It’s an exciting time for education and technology. Educational technology is consistently improving and more common place in the classroom. Google “21st Century Classroom Presentation.” You’ll find schools moving to a different kind of environment. Is this good? Are there problems with adding interactivity and engaging materials in the classroom? These questions won’t be answered in this article. This article is intended to educate you on what technology is currently available for schools. We’re also going to stick with the 21st Century Classroom theme.
Technology is the branch of knowledge that deals with creating and using technical methods, such as tools and crafts, for interacting with life, society, and the environment. Computers have certainly changed the way people do just about everything, including how they handle personal affairs, communicate, run businesses, and how our children are taught. There are other forms of technology used in education and we should not ignore them.
Document cameras, projectors and computers are becoming common place in the classroom. Document cameras are an incredible piece of technology used in education today. Many schools still use transparencies and overhead projectors. Projectors and interactive whiteboards are a must ever since the Internet became available. Multimedia, simulations, videos, maps, research, etc… Projectors allow for whole class learning and engaging discussions that extend from a specific topic or skill.
Educators need to realize that today’s student is more comfortable typing up a paragraph on the computer rather than writing it on a piece of paper. These educators need to become part of the technology revolution in order to be able to integrate education technology into their classrooms. Blogging, web design, video conferencing and joining online communities are just some of the ways educators can become more familiar with the internet and technology era.
With so many new online etiquette rules, keeping up with the children becomes quite a task for anyone who works with them on a daily basis. Many times, students are more technologically advanced than the leader of the class. This poses a problem in many ways. Teachers must step up to the challenge of trying to stay one step ahead of the game by reading trade journals and asking technology directors within their district for the latest technology news. Being educated about trends will keep adults ready to approach this new learning avenue with confidence.
“Technically speaking,” educational technology, sometimes referred to as learning technology, is the study and practice of teaching and improving capabilities by developing, using, and administering suitable technological processes and resources. Whether the selected medium is a GPS device, an educational video, a metal detector, or a computer, educational technology provides for an enormous amount of interactivity. It allows faculty and students to participate in dynamic demonstrations, simulations, and models that can be used to explore and test theories. Feel free to visit the site and/or subscribe to our fantastic monthly newsletter at Education Technology
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Tags: branch of knowledge, classroom presentation, classroom theme, document cameras, google, interactive whiteboards, multimedia simulations, overhead projectors, personal affairs, video conferencing