There has been a paradigm shift in the learning environment in the classroom. The way students are learning in today’s world of technology is quite different from the traditional means of education. With the rise of the use of technology in education, a traditional classroom is being converted into a smart classroom to fit the needs of the students.
What is a smart classroom?
- A smart classroom is a technology-enhanced classroom which improves the ways of both learning and teaching using digital assets like audio, video, animations, multimedia, etc.
- A smart classroom makes use of various technological tools such as tablets, laptops, LEDs, projectors, e-textbooks, internet connectivity, speakers, microphones, etc.
- By using technology in the classroom, students are engaged for a longer time in a smart classroom compared to the traditional classroom set up.
These are the benefits offered by a smart classroom for students.
Access information in the online world
- The traditional hardcopies of textbooks are slowly being replaced by ebooks and search engines.
- With the use of technology in the classroom, students can access various online resources to get information quickly and accurately.
- If students get stuck on a particular concept, they can always get help from the educational videos available online rather than wait for help from the teacher.
- Not just students, but teachers can access a huge database of resources and teaching materials such as images, videos, documentaries, presentations, etc., making things easier for them.
Fosters collaboration
- In today’s interconnected world, collaboration is the need of the hour, not just for adults but for students as well.
- With the use of technology in education, it is possible for students studying in one part of the country to hold virtual meetings with students from other schools in the same country or even different countries.
- Tools like Google Classroom, Zoom, and Skype promote improved collaboration between students, allowing them to work on a common project, irrespective of where they are located around the world.
Enhanced learning experience
- Most students in today’s learning environment find the traditional chalk and blackboard method of teaching dull and boring.
- With the help of various technological tools, digital learning has the power and capability to enhance the learning experience of students.
- In the smart classroom, teaching can convert difficult concepts or large texts into images, flowcharts, concept maps, graphs, and animations for better and easier understanding.
- Digital learning helps students retain concepts better rather than memorizing them from a book.
An interactive learning experience
- One of the major drawbacks of traditional classrooms was that students were only passive learners.
- Students learned what teachers used to teach, and most of them forgot what was taught in class by the end of the day.
- A smart classroom creates an interactive session where students not only learn using various smart technologies but also actively participate in the class by asking questions, playing games, participating in quizzes, debates, and discussions.
- A smart classroom can make learning fun and exciting for students.
- A novel concept that is being introduced in the smart classroom is game-based learning, in which the students play games to learn certain learning objectives related to a chapter or topic.
- The implementation of technology in the classroom has made learning fun, interactive, and engaging for students.
- Communication between teachers and students becomes easy and convenient by using technology in the classroom.
Eco-friendly
- A smart classroom makes use of smart gadgets and tools for learning and teaching.
- All the information and data are available digitally, thus eliminating the need for printing and writing.
- With a smart classroom, there is no need for paper, pens, pencils, etc.
- Thus, the use of technology in the classroom saves valuable natural resources and keeps the environment clean, healthy, and green.
supports different learners.
- In the world of education, every student is different, and so are his or her capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Student A may find it easier to grasp concepts, while Student B may need some time.
- With the implementation of technology in the classroom, it is possible for teachers to address diversity in learning within the classroom.
- Various tools help teachers identify the needs of a student based on real-time feedback.
- A smart classroom allows teachers to interact and engage with every student, no matter what their challenges are.
Preparing students for the future
In order to be an effective part of the workforce in the future, it is essential for students to be trained in various tech skills right from a young age.
A smart classroom helps students acquire working knowledge and practical experience of using various technological tools.
All this prepares and trains young minds to be a part of tomorrow’s workforce.
When students hear the word “classroom”, the first thing that comes to their mind is chalk, duster, blackboard, and a lot of studies. However, with the use of technology in education, traditional classrooms have made way for smart classrooms to make learning fun, interactive, and interesting for students. Not just this, but using technology in the classroom empowers teachers to teach effectively.