Now more than ever teachers are starting to bridge the gap between classroom supplies and technology. Advancements technologically, have made for a far better learning curve and at a surprisingly affordable price. However complications can arise when you are using technology in the classroom. Some of the most common being “cheating” and the use of various items for personal fun, instead of learning. Therefore as a teacher you have to be careful about the way you are using certain items. Using technology in the classroom must be done properly or else it will create more problems than solutions.
What Should I Be Using?
Technology comes in many different forms and many different shapes and sizes. The most simplistic classroom item you might use is a calculator. These are virtually accepted as the norm these days and I can’t imagine that many students who are completing complex math equations without one.
Calculators are great! They are really effective for saving time and are reliable as long as you don’t push a wrong key. The bad thing about calculators is that they are included in a variety of other devices, including phones. It should be clear by now not to let students use communicative devices as their primary calculator, especially during a test.
What about computers, tablets and software? This items may seem to be a luxury and yes, they can be expensive; but I think they are vitally important to every single classroom. More and more in the professional world complex computer skills and up-to-date knowledge of tech devices is important to ones success.
You don’t need one for every student in every classroom. But there should be a focus on technology in at least one class.
How Should I Use Technology?
There are many different instances in which technology could benefit students in a classroom. Providing student incentives by branching out from your average school supplies into things like iPads or other tablets is a great way to get some response from students.
The only problem is that often times students perceive technology and all of it’s devices as fun time. Realistically, it is. However, there is a way that you can mix the fun and the learning into one.
Building, designing, or solving problems is how technology was created. This is the same approach that should be made when you are using technology in the classroom. Whether you are fixing a hardware component, solving a software issue, or even designing a website – technology can be both fun and informative. Even creating lesson plans can be done to the fullest with using technology.
Technology plays a huge roll in our lives today. In everything that you do, or how you live, there is a little piece of technology that is helping along the way. Our youth are learning a variety of new things and they need to keep up with the latest advancements. Computers and technological advancements will ultimately play a huge roll in how we learn subject matter. Don’t get left behind in the dust!