Technology in the Classroom
In today’s ever changing and developing society, it is vital that teachers stay up to date with relevant technology. New ideas and concepts are constantly being introduced to students. Thus, educators can keep their students’ attention by utilizing technology that is familiar to them. By utilizing technology of which students know and understand, teachers can not only relate to their students, but also, enable students to use classroom knowledge in the real world. Using different forms of technology can often be intimidating to teachers who are not very familiar with it. Even teacher with experience can be hesitant to use it in the classroom because of its abstract qualities. However, by attempting to incorporate technology into lessons and activities, teachers can become more confident using it to benefit students.
There are countless methods of using technology that be applied to the classroom. For example, teachers can use smart boards or connect their computer to an interactive TV to incorporate technology into the classroom. These smart boards can be very useful as they allow for student interaction and involvement. Smart boards often have touch pens that can be used on the screen to write notes or comments directly on PowerPoints. By adding information to slides, teachers can provide students with additional information that is not already included on the slide. Teachers can also open a blank page and write new information from a blank document. Writing on a fresh page can be especially useful in a math class as students can interact and solve problems on the board. Similarly, teachers can use interactive TVs that are connected to a laptop or computer to project information to the class. By connecting their computers to a larger source, teachers can directly control the lesson from their laptop. Thus, students can view information as it is filtered by teachers on the spot. Yet another tool that can be used to demonstrate an understanding of technology in the classroom is an interactive online game. For instance, the website Kahoot is a great formative assessment tool in which teachers can track and analyze student progress. On this website, teachers can create an online practice quiz activity by inputting questions their corresponding answers. Once the assessment is created, teachers can share a code with students who can then use their laptops or cell phones to select the correct answer. After each student has answered the question, the results will appear on the screen, displaying who is in the lead. Speaking from experience, I know that students get very competitive and engaged in this game and are encouraged to answer the correct answer as quick as they can. Thus, student learning and retention is promoted. Using Kahoot not only allows students to have a fun time learning, but also, allows teachers to observe student progress as they are made aware of areas of confusion and misconception. Lastly, teachers can incorporate social media use into the classroom by using sites such as Twitter for an exit slip or “exit tweet.” Encouraging students to use their devices to tweet out a takeaway from the class enforces newly learned concepts and allows teachers to note areas of strength and weakness.
There are countless methods of using technology that be applied to the classroom. For example, teachers can use smart boards or connect their computer to an interactive TV to incorporate technology into the classroom. These smart boards can be very useful as they allow for student interaction and involvement. Smart boards often have touch pens that can be used on the screen to write notes or comments directly on PowerPoints. By adding information to slides, teachers can provide students with additional information that is not already included on the slide. Teachers can also open a blank page and write new information from a blank document. Writing on a fresh page can be especially useful in a math class as students can interact and solve problems on the board. Similarly, teachers can use interactive TVs that are connected to a laptop or computer to project information to the class. By connecting their computers to a larger source, teachers can directly control the lesson from their laptop. Thus, students can view information as it is filtered by teachers on the spot. Yet another tool that can be used to demonstrate an understanding of technology in the classroom is an interactive online game. For instance, the website Kahoot is a great formative assessment tool in which teachers can track and analyze student progress. On this website, teachers can create an online practice quiz activity by inputting questions their corresponding answers. Once the assessment is created, teachers can share a code with students who can then use their laptops or cell phones to select the correct answer. After each student has answered the question, the results will appear on the screen, displaying who is in the lead. Speaking from experience, I know that students get very competitive and engaged in this game and are encouraged to answer the correct answer as quick as they can. Thus, student learning and retention is promoted. Using Kahoot not only allows students to have a fun time learning, but also, allows teachers to observe student progress as they are made aware of areas of confusion and misconception. Lastly, teachers can incorporate social media use into the classroom by using sites such as Twitter for an exit slip or “exit tweet.” Encouraging students to use their devices to tweet out a takeaway from the class enforces newly learned concepts and allows teachers to note areas of strength and weakness.