A Modern Classroom: Using technology in the classroom

It is often suggested that using technology in the classroom may cause distraction. However, the instant access to a wide range of information and opportunity for collaboration has made technology a vital element in the classroom.

Approximately 43% of Australian teachers and principals believe that digital technology in the classroom has enhanced their teaching and learning activities rather than detracting.

COVID-19 has boosted the prevalence of technology in learning. Many schools now have programs or technologies in place to assist with students and families affected by COVID-19.

At Xavier College we are trialling new streaming and recording technologies to enable students to connect to our classes while COVID absent and to create high quality multimodal teaching resources as part of our blended learning approach. The SWIVL robots are loanable through our library, the devices are simple to use and produce high quality videos that are shared on our learning platforms.
This is one means to which we are exploring how technologies can advance our instructional practices.

Director of Learning and Growth, Xavier College, Victoria.

Teachers have also continued the use of technology after the pandemic.

Benefits of technology in the classroom

Preparing students with digital life skills

The use of technology in the classroom equips students of all ages with digital skills to carry into the future.

Oneli Ranasinghe, a Primary Education Graduate at UTS says she is taught to incorporate technology into classroom lesson plans.

“There are a lot of things that technology could help with in the future. Students need to learn how to use devices and technology for learning… it is helpful for their future in our society which is digital.”

Keeping students engaged

Studies are beginning to show positive correlations between technology and student engagement in secondary school.

A 2007 ACER report noted “evidence suggests that the use of ICT (information communications technology) enables richer, more engaging learning environments to be developed”.

However, engagement levels do vary amongst students leading to inconclusive results.

Opportunity for hands-on STEM learning

Many independent schools provide a variety of technology in the classroom for students to experiment and learn with. The schools facilities and technology are used for streams such as robotics, coding or other STEM subjects.

Is the use of technology a cause for concern?

With the rise of smartphones, laptops and tablets digital technologies are omnipresent in our everyday lives. Studies show children spend up to 30% of their time in front of a screen.

There is minimal research to inform educators and parents about the impact of digital technologies on children’s development.

Overuse of digital media may minimise your child’s opportunity for experiences that help with development. This may include socialisation, learning and face-to-face interaction.

A UNSW study revealed that 92% of Australians believe smartphones and social media have reduced outdoor time.

Many schools have programs available to limit the use of technology outside the classroom.

Oneli has completed practical placements in a school that incorporates technology more, and a school that incorporates it less.

“In the newer school where all the students had access to iPad’s they did get distracted more. Because there are more apps on it, they get distracted instead of just focusing on the class. In the traditional school because there is nothing around them except pen and paper, they get the task done quicker.”

Whilst there are benefits and drawbacks of using technology in the classroom, digital technology is the current norm for young people. Parents can assist with the impact of technology on wellbeing and health at home.

How are schools incorporating technology?

• Some schools have a ‘Bring Your  Own Device (BYOD)’ policy
• Some schools supply devices for students to access
• Many schools use ‘Smartboard’ technology
• Some schools are providing technology to loan to students learning from home
• Schools allow students to access programs such as Google Classroom, Microsoft Office 365 and more
• Students have access to technology with a STEM focus

Choosing a school for your child can be difficult, if you wish to receive further information please see Choosing a School NSW 37 or Choosing a School VIC 34.