Benefits of Technology in the Classroom      

As we sail through the 21 st  century, technology in the classroom is becoming more

and more predominant. Tablets are replacing our textbooks, and we can research just

about anything that we want to on our smartphones. Social media has become

commonplace, and the way we use technology has completely transformed the way

we live or lives. 

Educators, too, have seen firsthand the benefits of technology in the classroom.

According to a study by IT Trade Association CompTIA just released this month,

around 75 percent of educators think that technology has a positive impact in the

education process. Educators also recognize the importance of developing these

technological skills in students so they will be prepared to enter the workforce once

they complete their schooling.

 The impact that technology has had on today’s schools has been quite significant.

This widespread adoption of technology has completely changed how teachers teach

and students learn. Teachers are learning how to teach with emerging technologies

(tablets, iPads, Smart Boards, digital cameras, computers), while students are using

advanced technology to shape how they learn. By embracing and integrating

technology in the classroom, we are setting our students up for a successful life

outside of school. Here are a few benefits of using it.

Technology in the Classroom Makes Learning More Fun

According to the study mentioned above, students prefer technology because they

believe that it makes learning more interesting and fun. They especially like laptops

and tablets. Subjects that students deem challenging or boring can become more

interesting with virtual lessons, through a video, or when using a tablet.

Technology Prepares Students for the Future

CompTIA’s study showed that 9 out of 10 students indicated that using technology in

the classroom would help prepare them for the digital future. These 21 st -century skills

are essential in order to be successful in this day and age. Jobs that may not have had

a digital component in the past, may have one now. Education isn’t just about

memorizing facts and vocabulary words, it’s about solving complex problems and

being to collaborate with others in the workforce. Ed-tech in the classroom prepares

students for their future and sets them up for this increasing digital economy.

Improved Retention Rate

Student perceptions in the study believe that technology helps them retain information

better. According to different a study, these students may be on to something.

Eighteen 2nd grade students were challenged to complete a Power Point project about

an animal. Sixteen out of the 18 students remembered more facts about the animal

after completing the presentation. These results show that technology indeed helps

students remember what they learn.

Technology Helps Students Learn at Their Own Pace

Today’s technology enables students to learn at their own pace. For example, almost

all apps allow for individualized instruction. Students can learn according to their

abilities and needs. This form of teaching is also great for the teacher because it gives

him/her the time to work individually with students who may be struggling.

Technology Connects with Students

Technology occupies an important place within students’ lives. When they are not in

school, just about everything that they do is connected in some way to technology. By

integrating technology into the classroom, teachers are changing the way they used to

teach (lectures six hours a day) and providing students with the tools that will take

them into the 21 st  century.

Technology changes by the minute, and as educators we need to keep up with the

times in order to best prepare our students for this ever-changing world that we live in.

While we just saw how integrating technology into the classroom has its benefits, it’s

important to note that traditional learning processes are just as essential. Take time to

learn about each element of ed-tech that you will incorporate into your classroom.

When you do, you will find that technology can have a profound impact on your

students learning.

Do you embrace technology in your classroom? What benefits do you think

technology has for your classroom? Feel free to share with us in the comment

section below. We would love to hear your thoughts.

Janelle Cox is an education writer who uses her experience and knowledge to provide

creative and original writing in the field of education. Janelle holds a Master's of

Science in Education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. She is

also the Elementary Education Expert for About.com, as well as a contributing writer

to TeachHUB.com and TeachHUB Magazine. You can follow her at

Twitter @Empoweringk6ed, or on Facebook at Empowering K6 Educators.