Of course, it's important for children to be computer literate these days as computers are everywhere, and teachers can use technology in many ways these days, whether they are teaching in a classroom or online. Parents can also use technology to help with homework or homeschooling. 

The Benefits Of Technology

Traditionally schools often relied on book-based learning and lectures. This can be boring if not taught well. Technology can be a useful way to make learning fun and interactive. Technology can take into account different learning styles easily, such as visual, auditory, verbal, logical and kinesthetic. Immersion into technology can help children retain information and that can only be a good thing. It goes without saying that computers are needed in a modern classroom but let's look at some of the other ways teachers can use technology.

1. Video conferencing platforms

Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype and GoToMeeting are perfect for teaching remotely. Many of these platforms are also free.  Zoom is a popular platform and gained many loyal followers during the lockdown when many people had to work from home. It also offers a whiteboard where teams can plan and learn. These video conferencing platforms are great for teaching online, so you can teach from anywhere in the world. 

2. Screen recorders

Teachers may require a screen recorder for online classes and meetings. A screen recorder is great for teachers to record whole lessons and meetings or parts to play back later in case a student or colleague has missed it.  Movavi does a Windows 11 screen recorder to capture from a webcam, take screenshots, make screencasts and more. It has an easy-to-use interface, can record audio and easily share videos. 

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets can be a very immersive form of teaching. Virtual environments can be seen in 360 degrees. For example, an app like Anatomyou lets you become part of the anatomy of a person in an immersive way. Studies have shown that using VR as part of a learning environment helps students retain information more than a traditional lecture.

4. Interactive Whiteboards

Do you remember blackboards? Well, some classrooms have replaced them with interactive whiteboards now, especially for information technology lessons.  It is connected to a computer screen using a digital projector.  The teacher can interact with the content on the board, and write on it with a variety of tools, including using their finger, bringing up internet searches and more. It is a great learning tool for students as depending on what software is used it can address almost all learning styles, especially if the teacher encourages the student to interact with it. 

5. Creative Apps and websites

Online quizzes, virtual games or simulations, and presentation software like Powerpoint or Canva can all be used by the teacher to help engage students. Encouraging students to create their own podcasts, create a digital book with Apple Pages, or create a digital comic with Adobe Sketch or Storybook That, is a great way to encourage creativity. Of course, teaching students about how to use the internet for research goes without saying and some top websites include the BBC Bitesize, National Geographic Kids and TEDEd.

So these are 5 ways teachers can use technology whether teaching in a classroom or online. There are many more ways too. Using technology to teach can be exciting, immersive and interactive and can help students retain information. It can also teach them to use technological hardware, software and the internet and these are important skills for future job prospects.

*Collaborative post