology are outlined above.
Gamification
Research has associated the gamification of education through platforms such as ClassDojo and Duolingo, with increased student engagement and motivation to participate in their own education. A study involving fourth grade students in Chile, which involved them competing against each other using instructional math software in tournaments, revealed significant improvements in the country’s standardized mathematics test results.
Polling Methods for the Classroom
Online student response systems have been available for a while, but with the rise of e-learning, their use is becoming more prevalent. Polling technologies, such as online polling, can be used to take attendance, as well as engage students who may be more reluctant to participate in class. Similarly, teachers can gain insight into their students’ understanding of class material and identify any areas of difficulty.
Online Courses and Video Guides
Video tutorials and courses are becoming increasingly popular in today’s era of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Without having to share a screen, teachers can record themselves demonstrating a subject or use pre-made videos to teach students, providing them with the freedom to study wherever and whenever they wish.
By uploading their lectures and tutorials to sites like YouTube, educators may reach a broader audience with their knowledge and advice.
Immersive Digital Experiences for Education
Due to technological developments such as augmented and virtual reality, students can now gain an understanding of different cultures, historical eras and more without having to leave their classrooms or homes. They can experience being on safari or at the top of the Eiffel Tower without having to dedicate time or resources to actually travelling there.
Problems and Their Solutions
Computer Literacy
It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood in our increasingly digital and online lives. This is an issue that is relevant to us all, and it is especially important for teachers to be aware of the prevalence of misinformation that their students may be exposed to.
Teachers can use this opportunity to teach their pupils essential digital literacy skills. To assist students in learning how to assess the reliability of online information, teachers may have them analyze sites using Wikipedia.
A Commitment to Internet Responsibility
Ethics in the Digital Age Students should not only possess computer literacy but also be equipped with the necessary skills to interact responsibly, diplomatically, and politely with people in the digital realm. Furthermore, they should be able to identify reliable sources of information and distinguish between fact and fiction.
Distractions
In a classroom setting where technology and other resources must be managed, distractions can be difficult to avoid. While it is possible to restrict access to certain websites, this becomes increasingly challenging when classes are conducted entirely online.
Teachers may employ a number of strategies to ensure that technology does not distract from learning in the classroom. For example, they could set aside certain times for technology use and incorporate it into lessons in a structured way.
Accessibility
Many teachers are concerned that students with impairments or learning difficulties may not be able to take advantage of the benefits of educational technology. However, it has been suggested that edtech can improve education and provide a range of benefits to students, such as facilitating independent study and providing adaptive learning materials.
It is becoming increasingly important to ensure that materials are accessible to all users. For example, the use of alternative text (alt tags) for photos in digital materials and closed captioning for videos is becoming more prevalent across all sectors.
Educators can easily recognize the potential benefits of incorporating technology into the classroom setting. However, to determine the effectiveness of the technological resources available, it is essential to understand the potential challenges it presents, as well as taking into account the individual abilities, interests and backgrounds of the pupils. By doing so, teachers can gain an accurate assessment of their resources, enabling them to make any necessary improvements.
It is essential for children to recognise that the most effective results will be achieved when advanced technology is used in conjunction with well-founded teaching methods.
