5 REASONS WHY STUDENTS NEED TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
The learning environment is more dynamic than ever before, and as a result, today’s learners are very different from those that our educational system was designed for. With the advancement in technology, classrooms are being remodelled and redefined in a number of ways to fit the evolving needs of modern digital learners.
With the rise of remote learning, many higher education institutions are substituting traditional resources with educational technologies in an attempt to keep up with their digital learning population. Below we look at reasons why students need technology in the classroom environment and how it can impact engagement.
In addition to causing structural changes that can be integral to improving productivity, technology also introduces fundamental changes to the way we do things. Through the use of digital learning tools, such as computers and handheld devices, technology enhances both teaching and learning in classrooms; an expanded range of courses, experiences, and learning materials; a 24/7 environment that supports learning; an increase in student engagement and motivation; and an acceleration of learning. By enabling new models of connected teaching, technology can also transform teaching. To improve teacher instruction and personalize learning, this model helps teachers link with students and to professional resources, content, and systems.
Through accelerated learning opportunities, the use of open educational resources, and other technologies, education can be more productive across the board. These include the ability to reduce costs associated with instructional materials or program delivery; as well as better utilization of teacher time.
Reasons whywe need technology in classroom?
Provides students with career preparation.
Students will be better prepared for their future careers if mobile devices and apps are used correctly.
Enhances the concept of digital citizenship.
Digital citizenship skills can be developed in the classroom by using technology. To use a mobile device is one thing, but to properly handle it and use it responsibly is another.
Engaging students through technology is a key component of integrating technology in education.
Mobile devices like tablets and smartphones have been used by students as early as they could crawl to play and learn. Consequently, it would make sense to align classrooms today with the way students wish to learn and how they are accustomed to doing so.
Inspires students to learn.
Incorporating new technology into the classroom like VR (virtual reality) increases learning success and creates new opportunities.
Learning is transformed by technology.
There are many opportunities available to students today. Through the use of technology, students can learn how to code, better collaborate across teams, and connect with their instructors. Modern education has been transformed by new technology.
Regardless of how much you hate to hear this, the future of education is already here and you're missing out on countless possibilities because your school is debating how technology can benefit its students, teachers, and administrators.
Teaching with technology: What you need to know?
It is dangerous for schools to not ensure their network infrastructure is up-to-date and enough to adequately support their end-users before they deploy or allow new devices onto their campus and into their classrooms.
Our experience has been that schools have purchased and deployed new tablets or new laptops, only to realize that the new devices weren't working because their Wi-Fi network wasn't able to support them.
If your budget is tight, you cannot afford to buy new devices if they don't work. Make sure everything is set up correctly the first time around.
Using new mobile devices is only possible with a secure wireless network. Although wireless networks are expensive and require specialized skills, they are also more easily accessible than you might imagine.
Over the last 11 years, we have engineered and deployed over 1000 wireless systems, and have learned a lot about what should and what does work.
The following are some of the main takeaways:
- WiFi systems need to be aligned with devices that are connected to them
- Technical resources are scarce and expensive
- User expectations have increased dramatically
- Changing technologies (devices, applications, WiFi usage, phone numbers, users, even the physical environment) consume a lot of energy.
Schools are especially challenged because WiFi networks generally only have a useful shelf-life of three to four years at the very best.
