As we experience new technology in almost all aspects of our lives, we take a look into what technology goes into what a modern classroom is like. This is not talking about a classroom into the future but the tech we have in the classrooms of today. Technology should not only be present in our communications technology such as gadgets, cell phones, and tablets but rather be integrated into how our children learn. There are already a number of innovations that have utilized the internet, smartphone technology, and display technology to turn our modern classrooms into one network where everyone can collaborate and interact with visual aids.
The Obvious Changes
The modern classroom no longer focuses on the person in front as lecturers but rather they have become facilitators of learning. The focus not is to learn by doing and interacting with the learning materials and instructional media. Students now use the inquiry method and collaboration with others. Technology helps a lot in this regard. Multi-monitor and touchscreens and even virtual reality help in this regard.
Highly Visual Learning Space
Technology is all well and good, however, it is the visual environment that is created that has the greatest impact on the student’s rate of learning. There is a very clear and significant link between classroom design and learning performance.
Textbooks no Longer Have Monopoly As Major Sources of Learning
With the internet, students now can use multiple sources aside from old school textbooks to find and gather information that they need. They can keep journals, interview knowledgeable experts on the subject, use applications, and use the library to apply what they have learned or to find information. Instead of just being reserved for projects or special needs events at school, technology is now seamlessly integrated into daily instruction.
Wireless Technology
This technology is a must for the modern classroom of today, wireless presentation solutions, multi-touch panels, gesture cont controls, and voice interaction with powerful computers help teachers facilitate learning in a more interesting and interactive form of teaching and collaboration. Of all forms of technology available in the classroom, this put an exclamation point in the word interactive. Students remember more if they can see and manipulate images on screens, especially the younger age groups.
Collaboration
Technological innovation in classrooms is becoming more and more of the interactive sort. Teaching is now no longer as a way of disseminating information but rather about creating context and making sure the student leverages it for real-world application. Communication technology is now being used such as that discussion among similarly set up classrooms can take place worldwide. A student may propose something in Africa and someone in France can answer it. Another question can be fielded in China and an answer may be had from a classroom in Kenya. Such is the modern classrooms of today that these communications and discussions can be done in real time. Also, virtual classrooms can be created wherein collaboration can also be more efficient.
Technology Integration
Technology integration in classrooms can be used to inspire and awaken curiosity in students. These technological innovations put information at the student’s fingertips and prepare them for real-world working scenarios.
