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'Co-authored by Sabrina McEwen, editor at Essay Mall'
In the current era, technology is omnipresent, i.e., it is present in every aspect of our life, be it personal, social or professional. Not too while ago, people were clueless about how they can use technology to make their lifestyle convenient and more productive. It is fair to say that the same case was observed when internet first began digging its roots into our daily life. We didn't know how we can make the most of it aside from using it for chats, streaming or other unproductive purpose.
As technology evolved, we began to notice its importance not only in the business sector but in the education realm as well. Though there are still a great number of schools that shy when it comes to employing tech trends within classroom settings, proficient teachers are starting to leverage technology for a more enhanced and productive teaching and learning.
It is important to understand that productive tech integration should be transpired in a way that can boost the teaching and learning process of teachers and students, respectively. However, to realize the objectives teachers have to identify the constructive ways through which technology can be employed effectively in the classrooms.
Ways to Integrate Technology
Allowing Table PCs
Majority of students in the US and UK have been seen carrying tablet PCs with them in their classroom. This has led a significant number of teachers to maximize these portable gadgets to foster interactive learning method amongst the student body. Use of tablet PCs like iPad has made it quite convenient for both teachers and students to study more effectively than ever. With the availability of Wi-Fi system, teachers can allow students access to online video tutorials, e-books, collaborative projects, etc.
Use of Educational Apps
Talking about iPad, right after its emergence there have been a drastic increase in the development of iPad applications, in short apps. In fact, today app development is one of the most successful and ever-growing field out there. Teachers can make use of popular educational apps to encourage a fun and entertaining way of learning. Some popular apps that you may want to use are: Google Doc, Evernote, EasyBib, Edmodo, SmartKiddies, etc.
In-Class Youtube Streaming
Indeed Youtube has found its way within the classroom settings due to the immense collection of informative videos it has to offer to the students. Youtube fosters lecture discussions on a variety of topics and subjects given by influential personalities. With their supervision, teachers can allow students to analyze the online lectures and make their own notes to understand a topic more efficiently. In addition to that teachers can create their own private-classroom channel where they can post tutorials, "how-to's" and other informative materials. Some of the best and popular YouTube educational channels are: Khan Academy, TED, Edutopia, National Geographic, Expert Village etc.
Inviting Guest Speakers
Teachers can set a day or two in a week where they can hold guest speaking session via Skype. Encourage question and answers session as well so that students can ask questions directly from the people who are veterans in their field. Moreover, guest speaking session via Skype is way less expensive yet more productive and interactive.
Encourage Podcasting
Fear of public speaking is common in general population. The worst thing is that people don't do anything to develop this skill right from the childhood. Podcasting is the first step that allows students to work on their speaking power. Teachers can ask students to create podcast on different topics like literary analysis of a book, debate on a controversial topic, etc. Some popular Podcasting options that you may want to use are: Ustream.tv, Vocaroo, SoundCloud, Chirbit, Chirbit and Google Voice.
Interactive Classroom Website (Web2.0)
With the availability of many Web2.0 tools, creating a website has never been so easy. Teachers can create websites where they can post resourceful links, assignment instructions and other updates to keep students posted round-the-clock.