Classroom Technology: How it's Changed

Technology: How it changed the classroom

Technology has always been a vital part of our lives, and this has been no exception within the classroom. Starting with the pen and paper, progressing to the desktop computer and now to the mobile tablet, technology is an important part of how we all learn new subjects and skills. Together with GPS Installations, specialists in public address system installations, we take a look at how technology has transformed the classroom experience throughout the years.

The 20th-century Technology Boom

By projecting images within the classroom through analogue projectors, technology provided a visual aid to our learning. First introduced in 1925, the Filmstrip Projector had immediate impact on the classroom, helping students visualise the subject.

The radio and the mimeograph were also tools that could be used in the classroom to help young people learn. Introduced in 1940, the mimeograph allowed teachers to copy and distribute educational materials to students, while the radio could be used to transit lessons to other classrooms in other areas.

The slide ruler, also known as an old-fashioned ruler, was also popularised most notably in America. Replacing the mimeograph as a more efficient alternative, the photocopier was also used to help speed up and quantify the distribution of educational materials.

Here are some of the most notable examples of technologies that have developed the way classes are taught:

• Although it did not become popular within classrooms for another ten years, the calculator was introduced in this decade.
• Personal computers were starting to be introduced and learners could use them to help improve their knowledge of a particular subject.
• While replacing traditional blackboards with interactive whiteboards, desktop computers were also becoming prevalent within most households, helping students to complete homework tasks on office-based packages.

Moving Into Digital

Technology in the 20^th century quickly became more enhanced, with many technological advances happening within a short space of time. However, with the rise of smartphones, YouTube, tablets and laptops – no one has experienced such dramatic technological changes as those living in the 21^st century. Considered the digital revolution, integrating smart technologies into the classroom has changed the way educators teach and how students learn.

Overall, research has suggested that the responses by teachers has overall been positive regarding technology. In the US, 86% claimed that technology was an essential part of a student’s education. Furthermore, 92% felt that they could have more technology within their classroom to help the quality of their educational delivery improve.

As a result of smart technologies being used in the classroom, many students and teachers feel as though they can make a cost saving, whilst believing that smart technologies have improved the quality of lessons. eBooks and other digital-based learning materials are 33 – 35% cheaper than their physical alternatives. Increasing students’ opportunities to learn, tablets and other interactive digital devices have improved literacy and numeracy skills.

Some within the industry still believe that digital technologies are in fact a classroom distraction, even though many believe that they have improved lessons drastically. This is because children can be distracted by social media apps and other interactive games when they should be learning. In a study conducted by A Common Sense Media, it was reported that 71% of teaching staff felt that a student’s attention span had been compromised by smart devices such as mobiles and tablets.

What this suggests is that as digital technologies have been adopted into our classrooms, we still haven’t found the correct balance between utilising digital technologies as a source for quality education, while limiting their use to ensure they don’t become a distraction.

Ensuring that quality education and best practice is delivered at all times is imperative. This is why the digital revolution has benefited the classroom – even though its impact has been received both positively and negatively. If education institutions can get the balance right between interaction and distraction, there is no reason why digital technologies can’t transform the learning capabilities of young people.

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