Improving Pupil Interaction with New Classroom Technology
January 27, 2012 // Comments OffRecent innovations in the classroom have led some critics to fear a breakdown of traditional teaching methods.
Understanding the Impact of New Technology
In only November last year Conservative MP Elizabeth Truss warned parliament that the UK was in danger of ‘producing a satnav generation of students overly reliant on technology.’ It’s an issue that concerns many who believe devices like calculators, smartphones and tablets prevent classroom interaction and slow learners’ progress.
However, used properly, new technology can actually help teachers improve teaching and learning by giving them the opportunity to build strong working relationships with their pupils.
Using a Virtual Learning Environment
A VLE like Moodle or the primary specific Learnanywhere can help you interact with your class.
Using a VLE you can set personalised, independent learning tasks, so students can progress at a speed that suits them. The activities can be completed at home or school, meaning the resulting whole class teaching sessions no longer have to be diluted to meet a range of abilities.
Instead, with the online results of independent work at your fingertips, larger teaching sessions can be tailored to focus on the specific needs of individuals and groups. Identify lower ability students and scaffold their learning, provide more practice materials for those who are consolidating their skills, or work on a new challenge with your confident learners.
With independent assignments and results all easily available in your VLE, class time doesn’t have to be about standardised presentations or activities anymore. Now, it’s about providing students with your time and advice to aid their independent progress.
Personalising your Teaching with an e-Portfolio
Student Jotter, the e-portfolio and secure social network will help you improve teaching and learning relationships with pupils too.
Using the information pupils safely share with you online, you can personalise your lessons and engage student’s in learning. Pupil’s hobbies and interests can be added to teaching materials, favourite websites can be used for homework tasks; the information you and your class share together can be used to give students a sense of ownership in the classroom.
Making the Most of Advances in Technology
While over-reliance on new technology can hinder teaching and learning in the classroom, it’s clear that used properly it can have a positive effect. Rather than using new innovations to replace traditional teaching methods, professionals need to take advantage of new technology to improve communications with their class. New software makes it easier for teachers to provide the personalised, tailored interaction that all pupils need to succeed.
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