This is Part 3 of a three-part blog series discussing technology’s role in school, specifically the impact on students from elementary to higher education.
We’ve arrived at the final (and I would argue the most important) group that’s positively affected by educational tech – the students. These tools help to prepare kids for their future, in which technology will almost certainly be a part. Devices also increase engagement – “62% of students believe that digital learning technology somewhat or greatly increases engagement with course materials” (Pearson, 2018). The modern classroom promotes self-learning and advanced research skills, but sometimes districts are unsure how to implement IT effectively. To help your school confidently make the decision to embrace IT in the classroom, let’s look at the specific benefits to students.
1. Educational technology preps kids for the 21st-century workplace.
Besides specific job training in higher education, building IT familiarity at the elementary level has future benefits. Editing software, video apps, writing tools, etc. are valuable for expressing individual creativity. According to the Partnership for 21st Century Learning, creativity is “the premier skill” that innovative companies are looking for. Owning or borrowing a device from school helps develop fundamental ownership and decision-making skills. In addition, students learn digital citizenship such as collaboration, privacy, and responsibility. Appropriate classroom internet use fosters positive future interactions.
2. Classroom IT increases student engagement and interest.
In traditional classrooms, the teacher is often the only person talking. Lecturing, however, is not the ideal learning method for all students. If used correctly, classroom devices and apps teach kids how they best retain content (visual vs aural learners). Since computers and tablets were introduced, students can absorb concepts in easier and more fun ways. When technology is presented as a choice for showcasing their advancement, kids feel empowered and the lesson becomes more meaningful.
3. IT offers unlimited access to information and opportunities.
I’m old enough to remember digging through encyclopedias to write my essays. Today, technology supercharges the research process and teaches how to filter actual scholarly data from junk. Students have access to the most up-to-date resources and assignments/tests in a managed Cloud network controlled by the school. Since time is saved on the hunt, students can include many more relevant sources. With IT support, the opportunity for personalized learning and creativity flourishes.
Setting up IT for your school is easier than you think. Click here – https://www.iservworks.com/contact – to start a conversation with one of our experts.