The modern teacher is often strapped for resources and time, which makes the idea of incorporating technology in classrooms seem overwhelming. Although transition into technology-savvy classrooms can take some time and effort, many educators are starting to acknowledge the numerous benefits of education tech. It enhances collaborative learning, cuts down on paperwork, and encourages diverse learning styles.
How Does Education Tech Help Teachers?
Much focus on the importance of technology in education has tended to focus on students. Already we know that students can use tech for research. Someone struggling with an assignment can search for a rephrasing website and get speedy essay help. However, according to recent surveys, tech helps teachers in numerous ways, including grading and research. Teachers can use digital assignments and tests to gauge the progress of learners and tailor instructions as appropriate.
Other benefits include:
• Enhancing teacher-parent communication;
• Individualizing the learning process;
• Makes teaching easier and more interesting;
• Eliminates some chances of human error.
How to Use Technology to Support Learning
With the numerous forms of educational technologies in the market, choosing the ideal ones can be challenging. Also, evidence suggests that implementing such tech can be overwhelming. Given the positives, we have dedicated this article to discuss some of the best educational technology practices. Here are a few tips and tricks.
• Prioritize Content, Rather Than Tools
When it comes to using technology in the classroom, the content you deliver matters more than the tools you use. Instead of wasting your valuable time stressing about the most advanced or updated applications to use, focus on the content in your subject area.
This means finding the tech that will enhance the delivery of your intended content. Don’t look for the hottest or trendiest application, but rather the tool that suits your subject matter.
The learning outcomes ought to determine the technology used. Consider asking your students to suggest applications and tools that may be useful for the class. Also, make sure to engage learners in the process of choosing tech, depending on the needs of your class.
• Pay Attention to Evidence-Based Resources
As a teacher, understand that there will always be new technological applications being rolled out daily. Trying to keep with the changes in education tech can leave you dazed and confused. However, there is a reason why some tried and tried resources remain popular even amid innovations.
• Give Your Learners Alternatives
Another important tip to consider when using education tech is to give options to your students. When students feel involved in choosing tools for a lesson, they will find the class more interesting. Also, research shows that the more involved the learners are, the better their academic performance. Offer an approved list of applications from which the learners can choose. This saves you the time it would have taken if each student could pick his or her preference.
An interesting tip is to allow your learners to make recommendations. You can then go through their ideas, comparing them to your own before choosing the ideal ones. Remember, getting the learners involved in making decisions will keep them engaged and interested.
• Always Have a Backup Plan
While education tech can be great in facilitating learning, it is not perfect. In other words, even the best-laid plans can fail. The Wi-Fi may go out, or you may face technical challenges. In such instances, it helps if you have a backup plan to make sure that the lesson continues uninterrupted. Consider, for instance, having a few paper copies of the course material or online tests. The paper copies of tests can come in handy when some students forget to carry their devices.
• Leverage the Potential of Virtual Reality
One of the best innovations of the present era with the potential of disrupting teaching and learning is virtual reality. It can complement the reading and learning about different concepts and cultures. Students can take field trips and conduct experiments without leaving the classroom. Teachers can use virtual reality to bring boring topics to life and create excitement among students.
How to Choose the Best Education Tech
When selecting the ideal platform or tool for your classroom, remember that the focus should be on the learning outcomes. Here are some useful insights:
• Choose tech that can be accessed remotely, even at home, to match students’ lifestyles;
• Choose an online platform that offers a consistent feel and look, regardless of the device being used;
• Select a tool that is easy to use by both faculty and students;
• Pick tools that can offer feedback and data for evaluation;
• Prefer technology that saves the teacher’s time;
• Consider customizability.
Here, we have offered a few tips and tricks on how teachers can incorporate technology in their classrooms. Make sure to involve students in the process of selecting the right tools. Also, consider the learning needs and abilities of learners.