5 Pieces You Will Use as a Teacher
It has happened to most people who have attended a lecture; they have been watching the lecturer try to attach their laptop to the main projector, only to become frustrated when it doesn’t work as planned.
While slightly funny, this kind of delay eats into learning time. Therefore, many teachers at all levels are looking for ways to integrate technology into what they teach, to not only help themselves become more familiar with it but also to help their students learn.
So, with that in mind, what are some of the most commonly seen pieces of tech that you may have to learn to use in a classroom environment?
Interactive Whiteboard or Projector
Interactive whiteboards or projectors are essential tools for teachers to deliver engaging and interactive lessons. They allow teachers to project images, videos, and other content on a large screen, making it easier for students to see and follow along. However, as whiteboards that are similar to touchscreens are becoming more commonplace, they are also becoming more sophisticated. In order to keep up, you may need to undertake technology skills for teachers qualification, which will help you learn how to use this tool quickly so as not to disrupt your lessons.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
An LMS is an application that allows teachers to manage and deliver educational content and resources online. Needless to say, since the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, this has become a somewhat mandatory piece of kit to become familiar with for teachers, especially those who teach at the college or university level. With an LMS, teachers can easily create and manage courses, track student progress, and provide feedback and assessments, all with the aid of a computer, thus speeding up the process.
Educational Apps and Software
There are many educational apps and software that teachers can use to enhance their lessons and engage their students. These can include apps for creating and sharing presentations, educational games, and other interactive tools.
One example of an educational app that teachers use is “Kahoot!”. Kahoot! is game-based, as well as a learning platform that allows teachers of all levels of education to create quizzes, surveys, and discussions that students can interact with using their mobile devices. It provides an engaging and interactive way for teachers to assess their students’ knowledge and understanding of a particular topic while also allowing students to compete and have fun in the classroom. Kahoot! has been used by many educators around the world and has been praised for its ability to promote student engagement and motivation in the learning process.
So, it may be worth looking into this app and others to see how they can help you and your students to collaborate and learn.
Student Response Systems
Student response systems, also known as clickers or audience response systems, allow teachers to quickly and easily gather feedback from students during class. This technology can help teachers assess student understanding, adjust their teaching methods, and improve student engagement.
It can also help students to reach out to teachers for help in a setting away from the traditional classroom, which can be beneficial for students who may have anxiety or may feel worried that they do not understand an area that they have been taught.
Video Conferencing Tools
With the rise of distance learning and remote teaching, video conferencing tools have become increasingly important for teachers. These tools allow teachers to hold virtual class sessions, communicate with students and parents, and provide one-on-one support when needed.