Blackboard, chalk and duster are probably the oldest associated paraphernalia with teaching. In fact, for most of us, our time in school would have been incomplete without the presence of these objects.By the time I reached Class VII and VIII, every
classroom in my school had a computer and a television, on which we were shown capsules related to each chapter in Science and Maths.
This was a decade back, when technology was slowly starting to make its presence felt. Today, with its rapid growth and diverse advantages, it has emerged as an essential, must-have tool in the education sector.
It is rightly said that all things have their share of advantages and disadvantages and in the education sector, technology can prove to be a boon, provided that technology integration deepens the learning process. This can be achieved when technology integration supports curricular goals. Many competencies can be developed more effectively by applying technology. The myriad resources online world can provide each classroom with more interesting and versatile learning materials. The Web provides numerous opportunities for expressing and understanding concepts through images, sound, and text.
The use of Interactive whiteboards is a good example of integrating technology in classroom. They provide a way to allow students to interact with material on the computer. In addition, some interactive whiteboards software also allows teachers to record their instruction and post the material for review by students at a later time. Tablet computer models such as IPad, Aakash etc. can be useful for giving presentations in class, especially for Social Science subjects, in which showing paintings etc. of past civilizations can generate more interest among students.
Technology also changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means. It also enhances the relationship between teacher and student. When technology is effectively integrated into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach.
Having said all that, every teacher should remember that such tools are simply aids to further enhance the learning process. It is ultimately the content, the learning, which is vital. Technology simply assists us to do that a lot better for every student and for that there are some many websites to help teachers.
Here are three suggestions which you could use in class:
1)Ask an expert or an author for his or her opinion or insight on a topic you are studying.
2)Compare and contrast any two (or more) things using a Venn diagram.
3)Pull group work together in a class presentation with each group having a few slides in a presentation.
