Integrating ICT into classroom has immense benefits to
the learners as well as the teachers. Following are some of the main benefits
of using technology in the classroom.
Improves engagement
When technology is integrated into
lessons, students will be more interested in the subjects they are
studying. Technology provides different opportunities to make learning more fun
and enjoyable in terms of teaching same things in new ways. For instance,
delivering teaching through gamification, taking students on virtual field
trips and using other online learning resources. What is more, technology can
encourage a more active participation in the learning process which can be hard
to achieve through a traditional lecture environment.
Improves knowledge retention
Students who are engaged and interested in things they
are studying, are expected to have a better knowledge retention. As mentioned
before, technology can help to encourage active participation in the classroom
which also is a very important factor for increased knowledge retention.
Different forms of technology can be used to experiment with and decide what
works best for students in terms of retaining their knowledge.
Encourages individual learning
No one learns in the same way because of different
learning styles and different abilities. Technology provides great
opportunities for making learning more effective for everyone with different
needs. For example, students can learn at their own speed, review
difficult concepts or skip ahead if they need to. What is more, technology can
provide more opportunities for struggling or disabled students. Access to the
Internet gives students access to a broad range of resources to conduct research
in different ways, which in turn can increase the engagement.
Encourages collaboration
Students can practice collaboration skills by getting
involved in different online activities. For instance, working on different
projects by collaborating with others on forums or by sharing documents on
their virtual learning environments. Technology can encourage collaboration
with students in the same classroom, same school and even with other classrooms
around the world.
Students can learn useful life skills through technology
By using technology in the classroom, both teachers and
students can develop skills essential for the 21st century. Students can gain
the skills they will need to be successful in the future. Modern learning is
about collaborating with others, solving complex problems, critical thinking,
developing different forms of communication and leadership skills, and
improving motivation and productivity. What is more, technology can help
develop many practical skills, including creating presentations, learning to
differentiate reliable from unreliable sources on the Internet, maintaining
proper online etiquette, and writing emails. These are very important skills
that can be developed in the classroom.
Benefits for teachers
With countless online resources, technology can help
improve teaching. Teachers can use different apps or trusted online resources
to enhance the traditional ways of teaching and to keep students more engaged.
Virtual lesson plans, grading software and online assessments can help teachers
save a lot time. This valuable time can be used for working with students who
are struggling. What is more, having virtual learning environments in schools
enhances collaboration and knowledge sharing between teachers.
