Reinventing the Classroom for the Digital Age

“Teachers will not be replaced by technology; but teachers who do not use technology will be replaced by those who do.”

The redefinition of the classroom environment and the learning techniques used by teachers is in great demand. The interest of students in technology can be used as an opportunity by the teachers to make them learn better. There are different collaborative tools available on the Web that teachers can use.

Reinvent the Classroom:

Teachers can:

• Game-based Learning: Teachers can introduce game-based or quest-based learning programs in the classroom to make learning more fun. This way students would concentrate more on learning and will also get a chance to work in a friendly competitive environment.
• Use Online Academies: Teachers can find the right blend between delivering the traditional style lectures and using tools that facilitate teachers in making the questions more clear to students and can also act as a guide for them. Using these tools would also reduce teachers’ time in order to prepare the lectures and they can focus that time on developing students.
• Introduce Blogging: Teachers can make a blog and interact with students through it during after school hours. They can post questions regarding the lessons and get feedback from students and can also add it into their overall grades.
• Presentations: The teachers can assign research topics to students and ask them to present the findings in the class by using multimedia. This would develop their confidence and interpersonal skills. You can have questions/answers session after the presentation to ensure maximum interaction from the whole class. You can use the PowerPoint presentations for delivering the lecture as well.
• Use of Gadgets during Class: You can allow your students to use technology gadgets in the classroom but can limit its usage time and purpose. For example, you can ask them to read a paper from a certain site and later when they’re done you can ask them to put away their devices. For this purpose, you can use signals like showing them a red card indicating that it’s time to turn back to you.
• Train Innovators: It is essential to know the importance of innovation. If we are interested in creating future innovators then we must give them a proper platform to think and act in that direction. Schools are the best source for that. Teachers should design the curriculum and class culture according to the changing environment. The classroom culture should encourage students to take control of their learning; we should introduce student empowerment in classrooms so that they do not end up messing their future by panicking in practical life. We should push them towards innovation by giving them resources (with the use of technology)