Technology is transforming the world positively in numerous ways. Education is one of the many fields which has seen immense enhancement, thanks to technological advancements which facilitate e-learning. This article describes 10 interesting ways in which teachers and educators can use technology and revamp the traditional forms of classroom teaching to make them more effective:
1. Interaction through Educational Chat Rooms
Create educational chat rooms to make internal communication and the sharing of information easy for students. Reference web links can also be shared through such platforms so that the students can access them simultaneously while learning the relevant concepts.
2. Adopt Digital Sharing
Rather than the traditional approach of holding up a student’s work for the whole class to see or passing on multiple copies, teachers can adopt digital sharing. Mobile devices can be connected with projectors so that it becomes really easy for the entire class to see the work being shared, easily.
3. Record Reading Sessions
Teaching fluency and expressions through discussion can be a challenge, because students may find such discussions difficult to grasp. Teachers can use mobile devices which provide recording facility, to record the reading sessions. These recordings can then be used to show the students how to read better with appropriate expressions.
4. Collaborate to Create Online Content
Students can collaborate to create educational content using various digital channels. Be it text or videos – the students can write, create, do peer review and much more. Such classroom technology not only encourages team spirit but also enhances their interest in complicated concepts.
5. Conceive E-Ideas
Online learning offers exceptional digital mind map tools for brainstorming. With the help of such classroom technology, ideas can be collected through an open platform which is accessible by both teachers and students. Students can collate ideas, debate on them, offer suggestions regarding the pros and cons, and vote for the most effective solutions.
6. Build Vocabulary with Digital Brainstorming
Teachers can even use e-learning to improve the vocabulary of their students. There are customized online programs available for this purpose. A form can be developed according to any specific lessons. And, it can be circulated in the chat room created for the students. They can use this form to brainstorm for words related to the topic, and the teacher can project it on a white board and guide the class as required.
7. Use Video Lessons
There are numerous education-only digital platforms which only host content made by teachers. Such videos can be used as mini lessons. For instance, you can find study guides, exam reviews and more – all in video formats. This style of visual learning is fast gaining popularity among the young learners.
8. Form Digital Teams
Mobile devices offer a great platform for collaborative exercises within classrooms. Teachers can guide the students for group formation as per the lessons. This boosts interaction among the entire class and also instills a healthy team spirit in students.
9. Create a Playlist of Course Books
How about creating a playlist of the course books for your students? Yes, technology makes it possible. Teachers have the luxury of choosing from thousands of free educational and course-related audio books. They can even make a recording of their book reading and share it with the class, which the students can access anytime and from anywhere.
10. Gamify Learning
Lessons which are designed in a game format have a better chance of retention in students’ minds as compared to those taught in a traditional classroom environment. The reason behind this is the engaging audio-visual format which students grasp in a faster and better way. They can play treasure hunts built on lessons, pass levels, keep track of their classmates’ scores etc. So, basically this helps them learn complicated concepts with ease.
Search for the technological tools which are best suited for your classroom requirements. Discuss it with your students as they are usually up to date with the trending technologies. Liven up the lessons and make your classes more engaging and interactive.
About Author: Making education simple and easy to comprehend is Dana Jandhayala’s forte. She’s had a long career as an educator where she has taught in several different schools and institutes in multiple countries. Today, she helps students with personalized online tutorials by SchoolPage that help make concepts easy to understand, making learning fast and fun. She writes to help students study better, and to coach parents so they can facilitate the success of their children.
