School has definitely changed in the 21st century, especially since the pandemic. Gone are the days when teachers would lecture and students would just take notes. Today, technology for schools has revolutionized the ways in which students learn and if your school doesn’t have the following must-have educational technology at the bare minimum, it’s failing your students.
SmartBoard
SmartBoards have been around for several years, but they continue to be an integral part of any classroom. This technology combines the convenience of a whiteboard with the power of a computer to create a presentation tool that gives teachers the ability to deliver engaging content to their students on any topic.
Not only can teachers display their lessons to every student in the classroom, but they can also use a special stylus that allows them to write on the SmartBoard to perform live demonstrations, highlight important information, and document student answers. Moreover, students are able to use the stylus to write on the SmartBoard as well, allowing them to participate in lessons in a way they’ve never before been able to.
Smart Tables
Although less common than SmartBoards, Smart Tables are becoming increasingly popular in classrooms. This technology places a digital, interactive screen on each student’s desk, allowing them to view the teacher’s lesson on the screen and complete their schoolwork directly on the table. Smart Tables are an alternative to 1:1 computer initiatives that can be more expensive and challenging to manage.
Tablets
Commonly used in many facets of life, tablets are widely available in classrooms, either as a 1:1 initiative or as an alternative to computers and laptops. Class sets of tablets allow students to access online learning without having to keep track of their own devices, but having a 1:1 technology program allows students to take their tablets home for continuity in learning.
Not only can tablets gamify the learning experience, but they can also give students access to the same websites and programs that they would have with a computer, but at a lower cost. Teachers use educational apps to enhance their students’ lessons and more apps are available every day. Whether it’s a reading app to give students practice even if they don’t have books or a math app to reinforce the skills learned in class, tablets level the playing field for all students.
E-Books
Teachers can give students an entire library in their pocket with e-books. They no longer have to worry about funding for physical sets of books because they can usually buy a single license for an e-book and give it to every student with a digital device. And if the students also have tablets or other devices, e-books are simple for them to access.
In advanced grades, e-books lower the costs associated with textbooks for classes like science and history, meaning the barrier to higher education is lowered as well. Moreover, students can carry around literally dozens of e-books without straining their shoulders, making it more convenient and healthy for them as well.
Conclusion
Educational technology is making it easier for students of all backgrounds to access learning in new ways. Not only does this technology ensure all students can access materials, but it also taps into the myriad ways that students learn to meet the needs of everyone.