ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CLASSROOM
Technology is ubiquitous and it has now touched almost every part of our lifestyle. It has also changed the landscape of education has also changed to a great extent. Students are now expected to make use of the fast-paced and quickly evolving world of technology and integrate its numerous forms in their studies and learning methods. Technology also allows today’s students to think actively about information, making clear choices, define their goals and making decisions. In the classrooms, teacher is no longer the focus of attention or the one who is sole responsible to provide information. Instead, teachers have taken the role of facilitators who encourage and inspire their students to become active and independent learners. They assign different study projects, define project goals and provide the useful guidelines and resources to students. Unlike the traditional approach of teaching, today’s teachers provide suggestions and support for different students’ activities.
The impact of integrating technology in the classrooms is still being researched, but studies show it could result in some positive outcomes. Nowadays, technology plays a significant role in the classroom by enabling students to get use of more efficient and effective learning methodologies. Here are some examples:
Equipping Independent and Self-Learners:
Technology enables students to become independent learners instead of relying on teachers. The traditional system of lecture-based classes is becoming outdated as students now prefer to engage more actively and directly with lessons via new ways of technology.
Access to Resources:
Technology also allows students to get easy access to more tools and resources and hence more avenues of information. In the past, students had limited resources for self-study and instructions. However, students of today can utilize technology on every step of the learning process. There are a wide variety of tools and resources that are available for students to aid in the research, study, analysis, teamwork and presentation phases of studies. Using Internet, students can research about any project and by utilizing useful software programs they can even organize, analyze, explore and understand the data they have collected. They can also interact and collaborate with fellow students or teachers using video conversation tools (e.g. Skype),collaboration tools (e.g. Wikispaces which allows teachers and students communicate and interact and share ideas).
Enhancing Students Outcomes:
Studies have shown that by integrating technology in the classrooms, student achievements have also improved. However, before actually implementing full range of technologies in classrooms and learning methods, it is imperative that teachers receive proper training and support. When a proper system for technology has been established, teachers and students can definitely receive the greatest rewards.
News/Post Source: Internet - Google, Multiple Source