2. Today’s Classroom is Changing to
Accommodate Today’s Learners in a
High Tech World
The types of technology used today in the classroom is constantly
changing to keep learners ready to succeed in todays world.
Students are given the advantages of having the latest technologies
and devices at hand. Some of the new technologies seen in today’s
classroom are:
- Computers
- Laptops
- Interactive Whiteboards
and SmartBoards
- Tablets
3. Computers:
Computers in todays schools have greatly changed the way
instruction is delivered.
- Computer Labs: Most schools today have a computer lab that allows
teachers to schedule a weekly time to take their entire class to
computer instruction. These labs are designed to allow each student
to work at a computer at the same time. This is a great way to
introduce new skills and activities.
- Computer Stations in the Classroom: Today’s classrooms have from
one to five computers in each classroom for
students to use at designated times.
4. Laptops:
Laptops offer students most of the things a computer lab
provides at the convenience of the teachers classroom or
other designated area. This allows teachers more
flexibility in their schedule. The number of schools that
provide both computer lab and portable laptop lab is
increasing quickly.
Another great feature is that this allows any research found
during a search to be saved and stored on a flash drive for later
work.
5. Interactive Whiteboards and
SmartBoards: a Great use of
Technology in the K-12 Classroom
Interactive Whiteboards and
SmartBoards have made a huge impact
of what the teacher can do in the
classroom. It gives the option of turning
any regular whiteboard into a interactive
hands on activity. The Whiteboard is
Smart Board
turned into a type of touch screen that is
operated by a special pen or stylus to
remotely control a computer.
6. Tablets:
The number of Tablets used in today’s classrooms is also on the
rise. This takes todays latest technologies and puts them in
students hands or even pockets. Some of the most common used
tablets used in the classroom today are:
- iPad
- iPhones (mostly for secondary education),
- iTouch
- Nook
- Kindle.
7. iPad:
iPad: gives users all the capabilities
of a computer in your hand. There
are no cords or outlets required
(unless to charge the battery). The
iPad allows internet searches, e-mail
access, note taking, as well as
access to any application
downloaded to the device. This
photo shows the iPad homescreen.
8. iPhone:
iPhone: it’s internet capability and small
size, allows users to search any topic at
any location. The iPhone owners also
have to option of purchasing educational
software applications that can be
accessed at anytime or location as well.
This photo shows the results of a
technology search done on the internet.
9. Nook Color:
Nook color: This tablet allows users to store a library of books and
games. What a great way to be able to take all your favorite books along
on one small tablet. This picture shows an e-book reading application
which allow you to choose “Read to Me” or “Read by Myself” . Readers
in the classroom can watch highlighted text as the author reads the story
aloud. This is great for beginning readers as they learn tracking skills.
This is also an asset for ELS students as they can hear the pronunciation
of the words on the screen.
10. Kindle
Kindle Fire: Like the Nook Color, the Kindle
Fire also holds a library or books and games.
This tablet has a library tab that allows you to
flip through the books on your shelf. With so
many wonderful educational applications
available, this tablet would be a great work
station in the classroom. This photo shows
Shape Puzzle Game
11. Benefits to Using Technology
in the K-12 Classroom
- It allows internet access at your fingertips for research and
projects
- It allows self motivated reading with e-books
- It allows the enhancement of various skills
- It allows self fluency for ESL learners
- It allows teachers, students, and parents to communicate
through class e-mail and blogs
- It allows teachers to download the latest applications to
be used in large or small groups with Interactive
Whiteboards or SmartBoards
- It allows students to (at times) be the facilitator of their
own learning
- And so much more…..
