Remember the days when technology was not greatly supported by many education institutions? Many educators are not entirely a fan of incorporating technology in the classroom as it poses as a distraction to most of the students and it adds complexity to the learning process. Follow Trish, Senior Marketing Executive to find out the technologies that educators need to facilitate a more effective learning environment for students...
Learning processes are slowly changing over the years due to a wide range of external factors such as advancement in technology and also the recent COVID-19 issue. Thus, many schools are slowly providing students with laptops and tablets to facilitate a more effective learning for students. However, as educators, what technology do we need to facilitate a more effective learning experience for the students?
Here are some technologies that would benefit an educator:
1. Interactive Whiteboard
Say goodbye to traditional whiteboards and markers! Interactive Whiteboards are now the new ‘’in’’ thing for many educational institutions. A study conducted by National Engineering Research Center for E-Learning has found that using interactive whiteboards in the teaching environment helps to empower students with 21st-century skills and create new learning opportunities that facilitate problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration among students and educators. With such technology in the classroom, it bounds to spark students’ interest and increase their enthusiasm in learning. For example, Microsoft Surface Hub 2S, an interactive whiteboard that was designed to facilitate collaboration between students and teachers or even colleagues and clients, enables educators to share text, images, or even audio files while teaching. Students are able to scribble notes on the interactive whiteboards which help to facilitate engagement. Microsoft Surface Hubs 2S enables educators to record lessons and with just a click, they are able to access their file on OneDrive directly on the Surface Hubs 2S.
Surface Hub 2S comes with a Mobile stand that allows the educator or students to present, share ideas and collaborate anywhere. It comes in 2 sizes, 50 inches (available) and 85 inch (up on preorder).
(courtesy of Microsoft: Microsoft Surface Hub 2S | Microsoft Whiteboard Experience)
2. Visualisers (Document Camera- Visualiser)
Visualisers have long existed since the 1970s but with the advanced technology in this century, they are now packed with additional functions and comes with a sleek design. Visualisers are often used in most school settings as a way to project non-digital resources such as historical documents, maps, and even photos. A study done by Becta has found that visualizers are beneficial for educators as it helps to demonstrate intricate skills to the entire class and it can be used intuitively throughout the lesson, complementing the existing teaching practice. Moreover, visualizers give the opportunity for students to share their work with the rest of the class easily and it also enables the educator to share scarce resources such as a single copy of a book with the entire class.
One of the most sought-after visualizers in the market for educators is the ELMO MX-P2. Serving as both a visualizer and a webcam, educators can conduct and record virtual classes at ease as MX-P2 delivers the smooth, trust-to-life, high quality with no delay. It comes with a built-in microphone for educators to communicate with the students clearly in virtual classrooms. The MX-P2 is lightweight and portable which makes it easier for educators to bring it on the go.
(courtesy of ELMO: Full video here: Remote Teaching with MX-P2)
3. Video Conferencing Tools and Software
By now, everyone would be familiar with Zoom, a video conferencing software that has gained popularity in 2020 during the massive pandemic lockdown around the world. With the increased usage of Zoom for meetings, virtual events, and webinars, many education institutions are moving to Zoom to conduct lessons for students.
Zoom enables educators to annotate on student’s screen share and also on their own screen share, which is convenient as educators can interject and begin marking up screens in response to the work that is being shared. Collaboration is also made easy with the whiteboard function as it allows educators and students to collectively brainstorm ideas with the pen or text box. Furthermore, Zoom has the capacity to hold up to 1000 participants in the virtual lessons.
Demonstration of Zoom’s online whiteboard (picture courtesy if heyhi)
Future of Technology in the Education
Educators around the world are slowly integrating technology as a part of their teaching process. As said by Heidi-Hayes Jacobs, International Education Leader, “Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought or an event.”. The presence of technology in the classroom will help to increase engagement between students and teachers which is a key factor in the learning process. Without a doubt, technology will definitely shape the education industry.
Want to find out more about Microsoft Surface Hub 2S, ELMO MX-P2, and Zoom? Contact us now at esco@esco.com.sg.