How often do learners furrow their brows in confusion when a new concept fails to resonate? A bit too often. But change is always constant, and has brought with it technology in the classroom for new and improved modes of learning. Educators are in on it, with more than half the teachers participating in a survey expressing that 1-to-1 computing has, to some degree, enabled them to prioritize the individual academic needs of their students.
Technology isn’t just changing the way we learn, it’s reinventing it. Let’s look at that in detail.
Tech Tools for Enhanced Learning
Interactive Screens and Boards: Fostering Collaboration
For learners hooked on their devices for most of the day, there is nothing more demotivating than traditional chalkboard learning. To satiate their need for real-time engagement, touch-sensitive screens enable learners to explore concepts, solve problems, and share ideas, making the learning process interactive and communal.
Interactive screens come equipped with educational software where educators can create and access a vast array of educational content, including multimedia elements such as 3D models, and virtual simulations. Students can then actively engage with the screen, either by contributing to a shared digital whiteboard, participating in collaborative problem-solving activities, or manipulating virtual models.
Gamification and Educational Apps
With an average attention span of 9 seconds, a goldfish is better focused than we are. There’s therefore a need for motivation and engagement in the classroom. Gamification introduces game-like features such as challenges, rewards, and interactive narratives to make lessons more engaging and enjoyable. Kahoot for instance, is an interactive learning game-based tool designed for educators. It allows teachers to create quizzes, surveys, and discussions that students can participate in using their devices.
Educational apps on the other hand provide a digital repository of knowledge such as learning materials, interactive lessons, and real-time feedback. They provide students with access to information they can consume at their own pace.
Personalized Learning Platforms
Learning is not a one-size-fits-all all. Learners are different, and so are their learning styles and preferences. The Gates/RAND study reported that 11,000 students from 62 different schools did better in math when they tried a personalized learning approach. Personalization in learning tailors the entire learning experience, content, and methods to meet the individual needs and pace of each learner.
Personalized learning platforms achieve this goal by leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to curate learning paths based on the student's strengths, weaknesses, and interests. The result is a more effective and engaging learning process that maximizes understanding and retention.
Real-time Collaboration and Communication
A space where the student-to-teacher ratio is too high limits individual interactions. Not to mention that the teacher is usually the primary source of information which tends to discourage open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving among students. However, with video conferencing, chat platforms, and learning management systems (LMS) such as Moodle or Canvas, there’s been a surge in effective collaboration and organized learning over the past few years.
Transformative Impact
Shifting to Digital Learning
In a study comparing digital learning before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, 72.77% admitted to no prior usage of digital learning methods before the pandemic. In comparison, 47.77% attributed their knowledge of online learning to the pandemic. A few years post-pandemic, the shift has been nothing but transformative for learners.
Digital learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and online resources replace conventional methods by offering educators and students the flexibility to access educational content from virtually anywhere. The shift has significantly broken down geographical constraints and made education more accessible and inclusive.
Enhancing Student Engagement
Technology in the classroom enhances student engagement by encouraging a more student-centered and interactive learning environment. It facilitates meaningful learning experiences, encourages the use of prior knowledge, and promotes hierarchical cognitive structures. Through the use of web-conferencing software, blogs, wikis, social networking sites, and digital games, students gain more opportunities to interact with instructors and collaborate with peers. And now with digital signage for educational institutions educators can broadcast supplementary visuals, graphics, or key points to reinforce the subject matter in a visually compelling manner.
Diverse Learning Styles Addressed
Technology has enabled educators to create an inclusive learning environment that caters to individual needs by making use of the right tools. Adaptive learning platforms offer personalized content delivery to ensure that each student can engage with material at their own pace and in alignment with their unique learning style. The integration of augmented reality appeals to a range of sensory preferences and provides a more immersive and tailored educational experience.
Case Study: Success in Tech-Enhanced Education
Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia have pioneered laptop distribution since 2001 and achieved remarkable success in transforming classroom learning. They used Dell laptops with Intel processors and got professional learning services to help teachers and students. As a result, student’s test scores went up by 7%. This success is due to the shift towards collaborative, student-centered work, where students actively develop essential skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. A study revealed that increased laptop usage correlated with higher state test scores, affirming the program's positive impact on the student's learning outcomes.
Some notable successes of the initiative include:
- 7% increase in student achievement
- $1 million reduction in annual laptop repair costs
- Successful implementation of a one-to-one computing initiative
- Positive community support with 88% of parents favoring the program
Tech is Crucial for Modern Education
Facilitating Independent Learning
Save for the lack of defined goals and discipline in learning, the independent route is excellent in catering to each learner's needs and pace. Online platforms, interactive tutorials, and educational apps empower learners to take control of their education. The result is a more student-centric and personalized learning experience.
Encouraging Lifelong Learning
Learning never stops, and with technology, it’s much easier and more accessible. Individuals can pursue learning throughout their lives through online courses, webinars, and educational websites. Platforms such as Udemy and Coursera have facilitated quality certified education that learners can access from anywhere. The convenience of asynchronous learning means learners can tailor their learning schedule to align with their lifestyles.
Linking Learning to Real-world Applications
Dedicated hours in gaining theoretical knowledge become a waste if the knowledge falls short in the real world. Virtual simulations, case studies, and online collaborations inject a practical dimension into classroom learning. Shadow Health, for instance, is a platform for nursing students to practice clinical skills in a controlled and realistic environment. They interact with virtual patients, assess their symptoms, and make critical decisions that by large mirror the complexities of real-world nursing.
Nurturing Future Career Skills
Technology in the classroom cultivates essential skills for the job market. Interactive learning tools, coding platforms, and digital collaboration instill critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability.
The workforce is rapidly shifting digital. According to Upwork, an estimated 22% of the American workforce will work remotely by 2025, with 98% of employers opting to conduct virtual job interviews. Proficiency in video conferencing and collaboration tools are essential skills every learner will need to fit into the workforce.
Conclusion
Technology in the classroom, facilitated by a plethora of tech tools, has revolutionized traditional learning methods and opened new horizons for educators and learners. We’ve talked about gamification and educational apps, personalized learning platforms, and interactive screens and boards. And if you’re considering digital signage, the software you choose to run your signage system has to be:
- Intuitive and user-friendly
- Compatible across devices/platforms, and
- Highly customizable to meet your unique needs
Look digital signage software is just the right solution. It seamlessly integrates into your existing technology infrastructure with a high level of customization so you can tailor content for relevance and engagement. Subscribe to a free 14-day trial period and get access to all premium features today.
