Technology has had a transformative effect on K-12 education, with the potential to increase student engagement, personalize learning and increase accessibility, according to eSchoolNews. Technology has been readily integrated into classrooms across the country, changing the way teachers teach and students learn. Despite the many potential benefits, it’s important to understand the potential for downsides and challenges, as well, such as privacy concerns.(See disclaimer 1 )
The Evolving Role of Technology in Education
Technology is at the center of our lives in most environments, and the classroom is no exception. Many K-12 schools have already integrated technological tools directly into the classroom and the curriculum, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, where most schools were forced online. According to the Center for American Progress, there are calls for other schools to embrace this trend, particularly in low-income and rural areas that suffer from a “digital divide” that can impede STEM progress.(See disclaimer 2)
How does technology transform education today? From videoconferencing to AI, technology in the classroom has the potential to make aspects of education easier and more equitable in many ways.
How important is technology in education and what are the potential benefits? The benefits include everything from broader inclusion to heightened student engagement and collaboration. Tech has exciting potential for all, and school principals would do well to work toward greater integration.(See disclaimer 1)
How Technology Improves Teaching and Learning
Technology has had a transformative effect on K-12 schools. For many teachers, tech has become integral to the classroom by impacting student engagement, interactions and teaching methodologies. Tech can create classrooms that are more dynamic while providing students with better opportunities for personalized learning and digitally enhanced collaboration.(See disclaimer 1)
In particular, technology can improve teaching and learning when used in classrooms characterized by large proportions of socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Digital tools have the power to bridge those socioeconomic gaps, creating more opportunities for students who might not have access to technological tools at home. By becoming more tech-literate, students are also taking important steps toward preparing for higher education and the modern workforce.(See disclaimer 1)
Indeed, the benefits of technology in the classroom are broad. However, it’s important to remember the overall goals: to help students learn, succeed and prepare for life with confidence. Integrating technology for the sake of having a high-tech classroom doesn’t necessarily benefit students or teachers; there needs to be a purpose.
Personalized Learning Experiences
A personalized learning experience is one potential purpose for integrating tech into classrooms.(See disclaimer 1) Technology gives students access to a variety of programs and information sources at the simple click of a button. Teachers can find leveled readers or allow students to choose research topics that fit their interests much more easily than by going to the library, where resources may be limited.
In addition, teachers can assign programs to help students remediate or expand their knowledge so that students can process or investigate topics further. This work can be done during centers or group work, freeing the teacher to attend to individual students or other small groups. Using technology in this way can help ensure that all the students get what they need.
Greater Student Engagement and Participation
Students who use technology in the classroom may be more engaged.(See disclaimer 1) Many teachers use interactive software and programs as learning technologies so that students can respond to questions and lectures digitally.
Interactive e-books and other digital resources provide students with greater access to multimedia. In addition, gamified learning makes education fun and engaging as students earn badges and move through competencies.
Access to Real-Time Information and Resources
Using technology in the classroom allows students to access what they need when they need it, providing an easy way to find real-time information and resources. They can keep calendars online, and teachers can push due date reminders in a learning management system (LMS).
Technology Tools Used in Education Today
What is education technology, exactly? There are many types of technology that can serve a purpose in the classroom, including learning management systems and educational apps and platforms.
Learning Management Systems
There are multiple LMS options, including Google Classroom. This is a no-cost LMS that fosters collaboration and communication between teachers and students. The platform supports announcements, direct messages and class discussions. It can also help streamline the process of creating, handing out and grading assignments, as well as allow teachers to easily share digital resources with students.
Google Classroom can also encourage parental engagement in education. Through this platform, parents and guardians can check out their student’s assignments.
There are other LMS options often found in schools, too. Moodle is free and open source, which some schools may find particularly useful. Canvas is another popular LMS that includes mobile apps and provides teachers and administrators with analytics on its usage, which can be used for goal setting, or as an opportunity to see where the school has additional needs and where it is excelling.
Similarly, Microsoft Teams for Education has a number of tools that can help teachers, students and parents. Microsoft Teams for Education is especially helpful, as it allows teachers to create assignments, hold meetings and create spaces for collaboration. This learning management system also offers teachers ways to differentiate or accommodate students with diverse needs, with its tools such as Immersive Reader, live captioning during meetings and Microsoft Translator.
Educational Apps and Digital Platforms
Teachers can categorize frequently used educational apps and digital platforms into assessment tools, brainstorming tools, instructional tools and collaboration tools.
Assessment examples:
Brainstorming example:
Instructional examples:
Collaboration examples:
Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Learning Tools
Artificial intelligence can never truly replace human intelligence, but teachers can use AI tools to improve their own productivity and efficiency. For example, AI tools can automate certain clerical tasks, which means teachers can spend more time working with their students.
In addition, generative AI tools can help teachers with:
Benefits of Technology for Educators
How does technology transform education for teachers? Some of the benefits for educators may include the following.
Streamlined Lesson Planning and Assessment
Integrating technology into the classroom can optimize the lesson planning process for teachers. Digital tools can also assist with grading assignments and tracking student progress, making assessment less of a burden. By incorporating digital tools, instructors can improve their efficiency, enabling them to focus on the most important task: teaching.(See disclaimer 1)
Instructional Enhancement
Teachers can use digital tools, such as interactive presentations, videos and simulations, to support their instruction. This can enable them to present information in a more compelling manner, creating a more dynamic and engaging learning environment, according to eSchool News.(See disclaimer 3 )
What Are the Challenges of Technology in Education?
Although technology in the classroom can bring many benefits, it’s important for teachers and administrators to be aware of the potential pitfalls.
Digital Distractions and Screen Time
Prolonged screen time is one downside of integrating technology in the classroom. Educators should strive to create a balanced experience for students to limit the risks of prolonged screen time, which can include eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns and a sedentary lifestyle.(See disclaimer 1)
There is also the potential for digital tools to be distracting for students. They may attempt to use technology for non-educational purposes, for example.(See disclaimer 1)
Equity and Access Concerns
Another issue is the disparity across communities regarding access. Technology isn’t necessarily integrated in an equitable manner from one community to another. Less well-funded schools, such as those in underserved communities, may not be able to integrate digital tools to support learning.(See disclaimer 1)
Privacy and Cybersecurity Considerations
One of the biggest risks to be aware of is the threat of cyberattacks. Schools are not immune to cybercrime, and security breaches can compromise sensitive student and staff data. The more digital assets are in place, the more potential points of entry for a cyber-criminal.
When implementing new technology in the classroom, it is important that educators work with the IT department to understand the privacy and safety terms of any application being implemented in the curriculum.(See disclaimer 1)
Preparing Students for a Technology-Driven World
A teaching career offers limitless potential for innovation. From using technology in teaching to boosting student engagement and parental involvement, you could make a considerable difference in your community as a teacher.
If you’re interested in studying instructional methods and how to connect with students, explore the teaching degrees at GCU. Available at the baccalaureate and graduate levels, our teaching degrees are designed for those who would like to become educators, as well as those who already are and would like to study advanced competencies in the field.
You could earn the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree or the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education degree. Current teachers can continue their education with a program like the Master of Science in Instructional Technology degree.
GCU offers a Christian learning community, with curriculum fully integrated with our faith.
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