Technology is at the center of our lives in most environments, and the classroom is no exception. The children you teach from kindergarten through high school have grown up in a world surrounded by technology. They do not know what it is like to experience life without cell phones, computers, televisions and other common tech devices.
Despite this familiarity with technology, educational environments may be slow to integrate technology into the classroom. Many schools still use analog tools, such as books, notebooks, whiteboards and posters in instructional design. This could be attributed to lack of funding. However, some school districts have invested in instructional technology for the classroom by securing grant funding or donations from community and business partners. This includes smart boards to replace outdated projectors as well as personal digital devices such as iPads or Chromebooks.
Technology has the potential to make aspects of education easier and more equitable in many ways. Let's find out how teachers and students can benefit from additional technology in the classroom.
What Are the Benefits of Technology in the Classroom?
Engagement
Students who use technology in the classroom may be more engaged. When schools have a 1:1 initiative (one device for every student), students benefit because technology can be more smoothly integrated into the curriculum. Many teachers use interactive software and programs as learning technologies so that students can respond to questions and lectures digitally. In addition, gamified learning makes education and fun and engaging as they earn badges and move through competencies.
Collaboration
Technology makes it easier for students to collaborate and save their work. Traditionally, when students collaborated, they may have created posters or notes of their work together. However, technology allows students to create digital collections of research and ideas. They can draw and write together in the same program, creating documents and projects that are fully collaborative.
Inclusion
Technology allows some students to be included in the classroom in ways they have never been before. Many students who receive special education can benefit from technology that helps them write, spell, read and do mathematical computation. Word processors can point out spelling mistakes to students. Adaptive readers highlight text or read aloud to students so they can research and use websites like their peers using technology. As technology becomes more prevalent in schools, students who receive special education and use a laptop for help will not stand out or seem out of place.
Differentiation
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. In addition, teachers can assign programs to help students remediate or expand their knowledge so that students can process or investigate topics further. This work can be done during centers or group work, freeing the teacher to attend to individual students or other small groups. Using technology in this way ensures that all the students get what they need.
Analog tools need to be tended to, cared for and replaced. Using technology allows students to access what they need when they need it. They can keep calendars online, and teachers can push due date reminders in a learning management system (LMS). Word processors do not need to be sharpened and online books do not get lost. Technology allows students instant access to all the materials they need, saving time, space and mental effort.
Creativity
The content available online is endless. Students who are interested in learning about arts, music, videos - and virtually anything else -can find plenty of resources. Any creative endeavor that calls to a student can be supported by technology. Tablets have the capabilities to capture students' sketches. Editing software lets students bring photos to life and manipulate them in creative ways. Technology can enhance creativity rather than inhibit it if students are given choice about what they create.
Automation
A huge benefit of educational technology for teachers is automation. You can upload lessons into anLMS for students to access on their own time. Online assessments make grading easy and parents can automatically be messaged when students receive a failing grade. Teachers are always looking for ways to find more time in the day, and technology can assist in big ways.
Future Focus
We do not yet know what types of jobs will be around when many of our students are adults joining the workforce, but we do know that technology is not going anywhere. Students will need strong technology skills to be successful in whatever job or career they may go into after school. Simply having a mindset that embraces the process of learning and using new technology can make a difference in a student's future.
If you are interested in learning how educational technology can benefit your classroom, join us at Grand Canyon University for any of our teaching degree programs. Many of them have a technology-focused approach that will help you learn to integrate new skills and new ways of using technology in your classroom.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
FAQs
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 5 benefits of technology *? ›
Advantages of Technology:
- Production expansion: The technology allows for multiple-fold increases in production. ...
- Time management: ...
- Technology enhances services: ...
- Easy and quick communication: ...
- Reduces online fraud and cybercrime: ...
- Has increased people's safety: ...
- Improved storage: ...
- Medical Care and Services:
8 Benefits of Technology in the Classroom
- Increased Student Engagement. Students who use technology in the classroom may be more engaged. ...
- Collaboration. Technology makes it easier for students to collaborate and save their work. ...
- Inclusion. ...
- Differentiation. ...
- Productivity. ...
- Creativity. ...
- Automation. ...
- Future Focus.
Top New Technologies for Students
- Smart pens.
- Digital textbooks.
- Tech backpacks.
- Smart lights.
- Virtual keyboards.
- Noise-cancelling headphones.
- Encrypted flash drives.
- Other useful student technology.
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.
What are 10 positive effects of technology? ›
Advancements in statistics, communication, and trade have all been made through new technology as well.
- Accurate Statistics. Statistics were once extremely limited. ...
- Easier Communication. ...
- Smoother Trade. ...
- Increase In Income Generation. ...
- Impact on Advertising. ...
- Medical Research. ...
- Robotics.
Advantages of new technology include:
- easier, faster and more effective communication.
- better, more efficient manufacturing techniques.
- less wastage.
- more efficient stock management and ordering systems.
- the ability to develop new, innovative approaches.
- more effective marketing and promotion.
- new sales avenues.
Expanded security, enhanced communication, increased information, education, and, last but not least, amusem*nt are vital aspects of technology. As a result, it's more important than ever to comprehend the advantages and disadvantages of technology.
Why is technology important? ›
Technology has made it possible for people from all walks of life to have access to different resources. Further, technology is also being used to equip people who need a certain type of assistance to improve their quality of life and help them avail opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.
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.
How can technology improve performance? ›
Allows for better concentration
Since technology can take over a lot of other tasks, your team can concentrate more and have longer periods of uninterrupted work. That primarily enables them to become more productive.
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.
How can technology help kids in school? ›
10 Ways to Use Technology to Help Your Child at School
- Promote School Readiness. ...
- Don't Ban Technology; Find Clever Ways to Use It. ...
- Expose Kids to Different Platforms. ...
- Expand Their Horizons. ...
- Allow Kids to Develop Their Interests and Talents. ...
- Improve Language Skills. ...
- Enhance social interaction. ...
- Limit and Maximize Screen Time.
- Original Tamagotchi.
- Nintendo Lite Switch.
- SUNLIN Dance Mat.
- Kindle Kids.
- Mini Drone Camera for Kids.
- Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark.
- Fujifilm Instax Mini Polaroid Camera.
- VTech KidiZoom PrintCam.
Technology affects almost every aspect of 21st century life, from transport efficiency and safety to access to food and healthcare, socialization and productivity. The power of the internet has enabled global communities to form, and ideas and resources to be shared more easily.
What is technology 10 points? ›
1) Technology is the use of scientific knowledge for the welfare of all. 2) Technology has become an integral part of industry and livelihood. 3) Even a small pin and a big jetliner, all are the products of technology. 4) Initial technical tool developed by a human was a stone spear tied to a stick.
Is technology good or bad for students? ›
By offering digital tools and learning platforms, technology offers great advantages in school education. Students have more information at their fingertips and build technology skills. Tech can do some tasks equally or better than teachers, including administration, data gathering and supporting self-direct learning.
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 at least 3 examples of technology and its uses? ›
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.
The purpose of technology is to solve a human problem or meet a human need or desire. Technology can help provide human food, shelter, communication, entertainment, and much more. Technology is man-made.
How does technology affect children's learning? ›
The distracting nature of much screen-based technology can result in children not navigating these social skills to navigate their interpersonal relationships. As a result, they may develop poorer social skills and be less adept in problem-solving with their peers long term.
How important is technology in schools? ›
Supports Personalized Learning
One of the biggest benefits of technology in education is personalized learning. With online resources and educational software, students can find information that is tailored to their needs, interests, and learning style.
How technology has improved learning? ›
Students can collaborate on group projects using technology-based tools such as wikis and Google docs. The walls of the classrooms are no longer a barrier as technology enables new ways of learning, communicating, and working collaboratively. Technology has also begun to change the roles of teachers and learners.
Does technology have a positive impact on education? ›
Technology in education is more than just the usage of digital devices: it's a tool that helps teachers and students engage more effectively, improving the efficiency and thus the quality of the educational process. Also technology and the Internet are extremely useful for students.
How do students use technology in the classroom? ›
Ways to Incorporate Technology in the Elementary Classroom
Students can use interactive games to reinforce math, spelling, phonetic, and reading skills. Sites like Spelling Training permit students or teachers to upload their own word lists to practice word pronunciation and create interactive games.
What skills has technology improved? ›
Examples of technology skills
- Word processing. Word processors are software programs that allow individuals to type, organize, edit and share writing on a computer system. ...
- Emailing. ...
- Video conferencing. ...
- Audio and video editing. ...
- Data management tools. ...
- Social media. ...
- Search engines. ...
- Customer relationship management.
Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.
Why technology is improving so fast? ›
Why is technology increasing so fast? Technology is increasing so fast because each technological innovation makes many more possibilities and typically drives down costs of technology.
What are the benefits of using technology? ›
7 Advantages of Digital Technology In Today's Time
- Social Connectivity.
- Communication Speeds.
- Versatile Working.
- Learning Opportunities.
- Automation.
- Information Storage.
- Editing.
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 is technology good for? ›
Technology allows us to keep working, communicating, going to school, shopping, going to doctor or therapy appointments, playing games, and staying aware of current events.
What value does the use of technology give teachers? ›
Technology in the Classroom Provides Teachers With More Tools To Support Students. In addition to resources like textbooks and worksheets, technology equips educators with various tools to help students develop a better understanding of the material.
How technology can help teachers? ›
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.
