Technology in the Classroom
There are a number of benefits to integrating technology in the classroom. Technology can help teachers create a completely interactive and student-centered classroom. When working with technology, students are engaged and on task. Technology use also allows teachers to reach all different types of learners, from students with varying learning styles, to students with learning disabilities. Below are some specific ways to address these diverse needs.
There are a number of benefits to integrating technology in the classroom. Technology can help teachers create a completely interactive and student-centered classroom. When working with technology, students are engaged and on task. Technology use also allows teachers to reach all different types of learners, from students with varying learning styles, to students with learning disabilities. Below are some specific ways to address these diverse needs.
Interactive Whiteboards: Interactive whiteboards are an
all-encompassing tool. They allow teachers to create interactive lessons, to
save and print notes for students who were absent, to navigate Internet
resources with students, and much more.
Online Simulations and Games: Teachers can use online games
to have students practice a specific skill. Students become so engrossed in the
objective of the game, such as sinking the battleship, that they are determined
to get the problems right. Their desire to “win” the game and get the problems
correct makes this an effective tool.
Student Response Systems: Teachers can use student response
systems to quickly assess what students know. With this tool, students are able to use clickers to select
their answers to questions. The system then provides both the students and the
teacher with immediate feedback.
Classroom Amplification Systems: Amplification systems can
help students with hearing impairments, language disorders, English as a second
language, and even students sitting in the back of the classroom to hear
better. Since most lessons depend
on the verbal interactions between the teacher and students, this tool can be
extremely beneficial. I wear a mic in my classes, whether I have a student with
a hearing impairment or not, but then again I have a rather quiet voice.
Word Prediction: Word prediction software can help students
to write with the proper spelling and grammar. I don’t know if it would be a positive thing for an entire
generation to become dependent on this software, but for those students who
aren’t able to write comprehensibly on their own, it’s a great
tool.
Great examples of personalized learning! I'm glad you pointed out some lesser known tools like amplification systems and word prediction. Thanks for a great post!
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