An Overview For Trainee Teachers
Have you always loved computers but also wanted to be a teacher?
If you are looking to start your teacher training, becoming an expert in the use and management of computers to teach will give you a real advantage, especially as the world becomes more digital.
Education technology, or EdTech, refers to the use of digital technologies to improve and enhance learning and teaching practices. So, if you have always wanted to merge your love of computers and technology with teaching, read on to learn some of the benefits of teaching EdTech, some popular tools used in this study area, and how these can be used in your classroom in the future.
The Benefits of EdTech in Teaching
EdTech can potentially transform how students learn and teachers teach. One of the main benefits is that it can make learning more engaging and digitally interactive. Even studying for a teaching degree in this area can be digitally based, as you can now earn an educational technology certification online, which will help you to be better equipped to engage with the software you will be using as a teacher.
A key example of ways to engage your students is gamification, which is a popular approach that uses game design elements to make learning more fun and interactive. By incorporating gamification elements in the classroom, trainee teachers can make learning more appealing and interesting to their students.
Different students have different learning styles and preferences. EdTech tools can help to identify these preferences and provide tailored learning experiences that meet the needs of individual students. This is especially important in classrooms where the diversity of student backgrounds and abilities is high.
Popular EdTech Tools
There are many EdTech tools available that can be used in the classroom. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Learning Management Systems (LMS): An LMS is a software application that helps manage, deliver, and track educational content. It is a centralized platform where trainee teachers can upload content and create interactive learning experiences for their students.
- Virtual Reality (VR): VR is a computer-simulated experience that can be similar to or completely visually different from reality. In the classroom, it can be used to create immersive learning experiences.
- Augmented Reality (AR): AR is a technology that overlays digital content in the real world. AR can be used to create experiences that help students visualize complex concepts and make learning more engaging.
- Educational Apps: Educational apps are software applications that are designed to teach specific skills or concepts. They can be used to provide students with personalized learning experiences and enable them to learn at their own pace.
Using EdTech in the Classroom
When using EdTech in the classroom, teachers should keep a few key things in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose the right tool for the task at hand; if the aim is to teach a complex concept requiring visualization, AR might be the best tool. It is also crucial to ensure that technology is accessible to all of the students that you will teach, regardless of their background or ability. This means that teachers should be aware of any potential barriers to access and take steps to address them, to help students learn to their full potential.
