As technology advances so does the equipment we see going into schools and Universities across the country. As an experienced educational technology reseller, we understand just how important it is to invest in the education of our children.
That’s why this month we wanted to take a look at some of the ways that technology can enhance the journey student’s go through during their education.
Embracing Connected Learning
The concept of “Connected Learning” aims to bring together a pupil’s interests, friendships and academic achievements into one learning mode. For example, if a student has a favourite book or film, then you could task them with doing an interactive report on it.
Alternatively, if one of your pupils is particularly strong at graphic design, then why not ask them to create some artwork or banners for the classroom.
Not only is this giving them the ability to embrace what they like most outside of the classroom, but it’s also teaching them to draw on their own strengths for academic projects.
Whether you use a suite of computers or a small selection of tablets, there are plenty of pieces of technology you can use to incorporate Connected Learning into your classroom.
Building teamwork skills
If you’re integrating technology into the classroom, then one of the focuses could include developing the teamwork skills of your pupils. For example, if you have an interactive whiteboard, then why not task the students with creating a presentation for the rest of their year?
Alternatively, if you’ve set a recent problem or assignment, then why not utilise tablets or smart phones and encourage students to work on the solution together?
These collaborative working techniques will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each pupil, whilst giving you a focus for your lesson. Your students will adopt new approaches to problem-solving, whilst still learning how to work with their peers.
Learning through experiencing
When it comes to learning, we think that there’s no better way than getting fully immersed in a new subject. We see it as one of the easiest ways to ensure that students remember the lessons you’re teaching, and what could be more immersive than Augmented Reality technology.
If you’re teaching history, science or geography, what better way to explain a certain concept than having your class experience if for themselves? If the budget allows, then why not invest in a set of Augmented Reality technology and bring your teaching to life.
Expanding the classroom
One of the best ways to enhance student learning through technology is to utilise Video Chats. If there’s a particular topic that you’re teaching, then using videoconferencing technology such as Skype will help connect your classroom with industry experts around the world.
Not only does this bring a new element to learning, it also helps teach students the correct etiquette when it comes to video calls, especially if they’re being recorded. One real-life example would be for future job applications that are conducted via videoconferencing.
Enhancing future skills
As we’ve already mentioned, technology can be used to help teach students the correct way to approach certain tasks in later life. However, it’s not just the videoconferencing aspects.
Chances are, if you’re teaching students over 13, then they’re going to be engrossed with social media already. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin can all be used to help teach them how the content the post out can impact their future job prospects.
In summary, there are plenty of ways that you can enhance the learning of students, especially when it comes to interactive technology. Introducing new ways of learning helps reinforce the key points of the lesson, whilst encouraging “outside the box” thinking.
What do you think? Have you seen technology used in a learning environment in a positive way? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so make sure you let us know in the comments below. Alternatively, you can join in the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
Remember, if you’re thinking about introducing technology into your school or University, then we’re here to help. As leading technology resellers, we’re able to source all manner of equipment based on your own budget and timescales. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
