Teachers are continuing to integrate technology into their classrooms where possible. However, choosing this technology is a rather selective process. After all, not all technology is as useful as the next. With this in mind, what technologies can we expect to be implemented in classrooms this year?

Why Is Technology Important in the Classroom?

There are a few different reasons why technology is important to implement in the classroom. For one, teachers often watch students be pulled away from lessons by phones, tablets, laptops, and more. Instead of trying to fight against these technologies, though, many teachers are finding that working with technology is much more effective.

Technology has also changed what and how teachers need to teach. Once upon a time, teachers hammered home that students wouldn’t have calculators in their pocket when teaching math. Now, students have the power of entire computers with them almost always. They can turn not only to calculators when studying but search engines full of answers and even more in-depth tools such as an essay writing platform.

Technology has forever changed and will continue to change not only how students learn, but how they operate in everyday life beyond academics. While it alone can’t replace teachers, it can be a useful to elevate a classroom.

3D Printing

3D printing is something that’s been getting attention for a few years now. While it was in a promising yet imperfect form when it was first introduced, it’s come a long way. Now, it shows potential as a more commonly used learning tool.

With a 3D printer, teachers can create 3D models of almost anything they want to teach. It’s also a good tool for engineering students to create prototypes of ideas they have. Even for young children, printing 3D creations for show-and-tell can be exciting and engaging.

Biometrics and Eye-Tracking

Biometrics have been a hot topic as of late, especially in security industries. One tool that has gone beyond security is the use of eye-tracking. For example, this has been used in advertising to see how well certain aspects of an advertisement catch consumer attention.

Eye-tracking can be used in the classroom to observe which parts of a lesson students pay attention to and where they tune out. With this information, teachers can design more effective lesson plans for the future.

Games and Virtual Reality

From the days of Pong, video games have come a long way. Now, games can be hyperrealistic to the point of virtual reality.

The subject matter of games is also broader now. Instead of simple puzzles, they can be used to teach more complex matters. For instance, instead of playing a game to learn how to count, students can use games that will help them with more layered topics such as learning how to interact with others.

What’s the importance of this? Well, games in the classroom aren’t just an excuse for a day off. Instead, they can be used to draw students into the heart of a lesson in which they are participant rather than an observer. For many, this can lead to a higher absorption of information.

While technologies like virtual reality are often thought of when it comes to games, they have a wider potential application. One of the most interesting uses for them in the classroom is to use them as virtual field trips related to the lesson at hand.

Conclusion

Technology is constantly moving forward and only makes sense that the modern classroom has to work to keep up. Luckily, many of these new technologies offer not only convenience but a world of potential.

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