Technology shouldn’t be the scourge of teachers any longer; it can be used to their advantage. It is a tool to be harnessed, as it is ideal for educational reasons and for connecting to the younger generations of students who have grown up with technology being a part of their daily lives. So, what will the classrooms of the future look like? There are some changes that have already become commonplace.
Grades and assignments are posted online, group projects can be contributed to through collaborative software and students can use cloud storage instead of memory sticks or paper. And these clouds can be accessed class-wide. Teachers, parents, students and administrators communicating via social media platforms specifically geared to education. Teachers can even utilise a school report writer from Educater for help with formatting and other mundane tasks.
Technology is inherently interactive, and students learn by contributing, researching and receiving feedback. Students should be encouraged to become passionate about the things they are learning, technology can help with this, for example, using Google Maps or Google Earth in geography instead of simply looking at static maps or pictures, it would bring the subject to life in a more tangible way for students. Simulation software as a whole revolutionises the way certain things can be taught in the classroom. It brings to life aspects of learning that would be impossible to see without it.
Using specific simulation tools, students can see planetary orbits, the development of a tornado, and even how the dinosaurs lived. Modelling software offers similar features, instead of still figures, students can be shown the dynamic characteristics of models. Students can also go at their own pace, revisit things that they struggle with, or even skipping ahead if they need to.
Technology can also be used to apply the lessons to real-world situations, helping the comprehension of students. They can see that the lesson applies to real people and the ramifications of said lesson in real-time. In addition, the internet can also be used to create online groups, web pages and even communities to connect with anyone around the world. They can receive feedback from teachers, peer review and share questions or concerns on the syllabus. These types of groups aside from being ideal for group work can also encourage engagement and a deeper understanding.
Teaching is about the introduction of concepts and fostering understanding. Technology can only aid in this aspect. These devices shouldn’t be viewed as a threat to your methods and duties, but as a way to explore and develop your practices. References to the classroom of the future are difficult because in reality education is changing now. The education model needs to be redesigned to be more student-centred by adopting new technologies. Any archaic attitudes to what constitutes educational success should be abandoned and there should be less emphasis on educational competition.
