The digital age has brought about many changes in the way classes are taught. There are certainly a lot of ways technology has made learning easier, more fun and more interactive. Here are some useful examples of how technology has changed the future of learning:
1. e Texts- gone are the days when you have to tote around heavy books. Some books are even expensive to buy. The “green” alternative is to download the texts in PDF formats to any handheld device. You can have a Kindle, mobile device or iPad and Galaxy Tab. You can choose to print whatever portion of the text you need. You can also open the text as needed but in order to do this, you will need to have an active internet connection. Once you have the file opened, you can skim through the text as often as you like.
2. Virtual Libraries-most online school programs have virtual libraries. This was unheard of a decade ago. Even traditional students use EBSCO Host in college libraries
Distance learners access the same materials as campus students from anywhere in the world. Students quickly build up their own virtual libraries from numerous journal articles just as mobile as e-texts. These are easy to organize and catalogue too.
3. Online School Portals- these virtual campuses come complete with individual rooms for every class. These could significantly change the face of classroom learning.
Some schools have even requested that students take at least one online class. This innovation means that students need not be physically present in class to participate. With the advent of social media, students can still interact with one another for schoolwork or pleasure.
4. Webcams and Teleconferencing-real time webcasts have become a reality in most classrooms with the advent of higher bandwidth. Some schools use this as a supplement to real classroom interaction. Physical interaction is still better to get to know one another better.
Some lectures are repeated often enough that they are now available for download as needed. Students do not need to watch the lectures at the same time and may access the information as required. Downloading is quickly replacing mailed audio and video recording as the preferred media delivery method. Webcams and teleconferencing are changing the way virtual classrooms are conducted nowadays.
5. Mobile Applications and Augmented Reality- Mobile applications may present the biggest challenge to colleges with growing online classes. Augmented Reality (AR) is of growing interest to these schools. It is a cutting-edge technology which allows students to point mobile device cams at objects around them.
Information is captured on the screen and can be viewed effectively. Application of this can be for museum visits or historic tours. This could also be used in astronomy classes for pointing at the constellations. There is no limit to the wonders this application can do.
With these trends in technologically advanced classrooms, students are able to learn more, faster. Children and teens are becoming more tech savvy as each generation passes so tailoring their education to using tech is helping kids! Students can have better access to learning materials and guides to help them with is increasing test scores and graduation rates in schools with advanced tech. It is safe to say that with continued advancements in classrooms parents need to get their graduation announcements ready because their children are getting smarter each day!
