Importance of educational technology to teacher

What is the importance of technology in education? In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, online education should be a critical part of teaching and learning. 

As opposed to solely relying on technology for crisis management, teachers can harness the power of online learning by integrating it into existing curricula.

By utilizing digital learning tools effectively in the classroom, teachers can improve their lesson plans and facilitate personalized learning. Students also develop skills necessary for success in the 21st century.

Technology tools like virtual classrooms, videos, augmented reality (AR), robots, and other tools can not only stimulate student interest and participation in class, but can also foster collaboration and inquisitiveness, and enable teachers to collect data on student performance.

Still, it’s important to note that technology is a tool used in education and not an end in itself. The promise of educational technology lies in what educators do with it and how it is used to best support their students’ needs.

Importance of Educational Technology to Teacher

Teachers strive to improve student performance, and technology can assist them in doing so. Educators should be guided in acquiring the necessary competencies to enhance learning for students through technology in order to mitigate the challenges. A technology-enhanced classroom should also simplify teachers' jobs without adding to their workload.

Through technology, students can easily access information, learn more quickly, and have fun practicing what they've learned. Students are able to explore new subjects and gain a deeper understanding of difficult concepts, especially in STEM.

 Students can acquire 21st-century technical skills necessary for future occupations by using technology in and out of the classroom.

Even so, children learn better when they are directed. According to the World Economic Forum, while technology can make learning and acquiring knowledge more fun for young students, evidence suggests that learning is more effective with guidance from an adult such as a teacher.

Leaders and administrators should assess where their faculty stand regarding their knowledge of online spaces. Through the lessons learned during this disruptive time, they can now implement solutions for the future. 

Administrators could, for instance, give teachers a week or two to come up with ways to teach classes that haven't previously been taught online. It is crucial to remain flexible during these trying times while looking for solutions.

Below you will find examples of how technology can benefit teachers and how it is used in education.

Collaborating and communicating more effectively

Collaboration can be facilitated by educational technology. In addition to teachers engaging with students, students can also communicate with one another during lessons. Students collaborate to solve problems using online lessons and learning games.

 Students can share their ideas and thoughts in collaborative activities. In addition, technology enables one-on-one interactions between teachers and students. Students can ask classroom-related questions and seek clarification on difficult-to-understand topics. 

Teachers can view completed assignments using laptops at home, and students can upload their homework.

Personalized Learning Opportunities

24/7 access to educational resources is made possible by technology. Through the use of a laptop or mobile device, students can attend classes entirely online. With hybrid learning, you can use technology from anywhere, along with regular in-person classroom sessions. 

Technology can be used in both scenarios to tailor learning plans for each student. Lessons can be created based on the interests and strengths of each student. Furthermore, pace can be adjusted to meet each student's needs. 

For a deeper understanding of essential concepts, students can review videos in the lesson plan when they need to review class material. As a result of these online activities, teachers can determine which students struggle with certain subjects and offer further assistance and support.

Curiosity Driven by Engaging Content

Teachers can spark inquisitiveness in children and enhance their curiosity by providing engaging and educational content, which research shows is associated with academic success.

 Math and reading concepts are better understood when students have a sense of curiosity. AR, videos, or podcasts can be used to create engaging content. Students can, for example, include videos in their assignments or interact with other students worldwide.

Improved Teacher Productivity and Efficiency

Students' learning opportunities can be expanded through the use of digital tools, and teachers can support and engage them more through the use of technology.

 As well as improving teachers' instruction methods, it allows them to personalize learning. Technology can help schools reduce the costs of physical instructional materials, enhance the efficiency of educational programs, and make the most of teacher time.

Become a Leader in Enriching Classrooms through Technology

Some educators may not have had exposure to certain tools as part of their career preparation or professional development. Technology-savvy teachers can take advantage of learning opportunities to advance their skills to integrate technology in education.

 Students who seek to transform education through technology can earn a Master of Arts in Teaching or a Master of Arts in Education Policy and Leadership from the School of Education Online at American University.

 Students who take courses like Education Program and Policy Implementation and Teaching Science in Elementary School are equipped with critical competencies to effectively integrate technology into educational settings.

Some more Normal Benefits

Increased student engagement

Students become more engaged when they use technology. The incorporation of technology into the classroom gets kids excited about learning. It is possible to boost student engagement by incorporating technology into existing lesson plans without requiring too much extra work from teachers.

Improve digital literacy

Having digital literacy is a fundamental skill for students in the 21st century. Students will be required to know how to use technology and the internet in almost every job they may hold in the future. Educators can help students improve their digital literacy by integrating EdTech into the classroom.

Automate grading

Grading papers during the weekends and after school has been a time-consuming assignment for teachers in the past. There are a number of EdTech tools that can help reduce this time, automate grading, and make measuring student progress easier.

Get student data

Data can also be used by EdTech to measure student progress. Teachers can easily get information on students from many programs, allowing them to see what skills students have mastered and what they need to improve.

Stay in touch 24/7

Technology and the internet make it possible for students and teachers to stay in touch throughout the day. There are several apps that allow students to communicate with teachers (without the teacher divulging their personal email or phone number). Both students and teachers can use the apps to get homework help or get relevant reminders sent.

Challenges Faced By Education Technology

Education technology is not always implemented smoothly or successfully in the classroom. Teachers and administrators face obstacles that prevent them from accessing, installing, and using technology that could enhance their students' educations. 

Teachers may be more comfortable with education technology if they have access to tablets and smartboards. However, many do not think about how to effectively use technology in their curriculum. 

Using a laptop in a history class is likely to be very different from using a smartboard in a math class. Both likely require plenty of time for trial, error, and experimentation to bring their lesson plans up to date.

 Teachers do not have the guidance they need to make educational technology work for them in their classroom, which poses a major challenge in the adoption of new tools.

Educational technology continues to evolve on a daily basis. 

Conclusion

Teachers can facilitate an easier, more productive learning experience with the use of educational technology. Among them: Preparing for a digital world that is growing exponentially. Computer skills and online communication, such as emails, are increasingly important in the workplace.

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