Technology in the classroom has progressed tremendously over the last decade. The majority of students now have access to laptops or tablets as part of their education. Plus, teachers are using technology to get lessons through to students in unprecedented ways.
Want to know how technology in the classroom can transform education? Read on to learn more.
1. Technology Allows Teachers To Improve Student Engagement
An article by Top Hat argues technology allows for more active learning. Teachers can help students to be more engaged through the use of computers.
Traditional lecture models are no longer as efficient as active learning techniques. Consider implementing some of the following computer activities to create an active classroom:
- Minute papers that review the day’s lesson
- Quick quizzes
- Responses on what part of the lesson was most confusing
- Peer instruction on computers
2. Game-Based Learning Is Becoming More Popular
Some teachers are now using games designed to teach particular subject matter rather than using traditional teaching models.
According to Saranmok, game-based applications help students to understand the connection between learning and real-life work.
Through storytelling, interactive games teach students practical skills such as:
- Rules
- Goals
- Problem-solving
3. Tech Tools Can Help To Increase Motivation And Self Esteem
According to Technology And Education Reform, a research project sponsored by the U.S. Department Of Education, the most common effect of introducing technology to students is an increase in motivation:
“The kids that don't necessarily star can become the stars. [with technology]. My favorite is this boy . . . who had major problems at home. He figured out a way to make music by getting the computer to play certain letters by certain powers and it changed the musical tone of the note and he actually wrote a piece.
“He stayed in every recess. . . . When I asked him what he was working on, he wouldn't tell me. Then he asked if he could put his HyperCard stack on my computer because it was hooked up to speakers. I said "sure" and at recess . . . he put it on my computer and played his music and literally stopped the room.
“And for months he had kids begging him at recess, every recess, to teach them how to make music. And for that particular kid it was the world because he really was not successful academically and was having lots of problems. . . . This really changed him for that school year.” - Elementary school teacher
Students take pride in being able to use the same technologies that are used by professionals. It helps them to see their work as important.
4. Students Collaborate More Through Use Of Technology
When students have access to technology, they are more likely to help their classmates through peer tutoring. Collaboration is fostered when students are assigned to work in groups.
Even when students are assigned their own computers, they are more likely to ask their neighbor for help if they don’t understand part of an assignment.
“It's a much more facilitating atmosphere because the kids help each other so much on the computer. It changes the style and the tone of the classroom a lot.”- Elementary school teacher
5. AI Helps Teachers Save Hours Of Time Grading Papers
Many teachers struggle with work-life balance. Although assigning more papers is championed as the #1 way to improve student writing skills, all that extra grading takes a toll on teachers’ personal time.
New AI technology helps teachers to grade papers in minutes.
For example, instead of spending hours grading, teachers can use a tool like GraderAide to enter completed assignments and receive immediate scores. The score reports include a breakdown of focus and purpose, content development, organization, language use, and grammar.
Technology in the classroom can be used to help students achieve better learning outcomes. It also helps teachers serve students without compromising their free time.
Want to learn how you can help your students become great writers? GraderAide is the most advanced scoring system for written assignments available to teachers. Visit www.graderaide.com.