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?