Classroom technology is nothing new but it just seems that the rate of technology is developing much faster than at any time before. Many schools have computer labs where classrooms can use the computers to interact or work on projects but the advancing technology allows teachers to get better use of these computers in teaching a class.
There is a growing use of computers for examinations, which is helpful in reducing the possibility of copying between pupils. For general class exams, it is vital that teachers can record a realistic representation of what pupils know about a subject in order to ensure that they are teaching the class properly. If a subject features all of the pupils scoring lowly, it may be that the teaching method is not the best. This means that using classroom technology can also help teachers gauge their skills as well as the pupils.
One great way to carry out a multiple choice exam is for each pupil to be logged in on their computer and connected to the teacher's main computer. Many schools are introducing interactive whiteboards and the ability to link to these provides a number of benefits with regards to audio and visual learning.
The real benefit in these tests is that answers can be recorded individually and test results can be collated straight away. This is a massive improvement on relying on teachers to mark every paper by hand and it also removed the element of human error. Anything which can ensure that the learning process is carried out properly has to be of benefit and this process can speed up the process considerably.
This element of testing greatly removes the opportunity for a pupil to spy on their neighbours answers and pass it off as their own. As every question on screen passes by and moves on to the next one, there is far less opportunity for copying to occur, this again is better for the learning environment. If children know that they will be judged on their own merits, there is a greater need to study and develop their own skills as opposed to relying on assistance from others.
It also gives a teacher greater confidence that the results provided by a child are their own thoughts and opinions and not ones they have borrowed in the belief of them being right. With so much pressure on teachers these days, giving them as much assistance in the classroom as possible is a very sensible decision.
Student response systems and interactive whiteboards are just two instances of technology being introduced in the classroom and these have been instrumental in improving the way in which children as well as adults learn new material.
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Professor Vaidhyanathan's keynote address, entitled "'The Classroom is Sacred': Digitization Without Commercialization," addresses the myriad challenges facing university faculty, administrators and students in finding the best ways to embrace emerging digital technologies to improve teaching, research and learning without giving in to commercial pressures or arguments about efficiency or cost savings. (02:57) |
