Kate SheppardTable of Contents
From interactive whiteboards to laptops, the digital age has well and truly made its mark on the education sector. Gone are the days of chalk and a blackboard! Technology is pushing schools into the modern age, helping kids stay ahead of the technological curve and revolutionizing teaching. But how exactly has to introduce digital tools shaken up the classroom experience?
Advanced Technological Literacy
Over 90% of jobs now require digital skills, making technological literacy necessary. Fortunately for the younger generation, they’re starting early. As soon as pupils enter schools, they will likely use technological devices daily, including laptops, tablets, and smart boards.
This vastly increases their technological literacy, as they learn how to use digital devices almost the same way as they learn a language. It’s intuitive, natural, and vital for giving them a chance in the future business world. As schools access greater funding for their technology departments, this early digital development is only expected to increase.
Technology for Better Collaboration in and Out Of School
Technology has opened up a new world of collaboration for pupils and teachers. The Covid-19 pandemic was a great example of digitally-enabled collaboration, with lockdowns forcing entire schools to go online. Teachers could easily communicate with students virtually via Zoom and video conferencing, while the cloud allowed for secure file sharing and collaboration within documents.
Now back in the classroom, this technological collaboration age will likely slow down. During school hours, teachers can set teams up on digital platforms, allowing pupils to work on a task simultaneously without the chaos of organizing physical groups. From working on group PowerPoints to playing team games, it enhances teamwork skills without hassle.
Out of the classroom, collaboration is made easier, too. Pupils can work on group projects without meeting up, drastically helping children who live further afield. From video calls to group messaging apps, communication surrounding the project is incredibly easy. Collaborative cloud platforms, like Google Docs, make creating and sharing files a breeze. Pupils can then use software approved by teachers to submit their work, making the entire process digital.
Increased Gamification in Learning
Gamification isn’t a new idea at its roots, but it has evolved drastically with the arrival of tech. It involves taking nongame environments and incorporating features and theories of gameplay, such as:
- Point scoring
- Leaderboards
- Missions
- Different levels
- Badges
In the learning world, gamification can turn ordinary tasks into fun, engaging games. Gamification and technology have combined to create a learning style that pupils are more likely to respond to. It’s interactive, inspiring, and encouraging. Children enjoy games, so why not incorporate them into everyday classroom activities?
Examples of great learning tools that embrace gamification include Kahoot, Duolingo, and Khan Academy.
VR Technology For Immersive Experiences
Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology that isn’t as prevalent in the classroom yet. But, as funding and digital development increase, it’s expected to become a common education accessory.
With the ability to generate complete and immersive worlds, VR opens up a front-seat view for experiences not normally had in the classroom. From scientific experiments to exploring different historical periods, students aren’t just watching events; they’re a part of them.
VR can be wonderfully interactive. Students actively engage with the virtual world around them, talking to characters they see and picking up objects. Have your pupils explore Anglo-Saxon castles or conduct investigations alongside Sherlock Holmes, enhancing what they learn in the classroom.
Simple Assessment of Assignments Using Technology
Technology isn’t just for the benefit of the pupils; it can greatly improve the teaching experience. A key digital development revolutionizing how we teach is the ability for online testing and assessments.
Whereas for a simple yes or no test in previous years, the teacher would have had to go through each individual test and grade it. Now teachers can grade automatically. There’s plenty of software available for teachers to create their own tests – like FlexiQuiz and Slido – that will be graded by the computer based on the input of correct answers by the teacher.
Teachers can ever grade short answers automatically based on keywords, while students can access long answers without endless sheets of paper. It’s an evolution in the assessment process, with benefits including:
- Saving the teacher time
- Reducing paper waste
- Easily trackable progress on digital platforms
- The potential for gamification within test platforms
So, How Is Technology Revolutionising Teaching?
The introduction of technology has forever changed the education environment. Digital devices, software, and platforms have created a more collaborative environment inside and outside the classroom, where pupils are engaged and inspired by the tasks they’re given. It’s a more sustainable approach to teaching as well, with a drastic reduction in paper, pens, and other physical resources.
Technology allows teachers to reach pupils in ways that suit both of them, encouraging the use of different learning styles and immersive environments. It’s a more adaptable, inclusive approach to education than seen previously and one where everyone involved is given the tools to thrive.
Final Words
All of us use technology in almost every aspect of daily life, and education is no exception. Hopefully, this article has shown how digital tools and software have revolutionized teaching and given you some inspiration for your classroom.
