Technology makes it easy to access information compared to traditional information forms, such as books. Thus, technology is vital in learning both in the classroom and at home. Technological devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets have enabled students and teachers to attain their academic objectives faster. It is essential to consider the effectiveness of using technology in diverse circumstances, understanding its integral part in contemporary society.
The use of technology helps learners actively engage with learning objectives, including creating avenues of diversified instructions to meet students’ needs. It is crucial to integrate technology in education to improve student’s learning experiences (US Department of Education, 2021). Considering that technology integration is expensive in the classroom or at home is a misconception. Learners do not necessarily, need to have devices such as laptops or smartphones to succeed in studying. They can take advantage of whole-class instruction by using simple tools such as games, PowerPoints, online grading systems, and internet homework assignments to enhance their academic performance.
Using PowerPoint presentations can help teachers introduce course concepts and increase student engagement opportunities. Learners may also incorporate video links in their studies to reinforce ideas presented on PowerPoints embedded within slides with the help of bulleted information and graphics. They can also use educational apps to analyze or review information after a unit or lesson (DUSE, 2021). Teachers can also use Apps such as PowerPoint to elicit participation in class, where each student would play an active role in the propagation of learning. These tools are accessible on computers and phones, helping teachers to decide whether students can work as a team and their ability to work independently.
Students can also post their assignments online using Brightspace, Blackboard, and Moodle. They are effective ways of integrating technology at home and in the classroom. They make assignments easily accessible and promote organization and engagement in students. Furthermore, Online grading systems help students, teachers, administrators, and parents easily communicate and identify learners’ academic strengths and areas that need improvement. Such systems facilitate effective communication among stakeholders where teachers can post grades, analyze student attendance patterns, and manage transcript data. Technology is also essential in helping young students build fundamental skills that prepare them for future independent learning. Young learners can use interactive games to complement their spelling, math, reading, and phonetic skills (Crossley & McNamara, 2017). In this scenario, they would also upload word lists to practice pronunciation. These activities can occur both in a classroom or home setting.
Older children in middle school would benefit from technology integration to boost their research capabilities and, thus, increase their ability to specialize in specific areas. They can use websites such as Easy Bib to guide them on locating credible sources through search engines, including teaching them how to avoid plagiarism by citing correctly. Secondary-level students may use technology to explore career and college options. Technology would help them in getting acquainted with platforms such as Google Drive and Microsoft Office. They could learn how to create spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and share documents. All these activities would help prepare them for college and career life.
In conclusion, effective technology integration at home and in the classroom is integral to any contemporary society. Rapid technological advancement and the ease of using these tools to boost academic knowledge make them a vital component for any student. Teachers also benefit from these tools as they help them interact and monitor their classrooms more efficiently. Technology is here to stay; embracing it would assist parents, teachers, and students in developing a framework for effective integration at school and home.
References
Crossley, S. A., & McNamara, D. S. (2017). Adaptive Educational Technologies for Literacy Instruction. Routledge.
Drexel University School of Education. (2021). How to use technology in the classroom: benefits and effects. Web.
US Department of Education. (2021). Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning | U.S. Department of Education.