Fast development of technology has a great impact on all spheres of life of the modern society and technology trends determine the future of the educational system as well. Do you think that integrating Ed-tech apps and tools into the classroom will only distract students? You are mistaken.

All students are interested in technology and are engaged in using it. The Internet, tablets, laptops, and smartphones have completely transformed the way we live and learn. Mobile devices are replacing our textbooks and we can search the Internet and find relevant information just about anything we want – a black hole, King Solon’ Mines, Stanford Intellectual Vitality or a history of elves – with our smartphones from anywhere in the world and we can’t imagine our lives without social media. More and more educators think that incorporating technology into the curriculum has a positive impact on the educational process and makes teaching and learning more effective. Here are some benefits of using technology in the classroom.

Unlimited Access to Information Anytime

It’s probably the most obvious advantage of using new technology. Many years ago we couldn’t even imagine that we can get new information without leaving home and there is no need to go to the library and spend days on end over the piles of books if you need to write a research paper. Students can easily access any type of content online and read newspapers, scientific articles in journals, books, and studies. They are able to complete better academic projects themselves because they can support their arguments with more evidence and relevant examples. When students don’t understand some concepts or need additional instructions to complete their assignments, they can find anything they need using Google search.

Technology Improves Engagement

Students prefer technology in the classroom because it provides unlimited opportunities to make learning enjoyable. Even subjects that students generally consider ‘boring’ or too challenging can become more interesting if the learning process involves gamification, video lessons, virtual lessons or any other engaging activities that make the learning fun. Computers and tablets encourage self-directed learning and make students active participants in the learning process. Teachers can use online presentations and touch-screen technology to make their lessons more interactive. Besides, as all students are addicted to social media from a very early age, teachers can create private Facebook groups for their classes and inspire constructive discussions and conversations.

Educational Technology Helps in Protecting the Environment

There are thousands of schools in every country and all of them need books and copybooks. Just imagine the number of trees that could be saved if all schools introduced digital textbooks! This idea doesn’t seem realistic but every teacher can make a change if he/she starts from his/her own class. Teachers can assign their students to take online tests and submit their homework and papers through email. They can also encourage their students to read eBooks instead of going to the library. These efforts can save time and money when performed thoughtfully.

Technology in Education Prepares Students for the Real World

When using technology in the classroom, both students and their teachers can develop new skills that are crucial for the 21st century. Students learn skills that are important for success in their future careers such as critical thinking, communication skills, research skills, collaboration skills, and leadership skills. They learn to solve complex problems and develop lots of useful practical skills such as writing emails and maintaining proper online etiquette, differentiating reliable and unreliable sources on the Internet, creating presentations, and more. Using technology in the classroom can help prepare students for their digital future.

Ed-tech Encourages Individual Learning

We all have different abilities and use different learning styles so no one learns at the same pace or in the same way. Technology offers great opportunities to make learning more effective for everyone according to his abilities and needs. Teachers can use virtual lesson plans to provide their students with individualized instructions and allow them to learn at their own speed. Students can review some difficult concepts they are struggling with or skip ahead if they want to. Besides, with the Internet, students can get access to wide range of resources to do research and find additional information about the topic they are interested in.

Technology can have a profound impact on the way students learn new things but it is important to combine it effectively with traditional methods of teaching such as lectures, analog testing, and writing papers to achieve the best results.