Here are 10 of the top ways having the internet in the classroom can benefit both students and teachers:
Access to more information
One of the biggest advantages is that it gives teachers and students the ability to access all different types of information from resources from across the globe. No longer limited by out-of-date encyclopedias, the anything you want to learn is only a click away.
Teachers also have a lot more resources at their fingertips, which can greatly improve their lesson planning process.
Bridge communication gaps
Having the internet in classrooms can also help teachers avoid communication mishaps. When messages and information are shared digitally, misplaced notes and lost assignment sheets become a thing of the past.
The internet can also improve class community and camaraderie by facilitating communication outside of the classroom. Class websites or blogs can give students the ability to download assignments and materials, talk with other students, and share their work. Email and messaging can also make it easier for students to ask questions after hours, instead of having to wait until the next day and risk forgetting the question.
This type of communication is also great for parents who can receive updates and reminders digitally. Instead of having to dig through their kid’s backpack after school to make sure they haven’t missed an important note from the teacher they can just check their email or class website.
Enjoy virtual field trips
With the internet in the classroom, students have the ability to take virtual field trips – without ever having to leave the school. For example, students who are studying animals of Africa, the Great Pyramids in Egypt, or the Great Wall of China can watch videos or take virtual tours of these places without even leaving their seats.
Improves engagement
When technology is integrated into lessons, students are expected to be more interested in the subjects they are studying. Technology provides different opportunities to make learning more fun and enjoyable in terms of teaching same things in new ways. For instance, delivering teaching through gamification, taking students on virtual field trips and using other online learning resources. What is more, technology can encourage a more active participation in the learning process which can be hard to achieve through a traditional lecture environment.
Improves knowledge retention
Students who are engaged and interested in things they are studying, are expected to have a better knowledge retention. As mentioned before, technology can help to encourage active participation in the classroom which also is a very important factor for increased knowledge retention. Different forms of technology can be used to experiment with and decide what works best for students in terms of retaining their knowledge.
Encourages individual learning
No one learns in the same way because of different learning styles and different abilities. Technology provides great opportunities for making learning more effective for everyone with different needs. For example, students can learn at their own speed, review difficult concepts or skip ahead if they need to. What is more, technology can provide more opportunities for struggling or disabled students. Access to the Internet gives students access to a broad range of resources to conduct research in different ways, which in turn can increase the engagement.
Encourages collaboration
Students can practice collaboration skills by getting involved in different online activities. For instance, working on different projects by collaborating with others on forums or by sharing documents on their virtual learning environments. Technology can encourage collaboration with students in the same classroom, same school and even with other classrooms around the world.
Students can learn useful life skills through technology
By using technology in the classroom, both teachers and students can develop skills essential for the 21st century. Students can gain the skills they will need to be successful in the future. Modern learning is about collaborating with others, solving complex problems, critical thinking, developing different forms of communication and leadership skills, and improving motivation and productivity. What is more, technology can help develop many practical skills, including creating presentations, learning to differentiate reliable from unreliable sources on the Internet, maintaining proper online etiquette, and writing emails. These are very important skills that can be developed in the classroom.
Benefits for teachers
With countless online resources, technology can help improve teaching. Teachers can use different apps or trusted online resources to enhance the traditional ways of teaching and to keep students more engaged. Virtual lesson plans, grading software and online assessments can help teachers save a lot time. This valuable time can be used for working with students who are struggling. What is more, having virtual learning environments in schools enhances collaboration and knowledge sharing between teachers.
Assignment convenience and flexibility
It is well documented that students have different learning styles. Access to assignments online after hours can give students the ability to complete assignments on their own timetable. Having a way for students to study or submit assignments from home can greatly help students who suffer from test anxiety or have difficulty concentrating in a busy classroom.
E-rate discount program
All students and teachers should be able to experience the benefits listed above. Although not all schools have the same budgets and resources, the US government has taken steps to ensure that all libraries and schools in the United States have access to robust broadband connectivity through the E-Rate Discount Program.
The E-rate program provides discounts to eligible schools and libraries for internet services, hardware and network equipment, cabling, and the IT support needed to keep it functioning. For more information about the E-rate program, contact a managed IT service provider experienced with the program.
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