Long gone are the days of chalk and tablets in our country’s classrooms. Today’s classrooms are not only integrated with technology, many claim that they’re not high-tech enough. Teaching children how to use various forms of technology in the classroom is as important as teaching other traditional subjects. The following are some of the high-tech gadgets currently found in smart classrooms.
The Internet has long been a part of most classrooms, but it has only been fairly recently that the Internet, surfing and web-based applications have become a part of many school district’s curriculum. Many smart classrooms have a high computer to student ratio and students are encouraged not only to safe-surf, but to also create their own web pages and blogs.
Recent advances in computer video and free services such as Skype have allowed the classroom to become global. Smart classrooms collaborate with other classrooms around the world for the sharing of ideas and cultures, and this teaches children how to be global citizens.
The interactive white board is another high-tech tool that is finding its way into classrooms around the country. It functions as a whiteboard, but with a computer attached to it so the information is projected onto the screen via a projector. It is a great brainstorming tool and as a visual learning aid is irreplaceable.
Online applications such as Prezi are taking the classroom by storm. These unique products are allowing educators to present material in innovative and fresh ways meant to capture imaginations and attention spans. Wireless presenters are another neat tool used to capture the attention of students and to facilitate lessons.
The possibilities for technology in the classroom are limitless, hindered only by school budgets and a teacher’s willingness to learn how to integrate these tools into the daily routine. It is, however, imperative that students become familiar with computers as well as how other forms of technology can be integrated into usual applications.