As the world changes, so do the methods we use to educate students. It’s no secret that technological developments have been coming at a rapid pace since COVID19 and lockdown, and because of that, educational technology is ever changing.
Incorporating technology into the classroom can benefit and support learning and teaching practices. But what makes it so beneficial to the learning experience? How can we incorporate technology into their own curriculum?
Read on to learn more about the benefits of technology in the classroom and how it can be integrated in unique and effective ways!
Let’s start with the first barrier that needs to be overcome before we can consider the benefits – access to technology! Seamlessly integrating technology into a teaching space requires devices, good wi-fi and the time to allow for upskilling. Additional time for teething issues and problem solving is a strong add on too! The sooner you can put planning and guidance in place in place for this – the better off you will be! For me this took the shape of bullying IT into submission until each of my student cohorts were assigned an iPad with the apps they would need preinstalled – no easy feat I might add!
Once you manage to get those hurdles hopped – onto the benefits:
1. More Engaging Learning Environment
Student engagement levels are still lower than they were pre-pandemic - COVID-19 Defeated Student Engagement (spartanspeaks.com)
One of my main goals, by integrating technology into my classroom, was to support overcoming this. I wanted my students to all be able to take part, continuously. Every activity, every form of assessment and every bit just as fun… hopefully!
All while allowing me to track and see them doing so in live time. For the most part, I’d say my set up hits the mark. I’ve invested heavily in a platform called Genially to create, house, and share my content with students. The interactivity this brings to the equation keeps the students on their toes. It allows me to incorporate a range of different activities, platforms, and different layers of engagement within my content itself. Without being restricted to one platform/method.
Student feedback has been positive, but more importantly I can see the level of engagement for myself inside and outside the classroom. Lesson Example - https://view.genial.ly/5f575f52a0a4ae0ced96b093/presentation-lesson-1-cv-system
2. Connect Better with Students
Next goal was to stay connected with students. My students notoriously over the years have been rubbish at using their student emails. Keeping them informed along with giving them access to keep me informed had been pivotal to keeping them on track. The platform I have invested and integrated into my practice to support this is Seesaw (Digital Classroom). It resembles a social media platform so student engagement and usage of it blows anything else I have attempted to use out of the water. Students can upload work, comment using text or audio back and forth about anything that has been added and instant message tutors directly for support and guidance. All from whatever device they are using day in and day out. Including smart phones. They access all of my content and majority of the feedback process happens here. Without it, we would be lost. Example - Seesaw Learning: How to Measure Student Engagement - YouTube
3. Prepares Students for the Future
Majority of my students will go off to work in the sport, fitness, or lifestyle industry. I needed my teaching spaces to be flexible and professional. To look and feel like the industries my students might go and learn/work in.
Having portable devices, content that is engaging and the ability to take the learning anywhere at the drop of a hat was vital. Doing so while maintaining consistency and quality of learning/work produced was a must have. Our students like learning hands on, and to be honest – the teaching staff can’t sit still for longer than the students in a lot of cases!
Combining the use of portable devices, Genially for access to content/learning materials and Seesaw to capture evidence creates a fantastic opportunity for students to take their learning to the next level. All while digitally upskilling and preparing them for industry… without them even knowing in most part.
Example – Recent planned trip will allow students to be led through a series of trampoline sessions with a top coach. Students will capture evidence of them completing movements, analyse them, discuss, and feedback to each other.
The key here – they will be completing the activities, the learning, capturing the evidence and largely – marking and giving each other feedback. All while I put my feet up… ok maybe not, but you get my drift! Without integrating the platforms and systems we use together – this would not be possible.
Technology should integrate and enhance your teaching spaces. Ideally, it can turn any space, into a potential learning opportunity.
- Paul Morgan
Comments