There are many benefits of technology in the classroom, so we’ve picked five of the most significant for this handy list. From increased engagement to more inclusive environments, the correct application of EdTech improves a wide range of learning outcomes. And of course, using the latest tech helps prep students for the future in a variety of ways.
Read on for the top 5 advantages to technology in the classroom or visit our education solutions page for more insights on EdTech.
It’s no exaggeration to say that technology has transformed the classroom and brought enormous benefits. In a fairly short time, amazing innovations like iPads, laptops, and smartphones have opened up a new world of information for students of all ages. Adapting to this exciting new reality can be challenging for both teachers and students. But for those who embrace it, the advantages are virtually limitless.
Let’s take a look at the biggest benefits of technology in the classroom, starting with something you really don’t want to miss: its powerful effect on student motivation.
Benefit #1: Makes Students More Engaged and Helps Them Retain Information
Picture a bored student. The cliché easily comes to mind because it is so common. He or she gazes out the window, recalling that movie or TV show from last night. Perhaps drumming fingers on the desk, the student tunes out the teacher’s words with more entertaining thoughts. In short, they are entirely unengaged.
Now, take that same young learner or teen and plug them into a tablet or other device and watch the involvement in the learning process take flight. The interactivity excites, drawing the learner in. Not only do students feel motivated and energized by technology in the classroom, but they also participate in active learning, a most worthy educational goal.
It should be no surprise that studies show engaged students retain more of what they have learned. This is just as true for the elementary classroom as it is for the lecture hall. A six-year study of students at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York State is a case in point. In an attempt to reduce the number of students who failed or quit the institution’s engineering-technology program, more technology was introduced into the teaching process. An astounding 90 percent of the students involved said that technology helped learning and retention.
Benefit #2: Accommodates Multiple Learning Styles
It is tempting to use a one-size-fits-all approach with students. It’s faster and easier, of course, but it’s not that effective. That’s because students – like the rest of society – are individuals. That is, they have different strengths and respond differently to various teaching approaches. It’s useful to break learning styles into three broad categories and to see how technology can benefit each group:
- Auditory learners respond best to spoken rather than written words. For these pupils, recorded lessons, audiobooks, and podcasts can effectively be woven into lessons.
- Visual learners rely more on sight than sound, however. They read faster than auditory learners and tend to pay more attention to details when reading. When it comes to integrating technology into the classroom for these types of students, ebooks and interactive whiteboards are good choices. In addition, PowerPoint lessons with graphs and other visually-oriented materials such as videos are beneficial.
- Tactile learners find active learning best, so teachers can encourage them to use their sense of touch. This often presents a challenge for them and their teachers. Especially in the past, traditional teaching was primarily thought of as a one-way street. Under that model, students were forced to sit in seats for a long time listening to the teacher or writing exercises. Tactile learners are more likely to get bored and distracted under those conditions. Fortunately, this is where technology shines as it is very hands-on. Allowing students to hold devices, click on mice, and swipe screens is especially tactile. It helps these kinds of learners by appealing to their sense of touch.
Simply put, accommodating multiple learning styles allows education to be delivered in a more personalized way. That makes it a definite win for the students.
Benefit #3: Encourages Collaboration
Among the many advantages technology brings to the classroom is that it promotes working together. Through the Internet, ideas and opinions can be shared just as easily as files and images can be transported digitally.
Outside the classroom, students love to share their experiences on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. So, it is only natural that bringing technology into the classroom will lead to greater collaboration. Internet connectivity can join students from one class, an entire school or country, or even other cities from around the world. Imagine the excitement a kid from America would feel when collaborating on an assignment with someone from Peru or Italy.
The Net is filled with apps and sites for encouraging students and teachers to work together. Here are just a few:
- Twiducate is a free platform that teachers with classes from kindergarten to Grade 12 can use. It’s basically an educational social networking site that encourages collaboration
- epals is a place for students to connect and have online pen pals.
- myViewBoard is a collaborative software suite that includes powerful digital whiteboarding and sharing features for free.
There are two big advantages to using technology in the classroom to foster collaboration. One is that the collaboration can be tracked (i.e., who is doing what and how much), which is related to the next point. The second is that it encourages teamwork, a useful skill for the future, which is the subject of the last point of this article.
ViewSonic Education Learning Solutions For the Future Learn more >
Benefit #4: Provides Instant Feedback for Teachers
When teachers can communicate and monitor students through EdTech, they obtain a lot of feedback. This information exchange can be a two-way, interactive process. On the one hand, teachers may write assessments, or give audio or visual files regarding student performances directly to them. On the other, students can discuss questions or concerns directly with the teacher in a similar manner. They could even be asked to respond to a poll in real-time. These are timely and quite efficient methods that may also form a more permanent record for both students and teachers.
In other words, teachers and students are able to look at the content of these messages at any time they want to refresh their memories. All in all, the feedback loop is enhanced and sped up through the benefits of technology. This makes the process that much meaningful and productive.
Benefit #5: Prepares Students for the Future
When it comes right down to it, the education system is all about preparing young people for the rest of their lives. A big part of their future will be the work world. Increasingly, this means being comfortable with new technology. Schools and universities need to keep up to date with trends. In fact, a nation’s competitiveness depends on having a population that is well informed and capable. Failing to incorporate and benefit from the technology available would do students – and everyone – a terrible disservice.
A forward-thinking school can do even more to future-proof its students: How to Build a Modern School- 6 Key Elements to Embed in Your Groundwork
As the saying goes, “The future is now.” This has never been truer than it is today. What’s more, it will be even more accurate tomorrow. If the classrooms of tomorrow fail to keep pace with the forward march of technology, the future is destined to be problematic.
If, however, schools can rise to the challenge presented by the ever-changing nature of technology, students will be able to discover their limitless potential and take advantage of the many opportunities that have yet to present themselves.
Want to know more about the benefits of technology in the classroom? Take a look at our complete guide here. Or learn more about ViewSonic’s education solutions.
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edtechclassroom collaborationdigital classroom transformationclassroom technologysupportive technologyinclusive classroomtechnology-integrated educationeducation trends
FAQs
Technology gives students access to a variety of programs and information sources at the simple click of a button. Teachers can find leveled readers or allow students to choose research topics that fit their interests much more easily than by going to the library where resources may be limited.
What are five benefits of technology in the classroom? ›
Benefits of Technology in the Classroom
- Provides A More Engaged Learning Environment. ...
- Prepares Students for the Future. ...
- Connects Better with Students. ...
- Boosts Collaboration. ...
- Supports Learning. ...
- Gamified Learning. ...
- Virtual Field Trips. ...
- Create Student Websites.
Technology gives students access to a variety of programs and information sources at the simple click of a button. Teachers can find leveled readers or allow students to choose research topics that fit their interests much more easily than by going to the library where resources may be limited.
What are 3 or more benefits of a technology infused classroom? ›
The benefits of integrating technology into the classroom include: Increased student engagement. Encouraging teamwork and collaboration. Preparing students for life after graduation.
What are the benefits of technology? ›
Technology Makes Collaboration Easy
We live in a world where collaboration is essential, and technology has transformed how we collaborate. Businesses specifically benefit a lot from the collaborative advantages of technological innovations that allow communication from any part of the world through virtual means.
What are three benefits of technology? ›
Advantages of new technology include: easier, faster and more effective communication. better, more efficient manufacturing techniques. less wastage.
What is technology 5 points? ›
5 Lines on Technology
1) Technology is making our job easier. 2) Today technology is used in every field. 3) It also helps in the development of the country. 4) Technology turned many impossible things into possible. 5) Technology is giving the world a better future.
How important is technology in education? ›
Educational technology in education is important because it helps today's teachers to integrate new technologies and tools into their classroom. Teachers are able to upgrade and improve the learner-centeredness of their classroom. It enables teachers to engage their students in unique, innovative, and equitable ways.
What are the benefits of using technology for children? ›
Interactive websites and games help children learn to solve problems as they work their way through the challenges presented to get to the next level. Even simply using the devices makes them more adept at this, learning how to solve problems like programs not working correctly or connection issues.
What are the benefits of technology for kids? ›
Technology helps children become independent learners more quickly. Once they learn how to access digital information sources safely, they're able to explore the topics that interest them on their own. Children learn the importance of building communities and how to interact with people in social situations.
Education technology can help students by making learning more engaging and collaborative. Rather than memorizing facts, students learn by doing and through critical thinking.
What are 3 uses of technology in teaching and learning? ›
Use digital resources well: Schools can use digital resources in a variety of ways to support teaching and learning. Electronic grade books, digital portfolios, learning games, and real-time feedback on teacher and student performance, are a few ways that technology can be utilized to power learning.
How technology has changed our education? ›
Technology is transforming learning and instruction for the better. Big data and artificial intelligence (AI) are helping educators improve their effectiveness and learning outcomes, while gamification (adding gamelike elements to a task) and immersive learning are making learning more experiential, fun, and engaging.
What are the 5 examples of technology? ›
6 common types of technology
- Television. Television sets transmit signals over which we can listen to and view audio and visual content. ...
- Internet. ...
- Cell phones. ...
- Computers. ...
- Circuitry. ...
- Artificial intelligence. ...
- Software. ...
- Audio and visual technology.
7 Advantages of Digital Technology In Today's Time
- Social Connectivity.
- Communication Speeds.
- Versatile Working.
- Learning Opportunities.
- Automation.
- Information Storage.
- Editing.
How to Integrate Technology in the Classroom
- Power Points and Games. ...
- Internet Homework Assignments. ...
- Online grading Systems. ...
- Classroom Tablets. ...
- Listserv. ...
- Keeping students engaged. ...
- Helps students with different learning styles. ...
- Prepare students with life skills.
Anything from electronic technology such as laptops, cameras, and recording devices as well off-screen technology such as painting, cutting, gluing, and building can all be considered examples of preschool classroom technology.
What is technology 3 examples? ›
Whether it's practical (like washing machines, tumble dryers, refrigerators, cars, flooring materials, windows, or door handles) or for leisure (like televisions, Blu-ray players, games consoles, reclining chairs, or toys), all these things are examples of technology.
What are the benefits of modern technology? ›
Modern technology, however, has its benefits as well. In addition to notifications and weekly schedules, these include the capacity to send text, video, and audio messages. Furthermore, it has increased the productivity of those who have disabilities.
What are the 5 basic elements of a technology systems? ›
An information system is essentially made up of five components hardware, software, database, network and people.
- 1- Identify the problem.
- 2- Come up with ideas to slove the problem.
- 3- Design a solution.
- 4- Carry out the solution.
- 5- Evaluate the solutions.
Steps of the technological design process include: identify a problem, research the problem, generate possible solutions, select the best solution, create a model, test the model, refine and retest the model as needed, and communicate the final solution.
What are the 3 technologies? ›
Types of technology include mechanical technology, medical technology, communications technology, electronic technology, and industrial and manufacturing technologies.
What are the 4 forms of educational technology? ›
Forms of Educational Technology: Teaching Technology, Instructional Technology, Behavioural Technology, Instructional Design Technology.
How technology enhances learning? ›
Technology in education enables children to adjust to their own pace of learning. Students who need extra time can spend more time going over exercises until they understand, while students who need less support can continue ahead. It also frees up the teacher to help kids who need more support on an individual level.
Does technology make children's lives better? ›
Improved communication skills
With technology, children can easily communicate with others. They can stay in touch with friends and family living far away. They can also reach out to new people from all over the world and make new friends.
What technology do children use most? ›
American children engage in many media activities on electronic devices, such as watching TV and online videos, playing games, and video chatting. In 2021, over 62 percent of them watched TV daily, while 30 percent surfed the internet every day.
Can technology help kids learn? ›
Technology provides students with easy-to-access information, accelerated learning, and fun opportunities to practice what they learn. It enables students to explore new subjects and deepen their understanding of difficult concepts, particularly in STEM.
Is technology good to have in a classroom? ›
You may think technology is just a distraction, but it can help encourage active participation in your classroom. Using devices like a computer, tablet, or other type of technology in your classroom can help turn traditionally dull subjects into interactive and fun activities.
What is the effect of technology in the classroom? ›
A very important technological impact on education is increased interactivity and class engagement. In addition, better overall comprehension, practical learning, time management, and combined learning methodologies are just some of the impacts that technology has had on student learning.
Online resources improve student learning and retention.
Through videos, learning games, and images, teachers can show students colorful, stimulating examples of the material that they're trying to teach. Subjects that are historically dry or difficult to grasp can be turned vibrant and interesting.
What is technology in the classroom? ›
We can define technology broadly as any “tool” a teacher uses to convey the lesson or interact with students. That can range from a whiteboard and marker (low-tech) to a tablet with a stylus (high-tech) and beyond.
What is the main purpose of using technology? ›
The purpose of technology is to meet a human need or solve a human problem. Technology can help meet many types of human needs, like needs of shelter, food, clothing, and communication. Technology does not originate from the natural world and includes methods or activities that people use to alter their environments.
How does technology help students prepare for the future? ›
Technology gives students the chance to learn subjects outside the classroom as well. It allows for enhanced understanding of the subjects they are already learning. It helps to tap into students' individual learning styles. It even encourages students for teamwork by working on team or class projects.
How technology has changed our communication? ›
Communication today is instantaneous with the help of social media, emails and text messaging. We can send a message and receive a response in seconds. Digital communication also allows us to share photos, videos and stories instantly. Technology has changed how businesses market, operate and interact with employees.
What is modern technology? ›
Modern technology are modern products, services and infrastructure that are designed and built using scientific knowledge and engineering. This includes information technology based on software, computers and networks.
How does technology benefit children? ›
Technology helps children become independent learners more quickly. Once they learn how to access digital information sources safely, they're able to explore the topics that interest them on their own. Children learn the importance of building communities and how to interact with people in social situations.
