The past decades have depicted an incredible change in the landscape of education that was more rapid and extensive than ever before. The factor that was and is the strongest driver for this change, is the involvement of technology in the classroom. In current classrooms, such implementations range from hardware such as tablets or computers to the improvement of internet connectivity within teaching facilities, or even altering school curriculum in a way to include programs that enhance computer literacy.
As such, to fully realize the value of technology within the classroom, it is essential to understand both the benefits and challenges it presents to the teachers, students, and other staff. Some challenges often revolve around being unable to smoothly integrate educational technology into the teaching environment, the adaptation of tools or equipment into the curriculum, or even the acquisition of such technology [1]. Despite this, the majority of teaching staff are successfully implementing technology into the classroom and obtaining the advantages it is able to provide to students.
The smartboard is a classroom-specific piece of equipment and is, therefore, created to enhance the learning experience for students and teaching management for staff. In a recent study the preliminary preparation, student attention, and class management were variables that were investigated in classrooms with and without smartboards [2]. The study showed that preliminary preparation was improved and even inevitable due to the fact that learning material was easily accessible, and if certain material was missing, it could be easily found via the internet and displayed on the smartboard.
The student attention was also noticeably more increased, and this was attributed to the fact that a smartboard involves more than the sense of sight but also of sound. Additionally, transitions between topics are more seamless than when consulting a book or using a regular white or blackboard. The teachers that participated in the study survey determined that the smartboard had a positive effect on overall class management as it improved preparation, classroom engagement, and increased time for relevant tasks.
Tablets and iPads are a more controversial inclusion within the classroom, and are still debated as their involvement in the classroom has been noted to provide both easy access to software, research, and notetaking but is also a distraction. Educators that implement iPads in the classroom cite versatility, mobility, and connectivity that are relevant to numerous in-classroom contexts. A study that involved survey responses of middle school teachers who have introduced iPad initiatives within their establishments [3].
This format allowed for insight and displayed that the findings were mixed, with some teachers finding that iPads had a positive impact while others were concerned with the iPads being too distracting. The positive behaviors were categorized as improved student engagement and communication, while negative behaviors were recorded as off-task conduct and distraction. The study illuminated an important aspect of including such multifaceted equipment into the classroom, the need for teachers to learn targeted development on both pedagogical and practical levels on the use of technology in the classroom to see truly positive results.
Social media, the most recent adaptation of technology within the classroom, has the ability to connect students, teachers, parents, and other staff. Additionally, though inherently a tool for entertainment and communication, students often use social media to promote certain activities, movements, initiatives, or messages as a tool of empowerment. The integration of social media and school-related management is slowly colliding.
This can be seen through the transition of event announcements to social media platforms as opposed to printed media or assemblies, classroom projects being managed and tracked via pages on social media, and quick communication between students, staff, and parents [4]. Social media is likely to pose certain difficulties during this transitory period, but it should similarly be investigated as a tool that enhances learning and the classroom experience.
Reference List
- A. M. Johnson, M. E. Jacovina, D. G. Russell and C. M. Soto, Author, “Challenges and solutions when using technologies in the classroom,” M.A. Thesis, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A, 2016.
- M. Karadag, “The impact of smart board usage on class management,” New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences, 4, 9, 82-89. 2018. Web.
- J. M. Ferguson and J. Oigara, “iPads in the Classroom: What do Teachers Think?” International journal of information and communication technology education: an official publication of the Information Resources Management Association, 13, 4, 74-86. 2017. Web.
- L. Wade. “How Social Media is Reshaping Today’s Education System.” Georgetown University Center for Social Impact Communication. Web.