Technology has become quite prevalent in everyday life, and the education industry is no exception. It makes sense to integrate computer use as part of the school curriculum to better prepare kids for the future. However, since kids are introduced to technology early on, they are more comfortable with computers than most teachers, who struggle to use computers in class. Hence the dilemma: whether to include computers as part of their curriculum or not. The advancement of technology requires teachers to embrace technology.
Five Simple Ideas on How You can Integrate Computer Use in Class (H2)
- For Content Creation
You can use a computer to create and prepare what you will be teaching in class. Not only is it easy, but you have a wealth of resources at your disposal. Preparing teaching content can be tedious and requires accuracy. With a computer, you can easily develop the content you need and access lots of online resources and teaching material. With a computer, you can create visual presentations of the same content you would typically lecture to your students. This not only changes things up, but it also alleviates boredom and helps engage students. This makes learning more enjoyable and facilitates 21st-century skills such as creativity, communication, and critical thinking, which are the key skills required to pass standardized tests. The International Indian Schools in Abu Dhabi has factored this by setting up modern classrooms designed to integrate computer use. They require students to have laptops as a learning tool, making it easier for them to send and share learning materials.
- Instructional Method
Your teaching style can significantly impact how your students learn. Computers allow you to turn your class partially or entirely paperless by using email as a way of communicating. At the International or Indian School in Abu Dhabi, teachers and students have online discussions. They use web-based tools to collaborate, such as Google Docs, which allows the teacher to check and edit a student’s work in real-time. The students can set up email alerts or updates to receive feedback from their teachers. Since the instructional method is
interactive, learners receive feedback in real-time, helping them understand what was taught better.
- Analyze Students’ Learning
By integrating technology into your classroom, you can get a clearer picture of how your students are doing and their learning patterns. As they interact with the technology, you can collect data and analyze it to help you get more insight into your student base. Studies have shown that teachers’ use of this data while making instructional decisions can help create more specialized content that can improve learning and performance. The data points out areas of weaknesses and help you make an informed decision that will impact the students’ outcome s, such as creating effective study methods for the learners.
- To encourage discussions
Naturally, kids like spending time online, and one way to tap into that is by encouraging online discussions. For instance, if you need them to work on a project in groups, you can use apps to encourage the students to take the discussion online where they can deliberate on the ideas they have on the project. The discussions encourage everyone to make the project a success and give all kids an equal platform to participate. You are also able to gauge who is active in a group and who isn’t. Also, you can invite outside ‘speakers’ to join your class through online platforms. This allows kids to get the knowledge and encouragement they need without your school, spending a lot of money to fly in an expert to join the class.
- Integrate class emails
Traditionally, teachers stand in front of the class and write on the board what’s being discussed in class that day. But, as more schools embrace technology, it’s common to see PowerPoint presentations make a debut in class. As you prepare your notes for class, you can share what you plan to teach with your students before or after class, so they don’t have to use class time to take notes. This allows kids to pay attention in class without being distracted by taking notes. You can also use the class email to send notification of when assignments are due, class trips, etc., so kids don’t forget what’s coming up. Emails are also a great way for shy students to ask questions if they are afraid to speak in front of the class. This way, you can spend a little more time with the student to ensure they understand concepts and are up to par with the rest of the class.
In a tech-driven world, using devices such as computers is not optional. As an educator, if you want to train your students to fit into this ever-evolving digital world, you must integrate technology and education by applying these methods in your classrooms.