In the digital age, education is transformed and refined in many ways. The classrooms of today are no longer limited to traditional teaching methods, such as whiteboards or printed textbooks. The usage of modern technologies and gadgets in the education sector is being implemented to ensure that education and learning are effective and interest students at all levels.
According to a study by Harvard University of “Devices in the Classroom,” students who lack focus and direction use technology for the better. It helps pupils respond faster in the classroom, participate often, and collaborate in real-time on assignments and projects.
Teachers can use these technologies to promote focus and discipline. The use of tech provides the teacher with instant feedback and areas that need improvement, saving time and helping make wise decisions about students’ education.
Read on to learn about some of these gadgets and how they’re making education easy and interesting for students and teachers alike.
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Education in the classroom isn’t the only education mode going through change. Online and homeschooling has been on the trend ever since the COVID-19 pandemic. This has opened space for the usage of innovative tech for remote education. Some of the technologies and trends include the following:
· Webcams · Online Assessment tools · Usage of online simulation and so much more.
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Check out the top 8 gadgets that can be used by both teachers and students to make education efficient in the classroom or online (i.e. distance learning).
E-Books
E-books are a vast collection of digital resources at the fingertips. These e-books are substitutes for traditional printed books that are convenient to use and are a cost-effective solution. With e-books, teachers can easily add additional information, comments, interactive tests, and other learning features.
These e-books come with many other features like audio narration, highlighter, and adjustable fonts. With the use of e-books, teachers can encourage students to become independent learners in this digitalized world.
Students can directly connect to the internet while learning through e-books and find further studies and data on the given topic. This encourages self-learning and grasping concepts.
Likewise, this has been a great help for me in increasing my learning pace, while adding on with the information and knowledge through online sources. For a consistent online learning experience, a reliable internet has been a must. I definitely don’t like a lagging internet when studying.
With self-paced learning and smooth online connectivity, I’ve completed many courses online to add to my skill list. And when it comes to having an impeccable internet connection in the U.S. at home, I rely on my Xfinity. The variety of Xfinity Internet deals, which come with high-speed internet, made it easy for me to choose a plan that works effectively for my needs.
Digital Pads
We all know this one, of course. Digital pads (tabs) are graphical tablets that play an important role for teachers who want to combine their written notes, drawings, and teaching frameworks into digital presentations.
The kids of today are growing up with these and other handheld devices. However, it is still not common to see this tech incorporated into formal education institutions.
Digital pads allow the students to learn and find course-related materials and animations, and work on simulations during a physical or online class. The teachers can also take quizzes and get a fast response on the learning pace through Q&A sessions online or questionnaire filling during physical classes.
According to research conducted and published in 2016 on ResearchGate, implementing digital technologies like tablets in education has brought along many ositive reviews. It has also led to an increase in student motivation and academic achievements.
Ozobot Robots
An Ozobot robot is a mini-programmable, smart robot. It has an innovative technology to present in the classroom.
How does it work?
The robot can follow lines, detect color, and roam freely, but it has to be programmed to do so. The bot teaches students and helps develop their interest in robotics, math, and programming –which is a skill in high demand in the present and future.
The bot has a small tablet for control functions and programming. With this robot, teachers can encourage creativity, problem-solving skills, and computational thinking in students.
This has been tested for ages 8+ but can be used by elementary students under adult supervision. It is a great tech and a must-have for a teacher trying to get some “Ohhh” and “Ahhh’s” of their students.
Smartboards
With the integration of technology, the traditional boards have been replaced by smartboards. These smartboards have transformed classroom presentations through interactive apps, multimedia, and annotations.
Smartboards allow teachers to engage with students by giving interactive lessons as well as real-time collaboration with the use of a stylus pen or touch gestures.
This innovative gadget encourages active learning in students with its ability to make and save digital notes.
Document Camera
A document camera is a basic tool for displaying documents and textbooks or displaying 3D objects in the classroom. The document camera has high resolution and adjustable arms that can help educators capture high-end pictures and live videos that can be projected on huge screens or shared online.
Teachers use these document cameras to demonstrate experiments, give interactive lessons, analyze primary sources, and do so in real-time. This is great to have in classes for increasing active engagement and thus enhancing the effectiveness of instructions at all levels.
Merge Cube
Merge Cube is an augmented reality (AR) tool that can project 3D images or holograms. It is an out-of-the-box idea to convert the usual educational material into three-dimensional learning data. For example, an image of a heart as a hologram to explain its function in human biology.
This interactive tool has a cube-like shape and is coated with special markers that can be scanned with any smart device to open a vast range of augmented reality apps. Teachers can use Merge Cube to explore teaching on a virtual level. The Merge Cube, with the power of augmented reality, has sparked creativity and curiosity among students.
3D Printers
3D printers are a valuable tool that helps students in creating, prototyping, or manufacturing three-dimensional objects from digital models. It is a useful tool for teachers who want their students to experience experimental learning that helps spark creative thinking in them.
For future mathematicians and engineers, it is a great tool to express their creative and problem-solving abilities. 3D printers promote a growing mindset in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Projectors
Projectors are an innovative addition to displaying slideshows, videos, and much more. Advances in projection technology have allowed teachers to set up their classrooms more conveniently and with greater flexibility.
For modern classrooms, projectors are essential gadgets that enable teachers to deliver multimedia presentations. Teachers can captivate students’ attention, give lectures easily, and facilitate meaningful discussions that go beyond traditional teaching techniques.
For younger students, as it has become difficult to garner attention, teachers can engage the students in activities to do in front of the class.
Last Thoughts
Using innovative gadgets in classrooms enhances the effectiveness of education. Teachers can use these tools to engage and empower students, which is a guiding beacon. It also improves and helps students grasp base concepts and prepare them for a future of advanced education.