Is the way we teach changing as a result of new technologies?

 When my daughter started school lately, I was a keen observer, noting how far things had progressed while I was a student. Whatever difference there was between schooling when my parents were young and when I was young has now been multiplied by two for my daughter. This shift has occurred as a result of the quick adoption of new technology by both private and public schools.

Some differences can be found in the way things are taught, but there is also a significant difference in technology. We now have presentations and things being brought to life on interactive whiteboards and tablet computers, rather than traditional textbooks and teachers writing on whiteboards or even blackboards.

The interactive whiteboard, like the iPad and other tablets, has been around for a while; nevertheless, it is only recently that educators have begun to modify their teaching to make efficient use of them. What is required for these new technologies to be effective in the classroom, and what advantages may they provide?

The teacher must be knowledgeable about the technology and confident in its use. For example, if a teacher begins working on an interactive whiteboard and then abandons it because they don't understand how it works, the pupils will become disengaged.

The value of these technologies resides in their ability to accommodate various learning styles. On i Pads, students can learn to write by touching. On interactive whiteboards, sound and visuals can be used to appeal to visual and auditory learners. This ability must be recognized and embraced by the teacher.

 

It is vital for the instructor to appreciate new methods of doing things rather than simply thinking in the same old way while using a fancy piece of equipment. When notes are taken on the interactive whiteboard, for example, the teacher has the option of emailing them to students or saving them to use in a later review class.

Having access to information on the internet and low-cost apps for tablet computers can assist decrease expenses and eliminate the need for some textbooks, wasteful printing, and pricey software for schools in times of budget cuts.

Because technology and its application in education are still in their infancy, it is critical for users to share their experiences and ideas with other teachers. This will improve the breadth of effective ways in which courses can be given with this new technology, as well as the users' general level and confidence.

It's meaningless to have technology in classrooms just to say you have it. It must enrich students' learning experiences while also providing teachers with new tools and ideas for effectively communicating their message. It must be accepted and its promise must be realized. When this is the case, technology ceases to be a gimmick and becomes a true educational advancement.

Paul is passionate in educating people about new technology and what they may be used for. New technology is always being developed, and it benefits people in all aspects of their lives, from their homes to their workplaces to their schools.