Technology is the process of creating tools, devices, systems, methods, and procedures to order and manipulate matter, energy, and information. The term also refers to the knowledge that underlies these processes.
Technological advancements have a direct impact on our lives and can help us solve our most pressing problems. For example, robotics and artificial intelligence are able to automate much of the work that was once done manually. This has helped businesses save money and improve their efficiency.
In the classroom, technology can enhance lessons by engaging students in new ways and building skills. It can also help teachers save time in planning and delivering lessons. But there are some things to consider before you decide to use technology in your classroom.
1. Make sure the technology you choose is compatible with your devices and curriculum.
Often, educators struggle to find the right platform for their teaching needs. This can be because the technology they are looking for is too complex or it will not run on their students’ devices. While this is a concern, it can be solved by working with an IT support team to find the right solutions for your school.
2. Change the way your classroom looks and works to incorporate technology.
For example, a teacher may want to switch from chalk and paper to a digital whiteboard to make the learning experience more interactive. Or, a classroom might be outfitted with Google Cardboard to simulate a virtual trip to another location.
3. Create technology-based lessons that are more personalized and engaging for your students.
Many technology-based learning programs provide customizable templates that allow you to tailor the lesson to your students’ needs and preferences. This can be particularly helpful for younger children or those with limited English language proficiency.
4. Use students’ devices to their benefit
The use of technology in the classroom is growing more popular and teachers are finding that it can be an effective tool to engage students and improve learning. This can include using educational apps to teach core subjects, using video clips to illustrate concepts and teaching through technology.
5. Add some variety to your lessons
In the age of digital technology, it can be easy to become bored when delivering the same types of activities or using the same platforms week after week. This can be easily resolved by switching between different activity types or using different platforms to keep students engaged.
6. Build fundamental skill sets with technology for younger students.
For younger students, technology can be used to build the basics of math, spelling, and reading. Online games like Prodigy Math can be a great way to help students practice and master these essential skills.
7. Focus on incremental technology instead of semi-radical technics
Semi-radical technology is a technology that has a huge impact on the way things work, but it often requires a lot of effort to implement. The biggest difference between this and incremental technology is that the latter involves a small amount of innovation to existing aspects of the product, rather than a major overhaul. For example, upgrades to operating systems, security patches, or changes to a company’s service are examples of incremental technology.