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Technology can be a major tool, both in terms of pedagogical resources and in terms of connecting with the younger generations.
Today’s modern classrooms in many countries are packed with technology, from tablet computers and widescreen televisions to interactive whiteboards. Technology has always been at the forefront of education. From the days of carving figures on rock walls to today, when most students are equipped with portable technological devices like smartphones. Technology’s importance in the classroom is evident now more than ever.
Technology as Pedagogical Resources
We live in a world where nearly everything is ‘tech.’ We are glued to our mobile phones from morning to night – gaining knowledge through social media and websites. We download apps to learn new languages and watch YouTube videos to learn how to play musical instruments. Yet, when it comes to learning in the classroom, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible; many universities still require students to purchase print textbooks and we lecture at students as they sit passively. I’m encouraged by the innovative approaches I’ve seen some professors take, as they adopt more technology in the classroom and I think that will only accelerate as they learn and gain access to new and helpful tools. [1]
Matthew Lynch has listed the top seven important concepts to understand the use of technology for education [2]:
- Active engagement with the learning material
- Use of real-world issues
- Simulation and modelling
- Discussion and debate boards and forums
- Working groups
- Coaching
- Formative assessment.
Technology in the classroom is much more and much better than the stereotypical idea of a cell phone going off in the middle of class. Technology can actually be a major tool, both in terms of pedagogical resources and in terms of connecting with the younger generations.
Photo: rawpixel.com
Technology in the Dynamic Classroom
Of course, what technology looks like in ten years may change pretty dramatically. Innovation in AI, for instance, is happening at a rapid pace. While I don’t think AI tutors and teaching assistants will ever replace teachers, I do think that machine learning algorithms will help educators on non-priority tasks – like reading directions out loud, grading standardized tests, taking attendance – so educators can focus on more 1-on-1 time with students and on the more thoughtful activities only a human can do, like forming arguments, writing critically, and initiating more interesting and compelling discussions.[1]
As classrooms evolve with technology, we learn and create new ways to interact with our students, and students push the boundaries of technology to discover new ways of interacting with each other. The dynamic classroom is where the learning is characterized by constant change, activity, and progress. This is where learning lives, grows, connects, and extends beyond the boundaries of the class day, beyond the physical location, beyond using tools as digital substitutes, and even beyond due dates; supporting critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity skills.
Teachers have been working to create a dynamic classroom experience for decades. This has taken shape in experiments like flipped classrooms (an instructional strategy where educational content is delivered outside of the classroom, while activities traditionally considered “homework” move into the classroom), as well as a heavy emphasis on group work and peer collaboration.
Photo: rawpixel.com
Develop the Dynamic Classroom by Using Accessible Technology
There is a multitude of diverse technologies available for integration in the classroom, but considering how to implement these initiatives can be overwhelming to the teacher. The adaptation of this technology is often very simple and involves little more than the Internet and basic word processing skills. Multimedia items that can be easily implemented in the classroom include animation, slideshows, blogging, instant messaging, podcasting, and video on demand. Multimedia, which uses the Internet as its transfer mechanism, can be an effective method of creating a dynamic college classroom experience.
Incorporating digital quizzes and assessments, videos, simulations, and gamification elements into course content, educators can create a dynamic learning experience for each student on an individual level. By capitalizing on the digital habits of students, the classroom can be filled with interactivity regardless of the class size or topic. [1]
References
[1] Mike Silagadze, Co-Founder and CEO at Top Hat, Forbes (May 4, 2018) [2] MATTHEW LYNCH, 7 WAYS TECHNOLOGY IS IMPACTING MODERN EDUCATION, The Tech Edvocate (March 2017)
Lucubrate Magazine, Issue 47, November 16th, 2018
The photo on top: micro monkey
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