Classroom Technology Innovations: How Ed Tech is Changing Learning for the Better. As technology evolves for the betterment and convenience of society, the need for a computer literate generation has called for a comprehensive school curriculum and
teaching strategy that seamlessly integrate technology into the heart of every classroom. With the rapid development of computers, apps, and other technological devices, "computer literacy is no longer a nice bonus to add to a resume. Instead, basic computer skills are mandatory job requirements and even necessary for mundane daily tasks," reports Global Post.
Sometimes affectionately called education's fourth R, computer literacy has been widely recognized as an important element in the life of students. Groups, such as the National Center for Women Information Technology and the University of Berkeley, have even gone as far as fighting for the establishment of computer science courses for all grade levels. In the spirit of training our young people with skills necessary for innovation, technology, and science, here are some education technologies for your classroom use.
Any person who is interested in learning about or implementing the latest instructional technologies should listen to Kris Linville. As the director of Irvine Unified School District (IUSD), Kris has been recognized for enhancing classrooms with tools that maximize the teaching and learning experience for both teachers and students in IUSD. So, when Kris endorses Canvas, you'd better listen!
Canvas is a learning management system (LMS) that seeks to connect students and teachers digitally through an efficient communication platform. For teachers, Canvas is an easy tool for uploading assignment, making announcement, and communicating with students without location restrictions. For students, this new course management solution encourages collaboration while facilitating meaningful discussions that altogether enrich their academic and social experience. Designed to integrate with hundreds of apps and made accessible to PCs, iPhones, and other commonly used mobile devices, Canvas empowers teachers and students with countless tools to make teaching and learning fun and engaging.
While you may have heard of school and classroom rules about iPhone, iPad, and Internet uses, efforts to raise technology savvy citizens have given these rigid rule a creative touch. As Huffington Post reports, teachers across the country are asking students "to take out their smartphones, to power up their iPads, and to log in to Twitter." iPads are even used for penmanship practices and as a medium for in-class and out-of-class discussions. Recent studies have also found that teachers who integrate technology innovations in the classroom has witnessed improvement in student participation, academic and social performance, and work efficiency. When summarizing the effect of technology in classroom learning, research projects sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education have unanimously recognized that using technology for educational purposes has dramatically increased student interests, motivations, and self-esteem.
Just as technology has improved our everyday life, effective implementation of classroom technology innovations such as Canvas has also shown promising results that make learning a blissful and practical experience. With technology, teachers and students can encourage peer collaboration, utilization of outside materials, and gain helpful skills that will prove rewarding in real life.