Why Do We Need Technology Integration in the Classroom?

12th April 2021

Technology integration in a classroom can be described as the inclusion of modern technology in the teaching process. The extent and type of technology used largely depend on a range of factors such as the learning content, the learners’ preferences, the availability of adequate technology, the teachers’ expertise with tech, and a list of other factors.

Similarly, the way in which technology can be integrated into the teaching strategies for elementary students is going to be fairly different from teaching high school students. Nevertheless, the use of technology has greatly increased over the past few years with many schools stepping into virtual and blended learning formats, thus enabling remote learning. In this blog, we will look into some of the main reasons why we need technology integration in the classroom.

Prepare for the future

Undoubtedly, we are looking at a future that will be dominated by different forms of technology, as the world progresses towards greater efficiency and accuracy. That said, allowing the young learners to use technology such as mobile devices and computers will equip them with the ability to use technology from a fairly young age, and subsequently prepare them for the future. For instance, a program such as an international teaching diploma closely unfolds the uses of technology by using technological elements in the program itself.

Caters to different learning styles

Technology allows teachers to use videos, audios, digital images, and other tools to convey a particular topic. At the same time, learners can be allowed to download their learning texts, or even participate in online quizzes to measure their progress. In other words, a variety of activities and teaching tools catering to different learning styles and preferences can be implemented. Likewise, project based learning schools can resort to technology to enable the students to pursue a particular project through the means of different technology.

Engage the learners

Importantly, technology has the potential to excite and engage the learners. Playing an intriguing video, or integrating components of augmented reality can enhance the students’ learning experience as they will thoroughly enjoy the learning process. Likewise, showing digital images can escalate the learning speed because visual learning is deemed to be more effective in terms of spurring memory retention. Besides, live quizzes or online games to assess the learners will surely engage the young learners.

 

Collaboration

Social media platforms and chat facilities have made it easier for individuals to interact with each other. The same can be used for learning by asking the students to work on group projects in a project-based curriculum, and use technology to communicate with one another. Not only does this allow for quick communication, but also acclimatises the learners to the essence of modern technology.  

Better access to information

Currently, information is merely a few clicks and seconds away. The access to fast and affordable internet connection has enriched our exposure to a greater information base generated from different sources. This can substantially augment the learning process as learners can gather extra insights from the internet, instead of only relying on the classroom sessions or learning materials. Knowledge is power, and technology can widen the scopes for expanding knowledge.

Greater efficiency

By using technology, teachers no longer have to ask their students to write long essays by hand and then submit a hard copy. Everything can now be done over a computer, including submission. As a result, the teachers’ burdens have reduced as they can simply chip their comments in without the need to handle bundles of papers and documents that can get lost or misplaced.

Technology plays a very important role in our everyday lives, and its use has now also become very prominent in the field of teaching and learning. Schools and institutes are actively seeking ways to integrate technology into their respective lessons so that they can deliver more effective and impactful lessons. The future of education is very much nestled in the arms of technology, and thus incorporating it into classrooms is of prime value to both teachers and students.

Written By : Shivangi Chakraborty