Innovative Technology

            Technology has no doubt forever changed the field of education. Gone are the days of the traditional classroom, with only a  chalkboard and textbooks, and no technology in sight. The modern classrooms of today have evolved into technology integration in parts of almost all aspects of education. Innovative technology is the creation of new or improved technologies, tools, systems, and processes that lead to significant advancements. Many students these days already gravitate towards the Internet, so by using these technologies in the classroom, you may increase opportunities to further build their digital skills and sense of community with your students. Teachers aim to prepare their students, and technology is a great way to do that. Since it will play a large role in their lives moving forward, students need to be able to understand the basics (lumenlearning.com, 2021). The use of computers and the internet will be an integral part of their future professional and personal lives.

 

         Some technologies that are integrated within my classroom are interactive textbooks and hyperdocs. Some curricula I use for instruction have interactive textbooks available. My students enjoy collaborating with each other online as they work on interactive projects and assignments. I think that these sorts of innovative advancements now create more meaningful learning experiences than a standard textbook. Students can actively interact with aspects embedded into it and build upon their skills and knowledge. Another innovative technology I integrate is hyperdocs. A HyperDoc is a digital document—such as a Google Doc—where all components of a learning cycle have been pulled together into one central hub. Within a single document, students are provided with hyperlinks to all of the resources they need to complete that learning cycle. It takes time and effort to create certain hyperdocs, but I enjoy doing so and I know it serves as a great interactive resource for my students to guide their learning experiences. I specifically design some hyperdocs to look like an online interactive classroom and my students love it! 

    I  also have experience with digital badging. A digital badge is an indicator of accomplishment or skill that can be displayed, accessed, and verified online. These badges can be earned in a wide variety of environments and ways and allow students to digitally demonstrate accomplishment and mastery. I research topics of interest to me and enroll in various webinars and online training sessions. Through these, I have gained valuable resources and skills, not to mention many digital badges. I see these opportunities as great ways to gain  knowledge on an array of topics that otherwise might be difficult to attend in person. Over the years I have shared the availability of different digital badges with my colleagues and many have seen the benefits of tapping into such resources. 

An innovative technology that my students enjoy learning with is gamification. Gamification has been shown to have an impact on a student’s learning and engagement because of how it helps to build a sense of achievement. Many students are motivated to move to the next lesson when they know they can achieve something along the way. Students have fun as they represent their learning because they are immersed into game-like settings. 

        Integrating VR into the classroom is something I am highly interested in and would love to learn more about. Unfortunately the school I work at does not have VR headset or anything such resources available. I have researched and seen how other districts and schools use VR for learning, it looks like a fun and engaging thing for students to be a part of. Virtual reality (VR) can be used in the classroom to create immersive learning experiences. 

Conclusion 

It is apparent that innovative technology will continue to be the wave of the future. Technological advances are evolving and advancing quickly. Educators are embracing the symbiotic relationship between education and technology. A recent Gallup study shows that over 81% of teachers agree that they see great value in using digital learning tools in the classroom. In addition, 57% believe digital learning tools are more effective for personalizing instruction. (Walsh,n.d.).There are several benefits to integrating innovation technology into education. The following are some reported benefits by lumenleanring.com :

Benefits of Technology in the Classroom

Why is technology important in the classroom? The advantages of technology continue to evolve, but here are a few of the positive developments of technology in the classroom! (lumenlearning.com, 2021).

1. Provides A More Engaged Learning Environment

One significant benefit of integrating technology in course design is that it helps to create a more engaging learning environment for students. It’s hard to deny the impact that technology has had on the way we teach and learn.

2. Prepares Students for the Future

Technology is everywhere, which is why it’s important that it plays a part in students’ current learning environment. Using technology when you teach will help students to become more familiar with common programs that they will use in their future careers.

3. Connects Better with Students

One of the most important aspects to a teacher’s and student’s success is how well they can connect with each other. Teachers are always seeking ways to connect not only with their students but always with one another to build community in their courses

4. Boosts Collaboration

An engaging learning environment requires a lot of collaboration. Technology is a great way to promote and facilitate discussion among students. They’ll interact with each other through technology and discuss different ways they can collaborate and learn together.

5. Supports Learning

Many students learn best when they have access to technology. To reach as many students as possible, it’s crucial that technology be incorporated into the course design.

References

Walsh, P. (n.d.). Council Post: Innovative Technology Is The Future Of Education. Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/07/23/innovative-technology-is-the-future-of-education/?sh=1a5869bc70e3 

Lumen Learning.com (2021, October 29). 10 Benefits & Uses for Technology in the Classroom | Lumen Learning. Lumen Learning. https://lumenlearning.com/technology-in-the-classroom/