MODULE #2 (BED) : CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY TOOLS & TRENDS - Educational Technology

MODULE #2 (BED) : CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY TOOLS & TRENDS

What is Classroom Technology?

Technology integration is the use of technology resources -- computers, mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, social media platforms and networks, software applications, the Internet, etc. -- in daily classroom practices, and in the management of a school.

When technology integration is at its best, a child or a teacher doesn't stop to think that he or she is using a technology tool -- it is second nature. And students are often more actively engaged in projects when technology tools are a seamless part of the learning process.

ref :https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-description

21ST C TOOL : INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD: 21ST C TOOL : INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD

An interactive whiteboard (IWB) is a large interactive display in the form factor of a whiteboard. It can either be a standalone touchscreen computer used independently to perform tasks and operations, or a connectable apparatus used as a touch pad to control computers from a projector. They are used in a variety of settings, including classrooms at all levels of education, in corporate board rooms and work groups, in training rooms for professional sports coaching, in broadcasting studios, and others.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images1000x1000/QOMO_HiteVision_QWB100_WS_PS_H_Interactive_Whiteboard_886349.jpg

An interactive whiteboard (IWB) device can either be a standalone computer or a large, functioning touchpad for computers to use.

A device driver is usually installed on the attached computer so that the interactive whiteboard can act as a Human Input Device (HID), like a mouse. The computer's video output is connected to a digital projector so that images may be projected on the interactive whiteboard surface.

The user then calibrates the whiteboard image by matching the position of the projected image in reference to the whiteboard using a pointer as necessary. After this, the pointer or other device may be used to activate programs, buttons and menus from the whiteboard itself, just as one would ordinarily do with a mouse. If text input is required, user can invoke an on-screen keyboard or, if the whiteboard software provides for this, utilize handwriting recognition. This makes it unnecessary to go to the computer keyboard to enter text.

Thus, an IWB emulates both a mouse and a keyboard. The user can conduct a presentation or a class almost exclusively from the whiteboard.

In addition, most IWBs are supplied with software that provides tools and features specifically designed to maximize interaction opportunities. These generally include the ability to create virtual versions of paper flipcharts, pen and highlighter options, and possibly even virtual rulers, protractors, and compasses—instruments that would be used in traditional classroom teaching.

Uses for interactive whiteboards may include:

• Running software that is loaded onto the connected PC, such as a web browsers or other software used in the classroom.
• Capturing and saving notes written on a whiteboard to the connected PC
• Capturing notes written on a graphics tablet connected to the whiteboard
• Controlling the PC from the white board using click and drag, markup which annotates a program or presentation
• Using OCR software to translate cursive writing on a graphics tablet into text
• Using an Audience Response System so that presenters can poll a classroom audience or conduct quizzes, capturing feedback onto the whiteboard

Reference :  Poulter, Tony. "Interactive Whiteboards: Research". Interactive Whiteboards. Archived from the original on 31 July 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012.

VISUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY : VIRTUAL REALITY

The definition of virtual reality comes, naturally, from the definitions for both ‘virtual’ and ‘reality’. The definition of ‘virtual’ is near and reality is what we experience as human beings. So the term ‘virtual reality’ basically means ‘near-reality’. This could, of course, mean anything but it usually refers to a specific type of reality emulation.

In technical terms…

Virtual reality is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions.

ref : https://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality/what-is-virtual-reality.html

It is hardly news that the way we teach our kids in schools is going through a digital revolution. What is new however, are the tools teachers now have access to, and how easy it can be to implement VR creation as a part of the class curriculum, in ways that support the study material being taught.

The concept to use VR as an educational tool has been gaining success amongst teachers and students, who apply the medium to a wide range of activities and in a variety of subjects.

Benefits Of Using Virtual Reality In The Classroom :

• VR Can Stop Classroom Smartphone Distraction
• Eliminates Language Barriers
• Outstanding Visualizations
• Social Integration of Students

Reference : https://readwrite.com/2018/03/20/benefits-using-virtual-reality-classroom/

DIGITAL STRATEGIES  : BYOD

In education BYOD/Bring Your Own Device (or BYOT/ Bring Your Own Technology) is commonly used to mean permitting students and/or staff to bring personally owned mobile devices (laptops, netbooks, tablets, smartphones, etc.) into educational institutions and to use those devices to access institutional information, applications and services

Ref : 

http://www.eun.org/documents/411753/817341/BYOD_Technical_guide_full_v7.pdf

The Benefits of BYOD In The Classroom

• Student participation increases.
• Learning becomes student-driven.
• Student collaboration and communication increases.
• Personalized instruction.
• Cost Savings.
• Personalized instruction.

Although it offers some amazing benefits, BYOD comes with its cons. Here’s a sneak peek at the possible problems that this policy might lead to:

• How To Reduce The Distraction?

That’s one of the most important questions to ask as a teacher who is looking to introduce BYOD in the classroom. The electronic devices can be used to perform so many things; no wonder they can be distracting. And, as a teacher, that’s not something you would like to happen in your class. Even if several websites are blocked, students who are quite tech savvy might be able to unblock them and visit them if they wish.

• Security: A Major Issue.

Are the networks of the institutions properly secured? That’s a major question which is going to pop up if BYOD is allowed, as BYOD poses a few security issues. Moving too much data in the BYOD area can result in its theft. This is primarily an issue in offices and commercial organizations; however, it is also important to undertake the necessary steps to ensure safety while implementing BYOD in the educational institutions.

ref : https://elearningindustry.com/using-byod-schools-advantages-disadvantages

 INTERNET TECHNOLOGY : CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud computing is a general term for the delivery of hosted services over the internet.

Cloud computing enables companies to consume a compute resource, such as a virtual machine (VM), storage or an application, as a utility -- just like electricity -- rather than having to build and maintain computing infrastructures in house.

Importance of Cloud Computing In Education Sector

• Diminished Costs: Cloud-based administrations can help institutes decrease costs and quicken the utilization of new innovations to meet developing educational needs. Students can utilize office applications without purchasing, install and stay up with the latest on their PCs. It likewise gives the instructors of Pay per use for a few applications.
• Easy Access: Lesson arranges labs, grades, notes, and PowerPoint slides – pretty much anything computerized that you use in training is effectively transferred.
• Security: Your information, content, data, pictures – anything you store in the cloud normally requires verification (ID and secret word, for instance) – so it is not effectively available for anybody.
• Share-ability: Cloud computing opens up a universe of new conceivable outcomes for students, particularly the individuals who are not served well by customary training frameworks.  With cloud computing, one can reach more and more diverse, students.

Ref : https://www.esds.co.in/blog/importance-of-cloud-computing-in-education-sector/#sthash.KCKWkGgE.dpbs

 21ST C TREND : OER - OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Often cited is the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation term which defines OER as:

teaching, learning, and research resources that reside in the public domain or have been released under an intellectual property license that permits their free use and re-purposing by others. Open educational resources include full courses, course materials, modules, textbooks, streaming videos, tests, software, and any other tools, materials, or techniques used to support access to knowledge.

ref : "2012 Paris OER Declaration". www.unesco.org. Retrieved 2017-12-05

Benefit of OER ;

Educators:

• Can use affordable (mostly free) learning resources;
• Can have updated content;
• Are able to translate resources into other languages;
• Can broaden access to learning, 
• Publicly funded resources are available to the public

Learners can benefit from:

• enhanced quality and flexibility of resources;
• Seeing/applying knowledge in a wider context than their course would otherwise allow;
• freedom of access and enhanced opportunities for learning;
• support for learner-centred, self-directed, peer-to-peer and social/informal learning approaches;
• authentic or 'real-life' learning experiences through OER that link to employer or professional sector activities, and so forth.

ref : http://www.teaching-learning.utas.edu.au/content-and-resources/open-educational-resources/benefits-of-open-educational-practices-and-resources

Conclusion :

    Technology has the ability to enhance relationships between teachers and students. When teachers effectively integrate technology into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun

    More and more studies show that technology integration in the curriculum improves students' learning processes and outcomes. Teachers who recognize computers as problem-solving tools change the way they teach. ... Another reason for technology integration is the necessity of today's students to have 21st century skills.