The evolution of technology is one that has made rapid progress in the last twenty years, alone. When we first look at how the classroom has changed over the course of history, we see slight changes. However, as we get closer to present day we see amazing changes that impact the classroom tremendously. The key developments that are the most significant would include an interactive white board, laptops, tablets, and internet access with all these devices.
Interactive whiteboards are greatly effective within a classroom, as you can change your lesson plans around to engage students. Information can appear or disappear accordingly to the discussion going on within the classroom. Students can learn through auditory, visually, and kinetically designed lesson plans. Collaborative learning can be more easily facilitated with technology like this.
Laptops have become instrumental in creating a sense of ownership in a student's learning. This technology gives them the power to find and research information that is needed for the assignments they are tackling. If the student is looking at life cycles of frogs, the student can look at scholarly websites and possible interactive videos or programs to understand the life cycle more in depth. The better they understand the information, the better they will remember it. The use of laptops makes information come alive, instead of feeling stagnant reading material in a textbook.
Another piece of technology that is a key development within the classroom, is a tablet. This technology is extremely easy to use, as young students do not have to understand the use of a keyboard, yet. They can effectively look through programs and applications to build words or to listen to books as they enhance their literacy skills. They learn to take ownership over their personal education at a young age, as they are engaged in interactive applications that entertain and educate them.
Personally, I grew up with a lot of exposure to computers in school, and when the school didn't have it, my family did. However, I have never been exposed to Smart Boards, personal laptops, or tablets within a classroom. Even though, I have no personal experience. I do have personal experience teaching without them, and for that reason I have a great understanding of how they could enhance the information I am teaching each day. I have students who simply can't focus on reading and writing, but can focus on televisions and video games. I know that if I had access to tablets for them to practice building words, writing the words, and listening to books they would do tremendously better. This would also be a phenomenal way to apply differentiation for all the students. I see no hindrances, only amazing, endless opportunities in learning!
Here are some related links suggested from the Foundations of Educational Technology Class with Ashford University:
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