Part 1 of a three-part blog series discussing technology’s role in schools, specifically the impact on educators and administrators.
As we enter 2020, the power of technology in the classroom continues to grow. New tools can provide a means to determine the effectiveness of the lesson, access to different materials, and cost savings for districts. Managed IT serves as the backbone to this technology, so your teachers are supported and inspired. The following points give some examples:
1. Improve Quality of Education and Discussion
IT gives teachers the opportunity to assess individual students’ progress and focus on trouble areas. For example, digital exercises/testing can measure correctness, but also the time spent on each question. With a clear picture of each student’s capacity, educators can adjust their speed or approach to the subject.
According to The Teaching Forum, “as more technology [is introduced] into the classroom, faculty are finding it raises the quality of class discussion and involves students much more deeply in their own education.” Teachers can post homework online, enabling students to prepare for questions the following day.
This method of “connected teaching” is backed by an IT infrastructure, which shifts the traditional teacher talks/student listens approach to include more participation. A managed network supports video, audio, and other interactive technologies.
2. Differentiate Methods and Increase Access to Knowledge
It’s more than just books and chalkboards today. Not everyone absorbs information the same way, so multi-media can help teachers better reach those that learn differently. For example, a high school history class uses news clips from YouTube to study political trends. Or digital models give architecture majors the ability to manipulate designs in 3D. Tools that present content in entertaining ways are more likely to encourage interest and critical thinking versus memorization and repetition.
Additionally, there’s no textbook in the world that contains all the information about a subject – but the Internet does. Online resources, in conjunction with course material and teacher expertise, can accelerate learning and improve the quality of accessible material. Partnering with a Managed IT provider allows Districts to use Cloud-hosted databases, high-speed connections, and 24/7 support to store and access their digital resource library.
3. Administrative Cost Savings
Managed IT is a large investment, but one that can ultimately save schools money. Virtual labs, electronic homework/books, and digital learning software can be used repeatedly with less wear and tear than physical supplies. Tech can also improve productivity with automation, thereby saving teachers’ time. These processes can reduce repetitive tasks such as correcting homework or recording grades. Communication is also made more efficient with IT. Using Desktop as a Service, administration can establish dialogue with parents from a central dashboard.
Why do people become teachers? To give kids the tools they need to be successful after leaving. IT is proving to be a powerful ally for schools, as children are taught to be comfortable using technology that they will eventually need in the workforce. Starting from a young age, teachers can instill a passion for learning and the ability to use IT to support it.
Setting up IT for your school is easier than you think. Click here – https://www.iserv.net/get-started/ – to start a conversation with one of our experts.