The Five Best Ways to Use Technology in the Classroom

1) Use Technology To Aid In Instructional Delivery

Using technology to aid in instructional delivery allows for the teacher to save time when organizing lesson plans and assessing students understanding. Teachers can utilize an assortment of educational media such as videos, online animations ,  and digital presentations to help deliver their lessons. By using technology in the classroom, instructional time is not wasted delivering information "the old fashioned way" and students get a more engaging delivery of class information.

2) Use Technology To Assess Student Learning

In order for learning to take place, it requires students to have an understanding of what they  are learning. Technology offers a variety of assessment tools, such as multiple choice quizzes, open ended response questions and for more in-depth projects – project based curriculum. Teachers can use technology to assess student understanding by creating tests and quizzes online using tools such as Formative, Socratic, and Google Forms. Digital grading tools allow the teacher to save time on grading written work and give them the ability to provide  instantaneous feedback. 

3) Use Technology To Engage Students In The Learning Process

Students love to use technology! As a result, teachers find that students are more engaged when the teacher has incorporated technology into their class instruction. Utilizing software programs such as Gimkit,  Kahoot and Quizizz allows for interactive classroom time where questions can be delivered  to the student in a variety of ways. 

4) Use Technology As A Tool For Differentiation

All students are different learners. They will not learn at the same pace, or in exactly the same way. By utilizing technology to differentiate learning opportunities for students, teachers can ensure that all their students are understanding content at their own level and  in their own way. Technology allows the student to learn in a mode and pace that works for them, such as watching video lectures at their own pace or proceeding through a presentation at their own pace using a tool like Nearpod.

5) Integrate Technology Into Your Curriculum Planning

Integrating technology into curriculum planning is becoming more and more common place. Teachers can use apps such as Google Classroom and  Edmodo to create a digital class roster, post assignments and communicate with their students. Administrators are finding that teachers who can effectively utilize technology in the classroom have higher test scores from their students. 

Technology is transforming the way we learn, and it’s important for educators to stay on top of these trends. The five best ways to use technology in the classroom are just a starting point. The future of education is digital – it's important for educators to adapt to this new way of learning.