5 reasons to incorporate technology into your classroom

Reading Time: 2–3 minutes

Think that integrating technology into the classroom will distract students and marginalize educators?

Think again. Since students are already interested and engaged in technology, teachers can harness that attention for educational purposes – there are even education programs designed to help teachers promote innovation in the classroom.

Incorporating the internet, laptops, tablets and other technology into the curriculum has many benefits for teachers and students alike.

1. Engages students and creates active learners.

Using computers, tablets or other devices can encourage self-directed learning and inspire active participation in the learning process, rather than allowing students to remain passive in a lecture environment. Interactive lesson plans can help turn complex, conceptual subjects like math and science into fun, engaging educational activities for students.

2. Encourages individual learning and growth.

No one learns in the same way or at the same pace, but technology can level-set the classroom. For example, technology can provide accommodations for students who are struggling or who have disabilities, and virtual lesson plans provide individualized instruction for all. Students can learn at their own speed, reviewing difficult concepts or skipping ahead as needed. Additionally, access to the internet gives students access to a broad range of resources to conduct research.

3. Facilitates peer collaboration.

Distance learning paved the way for technology solutions in education. Digital tools like shared documents, online games and even podcasts promote peer collaboration and interaction, and asynchronous schedules help students work at their own pace. Teachers can also deliver a more tailored, dynamic experience to meet students where they are and help strengthen learning outcomes.

4. Prepares students for the real world.

Technology is an integral part of how we work and live, every day. Teaching students how to use technology to learn, research, collaborate and solve problems from an early age may help prepare them for their careers.

It can also help reduce the fear of new technology in the future by familiarizing them with the discovery process for each new tool.

5. Creates more engaged and successful teachers.

Using technologies like virtual lesson plans and internet resources can help free up time – both in developing and delivering the curriculum. This may allow teachers to spend more time with the students who require more one-on-one help, ensuring the whole class is better prepared for tests and advancement.

As an educator, integrating technology into the curriculum is key. In other words, don’t add technology to a lesson plan simply because you can. Make sure you understand:

• How to use the technology
• How to train students on using the technology
• How the technology supports your curriculum
• What benefits the technology brings to your lesson

An easy way to introduce technology is to start small. Try using smartboards, tablets, laptops or other devices that can help improve your lesson plan.

The point is not to let technology take over your classroom, but to integrate it. Traditional teaching processes like lectures, writing papers and analog testing should not be abandoned.

When combined effectively with the methods you know, technology can help you and your students.

Explore Capella programs in education:

• MS in Education
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• PhD in Education