How Technology Can Aid Education

When people talk about technology and education, there is often a negative connotation. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. With the right approach and the right tools, technology can be a key element in aiding education, and here are a few ways that smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices can be a massive benefit.

Show don’t tell
Illustrations in a textbook are all and good, but what about physically showing a student how something works? For example, you can demonstrate how photosynthesis works, rather than just giving them a few pictures and keywords.

Outside help
It is often said that one of the best ways to learn a foreign language is to talk to a native speaker. With video conferencing technology, it is possible for a native language speaker to be a virtual guest not just in one class, but a whole load of classes simultaneously.
There are a lot of different variations on this- if you run a film school, this would be a good way to engage with directors, scriptwriters and other creative talent, allowing students to ask questions directly and inspiring them by talking to the people who have made it in the industry.

More effective assessment
Being able to collect real-time data while students are working allows for more effective assessment, allowing you to tailor your approach to their particular needs so that those who are ahead of the class can be challenged a bit more, while those who need a bit more help can be given more guidance as necessary.

Video games and simulations
Educational video games in and of themselves are nothing new, whether it is using angles to create shapes with a tortoise or guiding travellers along the Oregon Trail.

However, the programming involved has become a lot more advanced, and there is now a lot more access to computers then there were ten years ago. Therefore, students now have the opportunity to experience what it is like to design buildings, become a city planner or what is involved in the daily working life of a journalist.

This level of immersion can help students to engage more directly, getting a feel for how a job works, rather than discussing the theory.
With the emergence of improved virtual reality technology and augmented reality, there are even more opportunities to create immersive programs that will make the student feel part of the experience and allow them to get more from it.

Tools of the trade
It is important to emphasise that smartphones, tablets and other forms of technology are not going to replace teachers. What this allows is for teachers to have a deeper level of engagement and give them more tools to do their job.
For more information on how we can help encourage children in the classroom through technology and other forms of digital packages, please contact Digi Toolbox today and we will be happy to discuss your requirements in more detail and find the ideal package to suit your needs