Technology - How can it be used to create an effective learning experience inside the classroom?

Technology - How can it be used to create an effective learning experience inside the classroom?

Incorporating technology successfully into the classroom can be a different and sometimes difficult experience for both teachers and students. With technology being pushed into school more and more, issues can arise and create a divide between the more tech savvy younger teachers and those that teach utilising old school "preaching/lecturing"  methods solely where they have the whole control of the class learning experience. Utilisng technology can be a difficult but in the long run, a rewarding experience for both students and teachers.

Below I will aim to explain the different types of technology that can be utilised within the classroom and home environment to encourage learning as well as how it can effect the learning experience.

The use of SMART boards in the classroom can make the class become more of a "hands on" change to simple dictation and powerpoint presentations. Teachers and students alike can shape a class that involves all and gives a slight change up from the usual classroom discussions. This can involve drawing and writing or even subject related games all linked through a laptop.

Integrating the use of personal devices such as cell phones, laptop computers and tablets such as the ipad and playbook can seem that the power is being given to the students to waste time and to many may easily provide a distraction from the actual work set however, this should not be the case. By utilisng the internet without having to move the whole class into a computer lab enables the class to stay together and keeps the teacher in control but also gives the students ease of use to do research both in class and outside of it. For example, a webpage can be set up that students can text in asnwers to a quiz or send in their answers to question anonymously and can also help to increase student interest.

Finally, the use of the INTERNET as a means to facilitate learning remains an excellent way to do something different in class and provides so many different options that a teacher can utilise in their lessons. Students can now produce role plays created through a website to demonstrate issues in history which will be fun to produce whilst also contributing to the student learning. In a similar way, there are websites that take you though different areas of the curriculum for all ages again, providing a different means of developing learning and understanding.