Modern Technologies That Can Dramatically Improve Learning In The Classroom

 

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‍Today's classrooms have various digital tools that can help instructors and students optimize every learning moment. Using technology in the classroom allows instructors to tailor lessons to their audience and measure performance quickly to keep their students on track. In addition, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies make it easier for students to learn complex concepts, analyze data, and tackle new challenges confidently. But how can you leverage modern technologies' power to improve your teaching drastically? Let's explore 5 ways that classroom technologies are reshaping education today and how you can use them to your advantage.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are game-changers for the classroom because they immerse students in new experiences relevant to the course content. So, students don't just read or hear about concepts or theories; they experience them firsthand. AR and VR allow students to manipulate digital content with their hands, walk through digital environments, solve problems collaboratively, and view data points graphically. This novelty can help them retain information better and help instructors better track student progress. For example, let's say your students are studying the impact of climate change on the environment. With virtual reality, they can walk through a virtual forest and see the effect of drought, flooding, and other climate-related changes firsthand. 

Collaborative Learning

Students who work together are more engaged and retain more information than those who work alone. But you don't have to devise new course content to encourage collaboration. Instead, use technology to facilitate cooperation among students by letting them share files, communicate via video, and work together on projects online. Online learning management systems, for example, allow you to assign group projects and manage the progress, communication, and results among group members. And collaboration tools like Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Adobe Connect let you and your students work together remotely and share documents, presentations, images, and other files. Students can also participate in virtual roundtables and webinars to explore course topics from different perspectives and at different paces. Ensure teachers and students are well versed in digital safety for K-12 students to allow them to use these tools safely.

Voice Control and AI Assistants

Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri are more than just helpful home assistants; they're also beneficial in the classroom. These digital assistants can help students navigate online course content, access online library resources, and even take quizzes. They also enable students with disabilities to manage their schedules and communicate with their peers and instructors. You can use voice assistants to help students learn complex concepts, explore course content, and collaborate on projects. You can also use voice-activated systems to control classroom technologies like projectors, computers, and audio systems. Some voice-activated technologies, like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, integrate with third-party tools to let you control lighting and temperature, play music, and more. Before incorporating it into your classroom, be sure to familiarize yourself with the technology and its capabilities.

eLearning Platforms

eLearning platforms let you create dynamic content that is personalized, interactive, and engaging. They also allow you to track your student's progress and tailor lessons based on their comprehension levels. With eLearning tools, you can create virtual classrooms where your students can interact with one another, view the course content, and complete assignments from multiple devices. This flexibility benefits working students and adult learners who may need more control over their schedules. Some eLearning platforms also let you record your lectures and publish them as videos for students who can't attend class in person. This video content is an excellent way to ensure that all students receive the same information, even if they're behind on assignments.

Smart Classrooms

A smart classroom is a traditional classroom equipped with sensors and other technologies that automate routine classroom operations and track student progress. You can also use these technologies to let students access online course content, communicate via text or voice, track their progress, and even control the lighting and temperature of the room. Be sure to talk with your school or institution's facilities team before installing sensors and smart technology in your classroom. You may need to install specific equipment or work with an engineer to ensure the room meets specific electrical and fire code requirements. Once you've fulfilled those requirements, you can use sensors to track attendance, control room temperature, distribute content, and track student engagement. You may even be able to use sensors to track how long your students spend on content, which can be helpful if you're trying to keep students on pace.

Conclusion

Technological advances mean that educators can offer a more immersive and interactive experience when it comes to learning. There are various methods education facilities can use to help improve knowledge and the quality of education.