Tech in the Classroom: Engaging Students with Technology
By Chidiebere Sullivan Nwuguru
Oftentimes, we are all surrounded by the conception that technology in classrooms will amount to a whole lot of money, and at most, will distract the majority of students, or even make most of them lazy, when incorporated into the learning system. However, the integration of technology in classrooms if well done, will not only foster all-round engagement of students through auditory and visual learning approaches, but will also assist in personalizing teaching methods towards each student based on their level of understanding, while also helping the students and the management in return, to access the performances of the teachers.
To constitute an adequate and attractive technology-driven classroom, one can begin with a low-cost and effective approach, while also taking into consideration the learning goals and objectives of the class in choosing the appropriate tech tools. For instance, Google Docs is a cost-effective cloud-based platform and a go-to tool in situations requiring students to carry out a collaborative project. Simple technologies like PowerPoint presentations can be introduced into the classroom to further enhance learning and all-round engagement. Duolingo and the likes of it, are easily accessible apps that can be employed for learning new languages; it even becomes especially fun due to its gamified nature, which further keeps the students glued while learning the new language.
Employing platforms like WhatsApp Groups and Telegram Communities make it easier to disseminate information among the students. Assignments become easily accessible, and the scheduling of classes becomes effortless through the leverage of these platforms. With technology, sites like Wikipedia resources are now available for students to take advantage of in their research pursuits. In some schools, special apps are developed and incorporated into the classrooms to enable students grade the performances of their teachers; this even makes it easier for the management to access the teachers’ delivery. Also, to further ease the operations in the classrooms, technologies like QR codes can be used to record the daily attendance of students and teachers.
With technology in classrooms, supporting and assisting students who require special attention has now become easier. For instance, with the advent of software platforms and robotic technologies, students who have sight, auditory, or any other form of physical disability can now access digital tools that enable them learn, develop, and acquire all the training that will prepare them for the labour market. Also, for students battling anxieties, gamified learning content such as ABCmouse, Funbrain, etc., can be leveraged to experience fun-filled learning moments, which in turn help to improve their mental state.
As much as the use of technology in the classroom is beneficial, understanding the right technological tool to use to suit the students and the objectives of the classroom, is very crucial. The technology of choice should be convenient for the students, and should be able to permit personalization as a way to suit the students’ needs. Customizing a learning pathway, employing gamified learning tools that incorporate quizzes, offering feedback to students, etc., are some of the ways to keep the student’s interaction with the technology seamless and effective.
In conclusion, the world is currently at the information age, hence, everything and everyone including the students is growing towards the era of technology. To effectively prepare the students for the generation they are in, technologies should be maximally incorporated into the educational system; the use of technology brings abundant benefits and all-round development to the students and educators. It is, therefore, pertinent to make the classrooms technology-driven in order to enhance our educational system, and make it more effective and productive.
