, check out my article about the different ways children learn, click here.
And the bottom line is that technology tends to hold our students’ attention longer than classroom lectures or reading much of the time. Once in a while we have a dynamic teaching session or read a book that keeps the kids on the edge of their seat. And for teachers that are really engaged with their students, this happens more often than not.
But the reinforcement of material learned with technology is still one of the best ways to drive a lesson home. Even after the dynamic lesson or amazing chapter of the book.
8. Technology Makes the Teacher’s Job Easier and More Relevant
Why is this the case? Because since we know technology is the language that the whole world speaks, we know that it also has an almost unlimited amount of resources that teachers can use without having to reinvent the wheel.
Sometimes it takes a bit to think outside the box and come up with creative ideas for tying the technology to the classroom lessons. But other times, it flies right out from their computer screen. And honestly, the more teachers get used to implementing technology into their program, the easier and quicker it becomes for them to find the perfect ways to reinforce their lessons and keep the students engaged.
And many times when teachers feel they have exhausted every avenue of creativity, there are programs out there that do the thinking and planning for them. All they need to do is look through those programs and choose what they want to do for that day, week, unit, or whatever it is they are planning.
Thinking back to before technology, teachers coming up with something new all the time would not have even been possible. The advent of technology in the classroom has truly opened up a new world. And it has allowed teachers to teach more effectively and relevantly than ever before.
9. Technology Saves Time in the Classroom
Is there anything faster than the internet? Maybe the speed of light? Maybe even the speed of sound. Actually, I’m not sure about that one. Science buffs, help me out!
But seriously, the world is literally at our fingertips. We can take a tour of a famous landmark with VR, watch an interview with the person that discovered that landmark on Youtube or any other media that supports that, read about their other discoveries in a book, and play a game of electronic Jeopardy ( or play it on the responsive whiteboard) all in one class period. The level of productivity has significantly increased because we are simply able to do so many more things with the resources on the internet. And we have barely scratched the surface.
Does anyone else ever get frustrated that there is too much to learn and too much to read and play and not enough time on Earth to do it?
Alas, as much time as the internet and technology saves us, the more information and activity and life it throws our way. And we will never even get close to experiencing even a dent in it.
10. Allows Students to Learn in Their Own Best Ways
This is one of my favorite things about using tech in the classroom. All students have their strengths and their weaknesses. And no two students are alike, although you will see similarities among them.
But bringing technology and lessons to life through various activities allows all of the students to shine at some points in the school day and struggle to learn and grow at other times. What a perfect balance of life for a day in the classroom!
Without struggle to learn and grow through new things, the students will never learn to rise to the occasion. And without chances to shine in their day, they will never feel victorious over their workload.
So allowing them a good balance of activities that technology can afford them allows them to become better people. If that isn’t a great fulfillment of school, nothing is!
11. Teaches Students Safe Practices While Online
This is one of the most critical reasons why technology in the classroom is necessary. We need students to learn safe habits with technology and computers specifically. While we can teach the