Why use Technology in our Classrooms ?

Integrating tech in our classroom sounded like a very off idea recently. Having a student and a teacher in two different locations? Attending a class on zoom? Submitting my assignment on Google classroom? Emailing my teacher/lecturer? Having exams online? Is this possible? This is what has been currently witnessed by a lot of students. It was something we didn’t see coming.  I understand they are some students who were already interacted with the above platforms even before the pandemic stuck but we have another group that has had to undergo total revolution.

The idea of not being in a physical class and yet marking yourself present in google classroom, lifting your hand virtually on zoom when you have a question, clapping for your teacher or just leaving a comment in the comment section has now become the order of the day for students when having online classes. Seems like the pandemic just awakened the use of tech in our classrooms.

Some of the benefits of using tech include:

1.Better Teacher to Student engagements.

The use of tech has enhanced easy communication since the student can directly raise a concern they have to the teacher. This helps the teacher understand the various learning patterns of the students. Some learning platforms i.e. Google Classroom even provide the private comment section where students ask queries without interfering with the entire class.

On the other hand, students are also able to engage with each other through groups and share information with each other easily.

Learning has become more fun i.e.  Use of power point presentations and game tools such as Kahoot breaks the monotony of regular lectures.

2.Wider and Deeper knowledge Access.

Students can now be able to acquire a lot of learning materials online such as PDF’s, Podcasts YouTube videos and tutorials. Rather than just relying in the printed copies available in their schools.

3.Learning out of School made easy.

Incase a student is sick or has failed to attend a class due to various reasons they are able to access learning material Online. This means the student can learn from whichever location they are in and the teacher as well is able to grade their work and follow up.

4.Portrays the real World of Work.

Exposing students to the use of tech helps them learn a lot when they are in school because in the real world of work they will use tech.  Offices are normally filled with computers, tablets and desktops. Little paper work is done in offices.

Probably by now you wondering what about the Cons of using technology. I decided to concentrate on the benefits today. I agree we have had cases of students accessing dangerous information online.  This calls for proper management in schools and at home.  I believe as the world is evolving we cannot overlook the need of use of technology. We need to embrace it positively and use it to benefit us. Students are always using technology why not reach them where they are at?