The Challenge of a 21st Century Classroom

Moving towards the 21^st century, the use of technology in the classroom is becoming more and more dominant. Tablets are replacing our schools’ textbooks. We can research just about anything that we want in just a click on our smartphones. Nowadays, social media has taken its toll. In fact, the way we use technology has completely changed the way we live our lives.

            Teachers have seen the benefits and impacts of technology in the classroom. A study conducted by IT Trade Association CompTIA shows that around 75% of educators think that technology has a positive impact in the education process. Educators also recognize then importance of developing these technological skills in students so that they will be prepared in entering the workforce once they complete their studies.

            We all know the impact that technology has made on today’s schools has been significant. The widespread influence of technology has completely changed how teachers teach and students learn. We cannot deny the truth that our students have become more advance in the use of technology. So in order to be at par with our students, teachers should learn how to teach with emerging technologies like tablets, iPads, Smart Boards, digital cameras and computers. By integrating technology in the classroom, teachers are setting the students for a successful life outside the school.

            Technology in the classroom makes learning more fun. Those once boring topics discussed through lectures can become livelier and more interesting through virtual lessons, video presentations, or when using tablets. Lessons that need to be lectured can be accompanied by audio-visual images downloaded in the internet. Studies tell that when students use more of their senses in learning, it is likely that long retention of learning will be sustained. First hand exposure of students to learning where they use their senses of hearing, touch, smell, sight and taste will result to long lasting learning compared to when they just only listen to the teacher and use imaginary senses.

            Using technology in the classroom would help prepare the students in the future. Using technology are the 21^st century skills that are essential in order to make students successful in this day and age. Jobs that may not have had a digital component in the past, may have one today. Education should not only be confined to merely memorizing facts and vocabulary words, but it should revolve more on solving complex problems and collaborating with others in the workplace. Education cum technology prepares students for their future and sets them up to be globally competitive this increasing digital economy.

            Technology prepares our students in the world arena. In the global world where every country surpasses each other when it comes to technology advancement, it is our task to equip our students to level with other countries. It is not only those in the first and second world countries that are endowed with capacities for innovations and inventions but our students can also if we give them the proper trainings in a techie classroom.

            Today’s technology enables students to learn at their own pace. For example, almost all applications allow for individualized instruction. Students can learn according to their abilities and needs, this form of teaching is also great for the teacher because it gives him/her the time to work individually with students who may be struggling and needed assistance.

            Technology occupies an important place within the students’ lives. when they are not in school, just about everything they do is connected in some way to technology. By integrating technology in the classroom, teachers are changing the way they used to teach and providing students with the tools that will take them into the 21^st century.

            Technology changes by the minute and as educators we need to keep up with the times in order to best prepare our students for this ever-changing world that we live in. While we just saw how integrating technology in the classroom has its benefits, it is important to note that traditional learning processes are just essential. Take time to learn about each element of educational technology that will incorporate in your classroom. When you do, you will find that technology can have a profound impact on your students learning.