A classroom was the first place where images were displayed using an overhead projector almost 90 years ago. Texas Instruments developed the handheld calculator several decades later. In the 1980s, Apple Macintosh computers were introduced to schools. At that time, the ratio of computers to students was 1:92 in U.S schools.
Schools today have access to technology. Digital devices have replaced pen and paper in many classrooms due to their widespread availability. Experts have shown that technology can bring about profound changes in teaching and learning. They also offer opportunities for collaboration, engagement, support, and other benefits. Knowing how to use technology effectively is the key, which education degree programs are emphasizing in their curricula.
What is Instructional technology?
Instructional technology can be described as the theory and practice behind using technology in education. Instructive technology includes all aspects of the development, use, management and evaluation technology used in education. Instructional technology includes everything from online courses and virtual reality classrooms to electronic whiteboards.
While there are many benefits and uses of instructional tech, each technology serves one purpose: to create effective and engaging learning experiences. This goal has been achieved by many instructional technology applications. Experts are unanimous in their belief that instructional technology offers many benefits to education, including improved access to information and collaboration opportunities as well as better capabilities to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Technology’s Role in Modern Classrooms
A few decades ago, teachers didn’t use much technology in the classroom. Technology is an essential part of today’s education system. Mid America Nazarene University has found that students do less than 42%, with paper and pencil, in a recent study. A study by Mid America Nazarene University found that 73% reported that their students use tablets and laptops daily.
A wider cultural shift is evident in the increasing use of technology in classrooms. Technology literacy is becoming increasingly important in a digitalized world. Students can be prepared for the digital age if they have teachers who are able to use technology in meaningful ways.
Uses of Instructional technology
According to the U.S. Department of Education schools can use education technology to support both teaching AND learning. Schools can infuse the classroom with valuable digital tools to expand course offerings, increase student engagement, and accelerate learning. Experts have identified three key areas where technology integration can have a significant impact on instruction technology.
Collaborative Learning
Instructional technology offers unparalleled opportunities to collaborate learning. Information sharing has never been easier thanks to technological advances. Today’s educators have the ability to share information with students via digital tools. Students can collaborate remotely to discuss ideas or complete projects, and there are no restrictions on time or geographical location.
Teachers can collaborate using instructional technology with students, allowing them to ask questions and discuss ideas outside of the classroom. Teachers can hold virtual office hours to help students with their homework.
Virtual Classrooms and Online Learning
Virtual classrooms can prove to be an effective tool for every level of education. Traditional classrooms have a common problem: students learn at their own pace. Teachers must find a way for teachers to customize their lessons to each student’s needs, instead of addressing their individual needs.
Online courses open up new opportunities for students and give them the resources and time to acquire the skills they desire. If students don’t grasp the subject matter immediately, they can either listen again or jump to the next lecture.
Students can also access online learning to learn more about a variety of subjects and to take courses not offered at their school.
Real-time Feedback
Instructional technology offers better ways to gather or provide feedback than more traditional methods. To gauge the progress of their students in a lesson, teachers can use a variety digital tools. To get an idea of where to focus their next lesson, teachers could conduct an online survey asking students about their current knowledge of the topic.
Teachers might choose to use digital education software for immediate feedback and help with homework. This can help students keep on track with their learning objectives. Some schools even have virtual reality classrooms. Teachers can practice lessons or solve professional challenges in an artificial setting, which helps them improve their skills and not negatively impact real students.
Learn More about Instructional Design
Teachers can reap the benefits of technology in the classroom, but only if they are skilled in using these capabilities in a meaningful way. LSU Online’s Master of Arts Degree in Education with a Specialization in Educational Technology was created with this goal. Teachers can transform their knowledge into innovative educational leadership by using the program’s cutting-edge approach in technology integration, digital transformation and online training.
