Our system today is ushered by technology. Since it supports both teaching and learning whether online or face to face, you need to integrate technology in the classroom. But how does technology support teachers? What effect has it on you as an educator yourself?
The Truth Is…
Technology has infused classrooms with technological tools. Although it is not the answer, digital tools can assist teachers in honing their craft, making the best use of their talents, and upholding their professional obligations.
Learning is supported 24 hours a day through computers, handheld devices, and access to information in all subject areas. Education has the potential to be revolutionized by connecting professors and students, encouraging engagement, expanding knowledge and experiences, and speeding up learning.
Even if progress has an appearance of intricacy about it, it has changed everything from how teachers get information to how they use it and how kids learn. Whatever one may think about the effects of technology, the world of education is experiencing a paradigm shift because to digital technology.
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Here below are the essential technology-related tools you should know about.
How Does Technology Support Teachers and Their Job
1) PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
Computer programs known as productivity tools are required to utilize the internet to its full potential. Teachers can use these resources to complete multiple reports, organize records, and gather data in a lot less time. On PCs and other devices, the tools and software can be accessed for free most of the time.
Not all teachers are well-versed in these advanced programs. But the good thing is that majority of them are familiar with multimedia tools and their basic functions.
Word processors, for example, provide for input and output of texts, editing, and formatting. You can merge emails and letters for mass mailings, automate the table of contents and indexes, create hyperlinks, and more. In fact, there are advanced features that you can learn and discover along the way. Mastering word processors let you use a variety of materials for your class.
Spreadsheets can be used by teachers to organize data, do calculations, and tabulate data. When it comes to subjects that call for in-depth lecturing, the same is true for presenting tools like PowerPoint. Multimedia products’ visually appealing features also make it simpler for kids to absorb knowledge.
Now, teachers can use drawing tools to create aesthetically appealing lectures in addition to presenting slides. Here, creativity enables them to create a unique design. Drawing software used in conjunction with other productivity tools encourages creative visualizations that kids will not find monotonous.
Being skilled with productivity tools makes teaching so much better and learning a lot more fun. Overall, the tools make schooling not only convenient but easier, more interesting, and reliable.
2) TROUBLESHOOTING
Technical issues happen inevitably to tech devices may it be inside or outside of the classroom. With some ability to troubleshoot, there’s no need to postpone a class or wait until someone else can do the troubleshooting.
A typical issue could be loosed plugs or stuck disk drives, the screen going blank, an abnormally functioning OS or Windows refusing to boot. It could be that the computer is slow or the main internet connection is crawling. If you know nothing about these – your option is to wait for help.
Using troubleshooting to discover such signs will be helpful. This is the initial step in identifying the root of the problem and immediately removing any potential culprits. In terms of technology, troubleshooting is the process of identifying any “trouble” and the appropriate “diagnosis” in the operation of a system.
3) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Not every teacher is knowledgeable about computers and their components. Although some people are good at handling simple technical problems, there may be times when the situation is more complicated and assistance from knowledgeable tech staff is needed. Because of this, it’s critical for all schools to have a relationship with a technical specialist who can provide support whenever needed.
4) WEB RESOURCES
This is the most important – information. The Web is a massive source of data and figures and material for all topics. Not only it makes fact-checking easier, but it also makes learning fun, convenient, and worth the time spent.
Education materials can greatly enhance the conditions for teaching and learning. More than any other strategy in the world, it provides the teacher with the best direction. The connections that every instructor requires for a certain instructional goal are also made available by the internet. Therefore, in addition to knowledge and information, the tools also include instructions on how to carry out specific activities.
5) SEARCH SKILLS
The web’s search engine runs using a step-by-step manner of locating specific info among a pool of data. This explains that teachers with razor-sharp search skills go hand-in-hand with finding resources on the Web.
Teachers can show pupils vivid, enticing examples of the topic they’re trying to teach through films, learning games, and photos. Historical subjects that are dull or challenging to understand can be made lively and engaging.
Since searching for verified information is important to teaching, every teacher should have a strong discernment when it comes to research as not everything that the web says it is can be considered true.
5) INTEREST AND FLEXIBILITY
As technology sets the tone for quick and easy learning it also suggests the understanding of changes and development.
If you’re not accustomed to rapid innovation and change, accepting new methods of doing things can feel overwhelming. However, because technology has long ago revolutionized teaching and learning, these shifts could present fantastic opportunities in the realm of education.
This is the reason why teachers need to catch up with technology and modify it in any way that can improve the students’ interest in learning.
What Role Does Technology Play in Education?
The reason why there are virtual classrooms where teachers and students meet without the necessity of a face-to-face classroom is the major role technology has delved in.
Video streaming, online broadcasting, reporting, meeting, and gathering of data through the internet not only bring education to a higher level but also makes classes more engaging and interesting.
The COVID-19 epidemic has brought attention to the value of using online education as a potent instructional option. The internet opened the door to preserving what would have been “ousted learning,” rather than viewing the situation as a hopeless conundrum.
Digital tools have improved student engagement, sped up and simplified learning, and sped up communication. Even teachers may make their parent meetings, reporting, data collection, and lesson planning more accessible.
How Technology Helps Students Reach Their Potential
Classrooms today as we know it has been revolutionized by technology it work a lot differently like it did 50—or even 10—years ago.
Digital whiteboards have taken the place of traditional chalkboards, iPads now provide a wider range of research options than books, and technology now plays a major role in supporting student learning.
Teachers can now utilize apps to help students make tasks clearer and submit them at a specified time. This allows students to focus and motivate them to complete assignments. There are reminder watches to nudge them of things to do prompting them to finish what is not yet done.
Having the ability to perform an information search with just one click using digital tools and devices adds interest and discourages procrastination.Digital technology can actually support personalized learning and help students acquire potential 21st-century skills.
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The Most Effective Strategies in Your Classroom
YouTube Channels: These are online routes that give access to thousands of educational videos for students to watch, or even practice creating their own videos to share with the class.
Playing Video Games: A gamification is an innovative approach to learning. It helps promote critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Teachers also find playing games an effective tool in assisting learners to hone mathematical skills like algebra.
The Use of Audiobooks: Allows pupils to read and hear the sounds of the letters that make up words. Additionally helping kids to develop their analytical critical thinking abilities, vocabulary, understanding, and spelling are audiobooks.
Implementing E-Textbooks: These are electronic versions of texts that students can read on a computer, mobile device, or e-reader device. e-books offer shareable contents that students can use to reference and academic notes.
Graphic Organizers Help: Students can simplify and arrange their thoughts with graphic organizers. Learners can piece together how objects relate to one another by investigating ideas, maps, texts, and images. Even the creation of organizers by teachers is a benefit for student learning.
Blended Learning: The use of both online and in-person learning techniques benefits students. The following come to mind: PowerPoint, video lectures, virtual classrooms, making movies, and multimedia coursework. Different online learning settings become available through this “hybrid” learning.
When students use technology in the classroom, it encourages engagement. It also makes it easier for them to collaborate.
While many schools still use traditional teaching methods such as books, posters, manipulatives, and chalkboards; the basic laptop, document cams, and mobile phones can be a good beginning for students exploring technology in the classroom.
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The Best Technology Resources for Teachers
WebQuest
You are probably using this already? WebQuests will help you find and address almost any topic and allow them to work at their own pace. Here you can form them in groups or teams so they can collaborate with each other.
This approach provides greater in-depth knowledge about a subject, solutions to important problems, doable tasks, and answers to important questions. It is also efficient and fun. A WebQuest on history, current events, invention blunders, former world leaders, or any other popular topic you believe your children would be interested in is something you would want to consider creating.
What about you? Is there a special way technology has delivered in your manner of teaching? Share your thoughts in the comments.
