“We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.” – David Warlick
Technology in the classroom can daunt even the most seasoned instructor, but most have used PowerPoint or have shown videos to drive the lesson home to students. Here are 5 reasons why you should test the waters with technology!
Five Benefits of Adding Technology to Your Class
- Spend less time grading and more time teaching.
Having the right system in place to keep track of student progress and assignment completion frees you up to devote more time to lesson planning, answering students’ questions, or even grabbing that extra cup of coffee before the next class.
- Prepare students for jobs.
Students will need to know how to format emails and perform effective internet research by the time they graduate. Jobs in all disciplines—from architecture to geology to mechanical engineering—require a high level of comfort with technology that only comes with exposure and experience.
- Diversify learning opportunities.
Some may think that introducing more technology into the classroom takes away from your role as an instructor, but it actually gives you more options to customize your course! It’s now easier than ever to share readings and videos from your lesson plans by making them available online. And with discussion boards and live chats, students can keep learning from you and their peers before and after class.
- Further engage your students.
Incorporating technology in your class, such as by asking students to use their smartphones for projects, encouraging them to write blog posts, or assigning a Photoshop project to expand their ideas of composition, makes learning more interactive and meaningful. Additionally, these different projects cater to different learning styles. You may see previously quiet students perk up at the chance to try something new.
- Improve classroom organization.
Are scattered sticky notes and coffee-stained planners plaguing you instead of helping you? Help yourself and your students by taking advantage of email calendars and reminders; then show your class how these tools help with time management skills. Your students (and the planet) will thank you.
Bonebrake, Jon for UB Academic Advising. “Using Google Calendar for College Students.” Online video. YouTube. YouTube, 11 June 2014. Web. 22 Feb. 2016.
What are other reasons you use technology in your classroom? Let us know in the comments below!
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