How Teachers Use Technology in the Classroom
Advancements in technology have provided many teachers with a way to more effectively engage students in the classroom. More school districts are embracing and promoting teaching methods that are technology-based. The goal is to identify the technology that best addresses the needs of your classroom.
Facilitating a virtual field trip is one way that teachers can incorporate technology. Sometimes actually going to a location for a field trip presents a variety of challenges related to the costs involved and the logistics. A virtual field trip solves both of these issues and still provides students with an experience that has great value. Software programs used to simulate a virtual trip are affordable and allow you to explore a wide variety of heavily traveled locations, such as famous buildings around the world and a host of natural phenomena. Some teachers host a virtual field trip in a different country as a way to practice the language in that region. It also fosters enthusiasm and increases student engagement.
Videos have been used for many years and remains a trend for making classroom lessons more dynamic. With the prevalence of YouTube, there is a wealth of information available online that is especially beneficial for viewing in an academic setting. There’s even content developed by preschool Wichita KS teachers that cover a variety of subjects and the video format can is great for visual learners. Educators of students beyond preschool can find exam reviews and study guides on this platform. Studies have proven that animated videos often have a positive impact on a child’s development and can help them with problem resolution, creativity, memory and critical thinking.
As you probably already know, podcasts are all the rage and there’s a podcast on just about any topic you can image. Teachers can play podcasts in order to better engage learners who are auditory. A podcast can serve as a learning station for topics related to the curriculum. The types of podcasts used in the classroom sometimes include lectures from professors, author interviews and techniques for studying. Podcasts are a popular teaching tool in classrooms because they can be accessed from a variety of different devices. You can even connect a Smartphone to larger speakers so that the entire classroom can participate.
To foster a more dynamic learning environment with different options that fit the unique needs of students, some teachers set up learning stations with a range of devices so that each group has access to different types of educational resources. For example, a station might provide a slideshow, video or podcast. Each group can develop a presentation that’s likely to foster increased engagement.
Social media is often the source of many lively online conversations. One way that a teacher can incorporate social media is by using a hashtag topic for discussions throughout the day. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter provide a wealth of topics that would be appropriate for the classroom. Students can be responsible for choosing the topics based on hashtags presented throughout the day. This can be a great way to encourage students who are introverts to get involved in discussions.
