In
the 21st Century technological advances have exploded (UNESCO, 2008). Schools
have not been left out in these advancements. Classroom technology has
become increasingly more popular and will soon become must-haves for every
teacher in the classroom. Today's students are digital natives and as such the
use of technology in education has proven to be an issue that cannot be wished
away. Teachers must therefore be well conversant with these technologies to be
able to programme meaningful and relevant learning for the children. Geeta D. (2011),
Kathleen J. (2012) and Meador D. (2012) identifies some of the possible
technologies teachers can make use of in their classrooms.
Classroom
Personal Computers (PCs) are a valuable technology in the classroom. According
to Kathleen J. (2012), when every student has access to his/her own computer
(laptop or desktop), learning takes on a whole different dynamic. For example,
a teacher can allow students to follow along during a writing lesson on Word
programs. In addition, students can research and explore on their own. PCs can
store a student's work more efficiently than folders. Bulky encyclopaedias and
dictionaries are unnecessary if every student can access the Internet on his or
her own time using a personal computer. A paperless world in the classroom can
be organized as well as environmentally friendly. Finally, students become
empowered in their education by having their own personal tool to better their
academic outcomes.
A projector
is another technology that can be used in the classroom. Projectors are a basic
way to introduce technology to students in the classroom (Kathleen J. 2012). The
projector is hooked up to the teacher's laptop or desktop and projects the
screen from the laptop to the white board in the front of the room. This
enables students to see a larger version of what is on the laptop screen. A
teacher can project a word document and show students' note-taking strategies.
The teacher can also show PowerPoint presentations to students using the
projector. Students can follow the teacher as he or she goes onto educational
websites as well. A projector in the classroom is a remarkable tool in engaging
the student with technology.
SMART
Technologies are leading the way in classroom interaction between students and
teachers using computers. SMARTboards, according to Meador D. (2012), are a
fantastic way for students to stay engaged in lessons. A SMARTboard is an
interactive white board that allows the teacher to project an image from a
laptop to the front of the room. The amazing part is that the teacher can then
digitally draw on that image. Graphs and tables are available templates in
SMARTboards. SMARTboards can store lessons and digitally enhance plain
templates into customized learning tools. Hundreds of applications are possible
with this technology, and teachers can benefit immensely from it.
Class
websites and blogs is another technology that can be used in education. It is
very easy to create a website or blog using WordPress or
any other content management software. Teachers can create class blogs were
they can post assignments and other instructional content for the students to
access (Geeta D. 2011).
A
digital microphone is another technology to use in the classroom. Big
classrooms are characterized by endless noise, so teachers can resort to these
wireless digital microphones according to Meador D. (2012). The microphone will
transmit the voice to the loud speakers and every student will hear their
teacher clearly. This helps the teachers not to strain their voice while trying
to explain points to their students. These digital microphones are not too
expensive so even a small income generating school can manage to buy a wireless
microphone for every classroom. Also students can use the same microphone
when asking questions to their teachers in class, or when they are explaining a
subject to their fellow students during a classroom debate.
Mobile
devices are other technologies to use in classrooms. Teachers and students can
use smart-phones for academic purposes in the classroom according to Meador D.
(2012) and Geeta D. (2011). Mobile learning is similar to e-learning or long
distance education though it’s based on mobile phones. M-Learning is convenient
because it is accessible from anywhere. Mobile phones are very light yet
they can also have the same application a simple PC can have, a student can
access academic information like assignments via an educational mobile
application. Teachers can tell their students to use mobile applications
like “PIAZZA” to access course materials and
also to post questions about specific subjects, all this can be done in the
classroom or outside the classroom.
Teachers
and students can both use online streaming Medias to learn in the classroom.
With the aid of a projector, computer, internet and a white board, a teacher
displays a real-time example using sites like Youtube.com
as articulated by Kathleen J. (2012). This website has videos which can be used
for academic reference. For example a geography teacher can explain volcanic
activities and its impacts on the environment using live stream YouTube videos
about the subject. This type of illustration will attract the student’s attention
and they will learn easily.
A
digital camera is another great technology for education. Today’s digital cameras have video
capabilities that bring a new dimension to your classroom. According to Meador
D. (2012), a digital camera can be used in a variety of ways to engage students
in the learning process. A science teacher may have students take pictures of
different trees that can be found within their community. They can then
identify those trees from the pictures and build a Power Point presentation
giving more information about each specific type of tree. A reading class
teacher can assign his/her students to role play scenes and then record those
scenes to play back and discuss different aspects of each particular scene.
Teachers who use this technology find that students will work hard to learn
because they enjoy the interaction with the camera and the fact that it is a
different style of teaching and learning.
In
summary, with all the technology available for use in the classroom, it must be
accompanied by a rigorous technology education for teachers. Students have
surpassed many teachers in technology use. Because of this, to effectively
utilize technology in the classroom, teachers should be properly trained and
encouraged to use technology. In addition, it is more academically supported if
all teachers use the technology together. It is insufficient for a student to
receive an interactive education in only a few classes while in others he or
she is receiving out-dated instructional strategies as espoused by Meador D. (2012).
Explicit, interactive instruction is the most useful and engaging way to reach
a student and enhance his or her learning potential.
