Inside the Briefcase
The Ins and Outs of Technology Integration and How to Incorporate it into the ESL Classroom
February 21, 2017 No CommentsFeatured article by Philip Piletic, aspiring writer and blogger
The typical classroom of today is nothing like it was 5 years ago. The mobile revolution has swept through learning institutions. A while back, a computer lab was enough for learning institutions as far as technology was concerned.
The education system is not always enthusiastic when it comes to grasping new ideas and running with them. Letting students have hand-held devices in class was too much to ask. However, mobile devices become popular quickly. All types of devices started making their way into classrooms as it became apparent that e-readers, iPods, netbooks and PDAs were here to stay. One of the core reasons technology burst into the education system with such vigour is because the students today are exposed to new gadgets each passing day.
More interesting is the adeptness with which kids today can learn to use these devices. They enjoy every bit of the experience because everything about these gadgets is fascinating and according to this survey, 49.8% of students want to see the devices we mentioned above being introduced into schools.
Technology integration is changing learning
After learning institutions got on board with the use of mobile devices to enhance teaching, the classroom has gotten a new meaning. Students enjoy learning and can interact better with the subject matter. Mobile internet devices connect them to a world of knowledge and the presentation doesn’t let down.
However, before we extol the concept, we have to understand what makes the cut and what does not. Flawless technology integration can only be achieved when the right tools are used to do the job. We cannot depend on the learner to know what to do when they have the device in their hands. It is up to the teacher to show them how to make the most out of the gear.
Benefits of introducing technology to the learners
When it comes to the benefits of introducing technology to the learners, the list is endless and it covers all bases. There is a lot to be gained through this new way of teaching; so we have selected two benefits that we believe are most important:
➔ Learners become more independent
It is one of the greatest things about using technology to teach. It helps learners do more on their own. They understand whatever it is they are trying to learn much easier because they access new information at their own pace. Rather than replace the teacher, these gadgets are handy tools that the teacher can use to their advantage.
Reading apps on mobile devices enable students to read books that are above their reading level thanks to text-to-speech features.
➔ Students have more room for teamwork
The traditional sense of it involves grouping people in class to tackle projects. This definition is broadened by the use of internet. These classroom groups can work from anywhere and still achieve the same goal.
There are online group discussion tools that make things even easier. Apps such as ChannelMe are used to connect a group such that they access the same information simultaneously. The app also has a chatting feature that allows members to interact.
Technology integration and the ESL classroom
Teaching in ESL classrooms has a unique formula to it. All the students have different cultures that influence their learning progress. Teachers have to find innovative ways to get through to the students.
Apps that assist in teaching language are especially welcome in this scenario. Video tutorials are also a handy tool in teaching the students fluency in language in a fun way.
There is an app for everything now
You might have heard the phrase “there is an app for that!” Mobile applications have come up and cover just about everything in our daily lives. This is the same with the learning environment.
Android and iOS devices have made everything simple and that applies to education too. Here are a few tools, each with an impact of its kind on learning;
Google cardboard is a virtual reality app that you put in your smart phone. It comes with a viewer that you put the smart phone in to look at things. The viewer, which is made from actual cardboard, transports the user into a world of virtual reality. Learners can take exploration expeditions on it, do dangerous experiments without the hassle and a lot more.
Students have trouble thinking up writing ideas and they could use a helping hand. Write About is an online writing tool that students can use to write and learn from their peers. It is engaging and fun too with pictorial messages to liven the experience. Teachers can also leave feedback privately.
Technology Integration is bound to keep developing
Advancing tech gadgets and the new generation of learners who are eager to use them will see to it that everything goes online.
References:
– http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3754742
Author bio:
Philip Piletic – My primary focus is a fusion of technology, small business and marketing. I’m a freelancer, writer and traveler who loves to share his experience with others by contributing to online communities and helping others achieve success.
