Providing teachers with access to technology is essential to bridge the digital gap and ensure all students have equal opportunities to learn and thrive in a technology-driven world. When thoughtfully implemented, technology can enhance classroom experiences by catering to diverse learning styles, improving accessibility, and supporting students’ emotional well-being.
Prioritizing access allows teachers to reach each student with their various needs, equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to fully engage in learning, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Equitable access also enables teachers to create personalized learning experiences, allowing students to explore, create, and develop skills at their own pace. Some ways in which technology is used in this manner include:
Using Adaptive Learning Platforms (ALPs) for example Khan Academy which adapts content to the student's skill level, pacing, and learning style or DreamBox
Digital libraries and online resources
Simulations and Virtual Labs in terms of PhET Simulations or Labster
Assistive Technology for example text-to-speech hardware or screen readers
Gamified Learning in terms of Kahoot or Quizzizz
When technology is used effectively, teachers can reach students and enhance the overall learning experience, accommodating the wide range of learning needs that may be present in a classroom.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, student participation was remarkably high as both students and teachers adapted to the relatively new concept of online learning. This transition encouraged teachers to adopt more flexible and creative teaching methods, revealing weaknesses in traditional approaches to education. Lessons shifted away from the conventional "chalk-and-talk" or lecture-style format, becoming more focused on addressing the diverse needs of students.
One significant change was in how learning was assessed. With limited opportunities for face-to-face instruction, teachers utilized online tools such as Google Forms, Live Quizziz, and interactive platforms like Kahoot! to evaluate learning outcomes effectively.
At my institution, some of these approaches continue to be used, though less extensively than during the pandemic. This is largely due to limited access to high-speed, reliable internet. Furthermore, the emphasis on completing syllabus content persists, as assessments remain tied to a single, standardized exam format that does not cater to diverse learning styles.
However, this does not mean that students' needs are being overlooked or that the innovations from the pandemic era lacked value. On the contrary, the adoption of digital textbooks is becoming more widespread, and teaching materials are increasingly being digitized. These advancements provide students with greater flexibility to learn at their own pace, marking a positive shift in the institution's integration of technology into education.
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