A Teacher's Guide for Using Technology in the Classroom

Written by Sasha Blakeley

A Teacher's Guide for Using Technology in the Classroom

The use of technology in the classroom is currently a major topic of discussion among educators. Should technology be integrated into the curriculum? What kind of technology? How often? How would using technology enrich the educational experience? These are important questions, and many do not have straightforward answers. The integration of technology in the classroom can raise questions about ethics and students' ability to focus, not to mention questions about the budget. The challenges of these questions make it necessary to discuss this topic and find meaningful solutions for teachers. Those currently studying to become teachers may find that these questions come up on their licensing exams, like the PRAXIS test or the TExES exam, indicating just how important the question of technology is becoming in modern education.

Types of Technology in the Classroom

Many types of technology are available when it comes to learning with technology. This teacher guide will cover many options available, from relatively inexpensive and accessible technology to much more advanced options. It is worth noting that for many teachers, integrating technology into everyday learning is simply beyond what is possible because of budgetary constraints. Technology is expensive, particularly individualized technology for each student. While discussions around adding technology to the classroom are becoming more common, it is noteworthy to understand that not all classrooms are in a position to have this conversation in the first place. The following pieces of technology are some of the resources teachers can draw upon if they have access to them.

Technology	Use in the Classroom
Laptops	Laptops can be a great way to allow students to access online or software-based content. Some classrooms can supply personal laptops for each student, while others may have a few laptops that students can use in groups. Some schools have dedicated computer rooms for one class to use at a time. The versatility of laptops means that this technology can allow students to do research, complete typing programs, collaborate on projects, or even participate in school remotely, as many teachers and students are now familiar with.
Smartboards	Smartboards are large screens that function like interactive digital whiteboards. They can be connected to a computer to display a web page for all students to see. They can also allow teachers to draw on them, give multimedia presentations, or play videos for students. Smartboards are becoming more common, but it is important to remember that some functions can be replicated manually with a whiteboard and a projector.
Tablets	Tablets are small, laptop-like devices that usually have touch screens and fewer capabilities than laptops or desktop computers. They can be ideal for students because they are more cost-effective than laptops and more easily transported between home and school. Students may use tablets to take notes during class, write assignments, do their own research, or even create art. Tablets can connect to the internet, though depending on how they are set up, they can also be restricted to offline use. Teachers can choose how they would like these devices to be utilized to serve student needs in the classroom best.
Augmented reality (AR)	AR is a relatively new technology that uses a camera and a screen, usually from a tablet or phone, to create an overlay of the real world. An AR program could, for instance, overlay historical information onto a city so that students going for a walk could learn about each location through technology along the way. AR can also help students understand scale: an AR program could overlay a dinosaur onto the schoolyard, allowing students to see how large it would have been in real life. AR is still essentially in its infancy, but its prominence is growing.
Learning software	A lot of software is designed specifically to help students learn particular skills. Most of the time, students can access these programs either through their own computers or tablets or through computers provided by the school. Some software may help students practice their reading or typing skills. Some might be designed to simulate a specific physics phenomenon or allow students to explore a digital model of the solar system. This can be a helpful way for teachers to supplement their lessons.
Online platforms	In addition to software available for download, some teachers may use online platforms designed to help students learn. These platforms include those used to facilitate distance learning, forums for students to discuss class materials together, or online series of educational videos. It is always vital for teachers to verify the quality of online platforms before using them with students to ensure that they will add to, not detract from, learning objectives.
Apps	Apps can be downloaded onto phones and tablets. They can be a great way to help students learn outside of class time. Some teachers who focus on teaching students a second language may encourage them to download language-learning apps for extra credit or as a supplement to in-class lessons. Many of these apps use gamification to make learning more fun for students, which can be very helpful.

One very common piece of technology is not listed here: students' smartphones. It is becoming increasingly common for students, including very young students, to have access to smartphones that they likely bring to school with them. While many kinds of technology can be beneficial in the classroom, most teachers would regard students' phones as a significant detriment to the learning experience. That is because they can distract students and are not typically used to further the curriculum. Trying to prevent students from texting or playing games on their phones during class hours can be an uphill battle for many teachers, as many ask students to leave phones in their bags during class time or temporarily confiscate phones from students using them instead of focusing on work. Phones may be able to be more positively integrated into classrooms in the future, but for the time being, they cause more problems for teachers and students than they solve.

How to Choose a Platform

A lot of educational technology may look very engaging, well-designed, and appealing for teachers seeking new options for their students. However, not all classroom technology is created equal. When deciding which technologies to share with students, teachers should ask themselves several questions, including:

Will this piece of technology save time?
Will students be able to understand how to use this technology?
Does this technology require students to pay for a download or a subscription?
Does this technology require internet access to function? If so, do all students have reliable internet access outside of school?
Will this app improve engagement?
Is the educational content in this technology aligned with the class learning outcomes?

It is often a good idea for teachers to test out a piece of technology thoroughly before introducing it to the classroom environment. Technical difficulties as teachers and students struggle to understand a new technology can be frustrating for everyone and can slow things down instead of making them more efficient. It can be easy to get excited about the potential new technology has for students; however, it is essential to take things slow and ensure that the technology will actually help, rather than hinder, students' progress.

Benefits of Learning with Technology

Teaching with technology has many benefits for those with access to these resources. Using technology to improve the learning experience can take some of the pressure off of teachers to be the only source of information and engagement available in the classroom. The integration of technology in the classroom is often popular with students because of its novelty. Some of the primary benefits of including technology in the classroom are outlined below.

Technology can be Engaging

One of the great things about educational technology is that it is often attention-grabbing. When technology uses gamification or compelling graphics to get learning objectives across to students, the result is often increased engagement on the part of students. Having the opportunity to play a game on a laptop is a fun prospect, whereas learning to type on a keyboard might not be. Competing to get a high score on a leaderboard can be exciting, but learning Spanish vocabulary might sound less inspiring. Of course, technology is by no means a substitute for in-class learning, but it can bring a sense of balance and novelty to the curriculum that can help get students excited about learning. When technology is used to illustrate complex concepts that are difficult for teachers to draw or verbally describe, it can also help students develop a stronger understanding of those concepts than they might have otherwise had.

Technology Supports Individual Learning

Every student learns differently, and technology can make it easier for all students to get to grips with the class material. Some students might find that they can retain information more effectively if they play a short online game to reinforce the concepts. Some students might find it difficult to write notes by hand but might discover they are faster and more efficient if they are allowed to type notes on a tablet. Technology can fill in gaps outside of the classroom, too; teachers might assign students different work on an app or a piece of software to fill in gaps in their understanding. Some students might use technology as a form of remedial studying, while others could use the same technology for enrichment if they are more advanced learners.

Technology Skills are Important

There is no way around it; the world is becoming increasingly reliant on digital technologies. For young people growing up today, it is essential to understand how to use technology safely and effectively. Getting the opportunity to use technology in the classroom also means using technology with teacher supervision, which can help students learn about digital security and the potential risks associated with technology use. It can be tempting for some teachers to dismiss technology as a distraction and a detriment to student learning, but bringing technology into the classroom can allow students to find productive ways to use these tools.

Teaching with Technology Successfully

There are many ways to use technology in the classroom, and some are more effective than others. Some teachers have started using laptops or smartboards to create virtual field trips, which can be beneficial for students to have a novel learning experience if they are engaged in distance learning. Many museums, art galleries, and other cultural centers have created online virtual tours of their spaces. These tours can be accessed online or through specialized software. With these virtual field trips, teachers and students can explore new places and learn about them without even traveling there. Virtual field trips are not a substitute for actual field trips, but they can significantly expand the boundaries of what students can experience without visiting another city or country.

Some teachers may also have students use learning apps during individual work time or as an activity for those who finish their assignments early. This is a practical way to give students something productive to do while remaining integrated with the class environment. Online learning and online homework assignments are also becoming more common. When asking students to complete homework assignments online, it is always critical for teachers to work with their class to explain good online research practices, how to cite sources correctly, and more. Teaching with technology is largely about getting to know a particular class's needs and experiences so that everyone is on the same page about how best to use technology for educational purposes.

Meeting Diverse Student Needs

Many pieces of educational technology can be used specifically to support students with diverse learning needs. Some technologies are designed to make it easier for students to communicate. These can include text-to-speech software, hearing aids, and communication boards for students with a wide range of disabilities. Students with motor control disabilities may benefit from being able to type assignments instead of writing them by hand. English language learners (ELLs) may benefit from translation technology or apps and software designed to help them improve their English skills. Students with dyslexia can benefit from audiobooks, games, and tools aimed at improving their reading and writing skills. Students who are advanced in one or more areas can use technology to explore their interests and prevent school from becoming boring or tedious.

It is a good idea for teachers to be aware of all of these kinds of technology. All teachers will work with students who have diverse needs such as learning disabilities, and knowing what kinds of technology can help make those students' school experiences more positive and inclusive is crucial for helping all students succeed. Technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a wide range of tools and opportunities that can be adapted to the needs of each student and each classroom.

Tips for the Integration of Technology into the Classroom

When working with technology in the classroom, there are a few things that teachers should be sure to consider.

Establish Clear Rules: The first is the establishment of clear rules surrounding technology. Teachers may want to start the school year by explaining their policy on cell phone use. Are phones ever allowed in class? What are the consequences for students who use their phones during lessons? Why are these rules in place? When teachers can explain their policy clearly like this, they will be better able to ensure that students agree and understand their reasoning. When discussing technology rules, it is always important to leave space for students to ask questions to prevent future misunderstandings.
Discuss Ethics: It is also vital for teachers to go over some ethical issues with students regarding online work. They will need to discuss what online plagiarism is (including using an AI to write an assignment), why it is wrong, and what the consequences are for engaging in plagiarism. Students also need to understand how to find verifiable research sources and how to ensure that the information they have found is accurate.
Cover Internet Security: When working with any software or platform that requires students to have a personal account, teachers should ensure that students know how to create a secure password, how and why to keep their password private, why they should not reuse passwords for multiple sites and more.

It would be overly simplistic to say that using technology in the classroom is just good or bad. Technology can be expensive, inaccessible, clunky, poorly designed, distracting, and ultimately a hindrance to student learning. On the other hand, it can also be engaging, fun, educational, time-saving, and a way for students to understand how the world works. It all comes down to how technology is used in the classroom. Teachers should carefully consider what kinds of technology they can access and what kinds of technology could be beneficial. They should always communicate clearly with students about their expectations surrounding technology and the risks associated with misusing these tools. Technological advances are not going anywhere, but they can make a positive difference in the experiences of teachers and students.

How do you integrate technology in the classroom?

There are many ways to integrate technology into the classroom. Some teachers may make use of tablets and apps, while others might have access to smartboards or laptops.
What is an example of technology integration in a lesson?

An example of technology integration is a virtual field trip to a natural history museum during a class about dinosaurs. Being able to explore a museum without actually traveling there can enrich students' learning.
What should a teacher consider when using technology?

Teachers should always consider student safety when using technology. They should talk to students about how to use technology, including creating secure passwords, avoiding plagiarism, and more.