Article posted on Aug 26, 2019
Educators have been using audiovisual (AV) technology in the classroom for decades, from audio clips and musical pieces to video and DVD. But in recent years, opportunities for using AV in schools have expanded significantly. Here are three reasons why educators should be regularly using audiovisual for teaching.
Traditionally, lessons have involved a mixture of lecturing and reading. Unless the subject is particularly interesting or the teacher is very engaging, these kinds of methods are not the best choices for helping most students to retain information. It’s now widely accepted that people have different ways of learning best.
The three overall learning styles are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Depending on which style suits a particular person, they will learn best by seeing, hearing, or touching and moving. In a classroom with audiovisual aids, there is more potential for all of these methods to be used.
Interactive whiteboards are increasingly popular and are a good example of useful AV technology in the classroom. As well as providing plenty of options for visual and auditory learning, the interactive element means students can use the board like a touchscreen. This works well for students who prefer the hands-on, kinesthetic style of learning.
The phrase “a change is as good as a rest” applies well to classroom learning. Students quickly become tired and disengaged when lessons are monotonous, and this results in lower levels of information retention.
By breaking classes up into varied sections, educators can keep the attention of students and ensure they take on board as much information as possible. Using AV technology in the classroom allows for a good amount of variety during a lesson.
That doesn’t mean teachers need to turn every class into an audiovisual sensation like being at a stadium concert, but AV should be integrated into classrooms alongside more traditional methods of learning.
Using audiovisual technology is already the norm in most areas of work. Office presentations use audiovisual aids, and video conferencing is replacing traditional meetings.
AV technology in schools is not only for the use of educators. Students can use the technology themselves for presentations and group work.
Collaborating remotely on projects is also an integral part of modern work, and anyone entering the workplace will be expected to be familiar with online collaboration. By introducing students to AV technology from a young age, educators can prepare them for what to expect when they enter employment.
At Advanced Sound and Communication, we offer everything you need to turn your learning space into a smart classroom.Our experts can advise on the most suitable AV equipment for a classroom, as well as offering installation, demonstration, and servicing. Contact us today to learn more.