Technology in the Classroom
Technology is now an integral part of modern society. Nearly every industry uses technology in some way, either directly or indirectly. The golden age of science & tech is upon us and we are witness to a paradigm shift in the way humans accomplish tasks and achieve goals. Digital technology has made the means to the ends possible. Science and technology have boosted performance, expanded influence and brought about dramatic changes.
The education sector is the most closely linked to technology of all the sectors. Different types of technology have been used by educational institutions and systems to impart knowledge in new and innovative ways. Many educational institutions now use tech in a variety of ways, including MOOCs and remote learning.
Is technology’s impact on education a positive one? Or are there concerns? Technology is proving to be a boon or a major disruption in the delivery of knowledge.
Let’s take a closer look at this issue.
Example of Technology Implementation in Schools
Modern classrooms are digital. Digital electronics and information technology have seen an exponential increase in their use. This has resulted in the development of new methods of dispensing knowledge that offer more accessibility, better connectivity and many other benefits.
Although we will be looking at the impact of technology on students and the overall effect it has on teachers, it is not unreasonable to think that tech’s many benefits are the main reason why tutors and teachers use tech to improve education & learning.
These are some powerful examples of technology in the classroom.
Google Classroom is an online learning management system that can be used to create virtual classrooms.
Classcraft is a gamified learning platform which imparts education through interactive activities as well as educational games
Adobe Spark is an application that allows students create tutorial videos to reinforce the information they have learned;
Seesaw is a useful application that allows parents, students, and teachers to come together for better learning and education.
Class VR is an extended reality platform that makes use of virtual and augmented reality to teach and train in the classroom.
Technology in the classroom can transform educational journeys. Gamification of learning and learning management platforms are changing student behavior and changing their attitude towards education and learning. Open online courses and information archives offer excellent opportunities to expand knowledge and upgrade skills.
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Is traditional classroom education changing and has student behavior changed? Let’s find out what these two research pieces have to say about this.
Different Studies Show the Impact of Technology in Classroom Education
Before we start, it is important to know that researchers will examine the technology’s impact from as neutral a perspective as possible. Their observations and recommendations will, naturally, be objective and aim to minimize the negative effects of technology in the classroom while emphasizing its benefits.
Research Paper 1
In 2008, a University of Wisconsin research paper examined the effects of technology in the classroom. This research examined the impact of technology in the classroom back when it wasn’t as widespread and prevalent as it is today. These observations and discussions were very informative.
Through surveys, the research identified five steps to successful integration and effects of technology within a classroom.
Teachers were initially hesitant about using technology in the classroom during the entry stage.
Teachers move into the adoption stage when they start to adopt and implement technology that supports traditional modes of education.
The third stage, or adaptation, is where technology is fully integrated and students are more active in the classroom.
Fourth stage: The appropriation stage, when students have acquired the appropriate tech skills and teachers use the best technologies to disseminate knowledge.
We finally reach the invention stage where students and teachers create new and innovative methods of learning and teaching.
According to studies, only a few institutions reached this stage in 2008. The research found that technology implementations in education and other areas were still in the early stages of development.
The main reasons for slow adoption of technology in classrooms was a lack of training and questions about its effectiveness. Active student engagement and improved technical skills have been cited as great motivators to more widespread implementation of tech in classrooms.
The 2008 situation is a good example of the benefits of technology being implemented in classrooms. The paper simultaneously identifies the most significant drawbacks and concerns, including a lack of tech skills and supervision during learning.
Paper 2
Next, we’ll discuss a 2015 research article published in the International Journal of Research in Education and Science. This is significant because various technology tools and applications were being used in increasing numbers across educational institutions.
Research focuses on the importance of ICT integration in education and learning.
This paper uses reliability analyses and hypothesis testing to perform critical statistical analyses on research data.
Research results indicate that technology has a significant impact on classroom teaching methods. Researchers found that ICT tools and techniques create an environment conducive to active learning, which encourages students and teachers to use tech more.
This research examines the findings and observations that clearly demonstrate the profound influence of technology integration in schools, both urban and rural. Research shows that technology-augmented learning methods are more effective for students.
Another technological marvel, the Internet, also helps to enhance classroom education, according to the study. The Internet allows you to access many information sources and can be used as a tool for improving ideas, concepts, and knowledge on any topic.
Research from 2015 clearly shows that technology is being accepted more widely and has tangible benefits for classrooms. However, the study revealed that teachers still have concerns about using technology in their classrooms. The most common concern is a lack of tech skills and ideas.
According to the research, it is important that any school implements technology right away. This will ensure that students and teachers have a holistic learning experience and a positive teaching experience. Students learn the practical aspects of digital technology and communication by using them in traditional classroom education. It can be a powerful tool for more effective and better learning.
An In-Depth article
The Cambridge International Education department made critical observations and identified the most powerful benefits of technology in classrooms.
Tech-supported education offers many advantages, including active learning, greater engagement, increased participation and dialogic practice. Different from traditional methods, classroom technology provides a variety of unique and unconventional ways to access knowledge.
Technology enhances and augments traditional learning activities by connecting real-life information to bookish knowledge. Tech-enhanced learning is a great supplement to formal education. Proper guidance can help learners understand better and learn more quickly.
Another benefit of digital technology in classrooms is instantaneous feedback. Computers that give instant feedback to students on their computer programming assignments can be the simplest example.
Administrators should address some causes of concern, however. These are the major concerns.
- Digital divide caused by socio-economic factors
- Inadequate supervision and guidance
- Resource availability
- Effective and efficient use requires appropriate restrictions
We can conclude that the success of the use of technology in education and classrooms depends on how it is used.
Technology is a tool. It is up to those who use it to improve education and learning.
Author Bio: Rebecca Stanton, a senior professor in computer science and a teacher at a Montana public school in the USA. She is also a tutor at Assignmenthelp.us and a pedagogical researcher.
