Technology planning can be complex even in the most favorable conditions and stable environments. And with the constantly changing circumstances of the pandemic, it may seem impossible.
It’s no secret that in the past two years, K-12 students, teachers, leaders, and their families have experienced an emotional, social, and academic rollercoaster. Through it all, we’ve discovered the importance of adaptability and flexibility. We also leaned to technology more heavily than we ever have, primarily to continue learning and increase operational efficiency.
For the school districts and the leaders who manage them, the lessons they teach are essential to moving beyond the current pandemic and into a new age of education. We know that educators recognize the importance of thinking beyond the current situation and other problems that remain and require a technologically proficient workforce to tackle these issues.
A Changing Landscape for Education
Technology has been the most significant catalyst for change in K-12 education in recent years. It has forced educators to reconsider the long-held beliefs regarding pedagogy and rethink traditional classroom practices. The ubiquitous devices & connectivity, robust learning platforms, and new technologies are transforming not just what children learn but also how they learn and how they show their proficiency to other students.
Students’ and teachers’ roles have changed dramatically. With programs such as the Academic America K-12 initiative, technology has empowered students with greater autonomy and control over their learning; teachers are now facilitators and instructors. Learning communities today are more inclusive, cooperative, and personal than ever, primarily because of the broadening of the curriculum and the activities that technology has made possible.
Remote learning is a different phase in developing education for students in K-12 schools. It has forced schools to equip students and teachers to excel in the contemporary learning environment. It has exposed a pervasive digital divide and has increased the demand for IT professionals.
A recent survey by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) discovered that most teachers, students, and parents claim they have consistent or typical access to technical assistance for devices from devices in their school when required. Of course, one aspect of this positive result is that IT staff spend an enormous amount of time dealing with these requests while they handle new workloads, move to or increase cloud computing use, and tackle new security risks and weaknesses.
As districts work to address the issues they face, they will be better prepared for a future with more innovation by investing in teacher professional development, participating in comprehensive, stakeholder-driven plan-making, and creating departments for IT that make use of innovative, strategic technology solutions. All of this can be driven by an efficient K-12 education company that has global expertise in transforming processes as well as training resources.
How to Use the Power of Video in Learning?
Online Video is among the most potent types of ed-tech as it offers a variety of advantages. It lets teachers and students improve their abilities at any time. When tape sessions were introduced in the past, students avoided them during the 90s. But over time, the video became a more effective tool.
Time efficiency is an essential advantage of online video. Students can watch videos at their own speed, which is perfect for busy students or those who require a refresher on the information they have learned. Videos for learning also provide better information retention because of the shift in perspective.
Furthermore, video clips have been discovered to improve students’ critical thinking abilities. Students can watch real-life demonstrations using videos and get direct instruction by observing experts from their field.
Videos give students real-life experiences and provide details that would be difficult to convey meaningfully.
Classroom Management Tools that increase the efficiency of teaching
Classroom management is among the essential elements of teaching. The biggest challenge for the classroom is controlling the size of the class. The bigger the class is, the less attention is paid to improving communication.
Tools for managing classes, such as software for managing classrooms and scheduling systems, aid teachers in controlling their classrooms more effectively. These software tools help instructors monitor students’ attendance, grades, and progress.
This technology improves the sharing and distribution of educational materials while providing a safer learning atmosphere for pupils. Teachers can also give better feedback to groups and identify areas that require more concentration, which results in better efficiency later on.
Interactive Technology Helps to Educate Better
The purpose of 21st-century technology is to enhance learning experiences. This begins with the interactions students have within their classes. Interactive education has helped students learn faster and more effectively while encouraging them to do more.
Students who are enrolled in omnichannel e-learning can learn the same material in a variety of ways. They can look at videos, read the document, complete a test, or experience real-world situations. You can even engage in games that are designed to help them learn and allow them to utilize their senses.
The wide range of available tools helps adapt to various learning styles and preferences. This helps to bridge the gap between academic, technical, and professional abilities. Teachers can use these tools to develop courses that are tailored to each student’s needs.
Conserving Creativity Through Tech
The advent of e-learning has changed how children learn about the world. Technology has provided educators with new methods and concepts to help them develop their lesson plans with creativity. Teachers can now design their content and share it with the world.
The pedagogies they employ can help develop imagination and critical thinking with endless possibilities. They can explore their interests, refine their craft, and gain confidence to pursue their goals. Instead of hindering children’s artistic abilities, edtech assists in building the foundation for other forms of media.
Encouragement of Inclusion
One of the most significant issues in education is the massive gap between the wealthy and lower-income households. The disparity between schools and poor communities can hinder the development and growth of many.
Thanks to the rapid growth of technological advancements in education, schools can utilize online resources and offer their services to students who might not otherwise be able to access them. Instead of relying on physical infrastructure, online platforms can be accessed anywhere, creating more significant opportunities for those living in remote regions.
At the same time, it lets children learn about subjects that are not academic. This includes gender identity and race, feminism, and many more.
Ed-Tech Boosts Access to Resources To All
Education is always a top priority for all governments. But, it’s hard for them to offer high-quality results when they have only a few resources. This causes the inaccessibility of high-quality education. When you have brick-and-mortar schools, it is often difficult for those living in remote locations to access the materials they need to learn.
However, technology and conferencing enable the sharing of resources more. Students from remote locations can make the most of their learning settings. They can take advantage of online courses and interact with fellow students.
This allows families to manage their work schedule with home obligations. They can also educate their children through two-way video conferences, allowing them to catch up with homework and lectures while still working. This helps reduce stress and allows kids to keep learning after school.
The Bottom Line
The development of 21st-century technology has revolutionized how we learn. These advances help to make learning more fun and effective. As we face the pandemic’s difficulties, it’s vital to consider how we can use these technologies to help teach the next generation in the coming months.
Technology is transforming the way we learn. It allows us to adapt to the ever-changing education environment for K-12 students and help students from all backgrounds and ages develop new skills and gain new understanding. Whether you’re a teacher or a student, advancements can allow you to maximize every opportunity to learn.
