Earlier, the basic necessities of life were food, clothing and shelter. Now it is food, clothing, shelter and technology! It is the dominating factor in every aspect of our lives-travelling has become convenient, thanks to automobiles; communication has become easier and faster, thanks
to the internet, computers and mobile phones. We have become so dependent on technology for our everyday tasks, that it would be difficult for us to live without it. It’s almost like an inbuilt system of our body. If our technological inclination is so high, imagine what it would be like for
our children?? Even higher…because they are exposed to it since the time they are born. We have already moved away from IQ and EQ, towards DQ, i.e. Digital Quotient. Our classrooms, therefore, have to be technologically advanced and we as teachers have to be tech-savvy ! Teachers cannot no longer be excused for not knowing how to operate a computer or a wireless device, or even how to download images and videos for her classrooms, how to connect to parents and children through social media or use freely available applications for teaching concepts or monitoring student projects and assignments. A simple google search can empower you with all the requisite technical skills. A technologically-equipped classroom not only helps the teacher to make her life simpler, but also benefits students in a number of ways:
Engaging children: Today’s children love technology. The best way to teach a student is by employing a variety of technological tools. This will certainly enhance the teaching- learning process.
Making the classroom a happier place: A pen, paper and board makes learning monotonous. Using technology with variations, gets students excited and they in turn, are more open to learning.
Catering to different learning styles of children: There are different types of learners in the classroom. Some children learn best by listening to audios/videos/stories (auditory learners), some by looking at images (visual learners) while some other learn best by doing (kinesthetic learners).
Keeping pace with changing times: With PM Narendra Modi’s Digital India Movement, it is inevitable that our country will rapidly become more technologically dependent. Our children therefore need to be tech-savvy, to become successful citizens today and of tomorrow.
Providing easy and quick access to updated information
Reducing the load in a child’s schoolbag, in the form of books. Use of drives or cloud storage can help store digital information at one place which is just a click away!
Promoting collaboration between the teacher-student-parents: Use of google drive or free applications like Edmodo helps parents and teachers in real time monitoring of home work or projects. It saves time and is energy efficient for the student as well as the teacher. With great power comes great responsibility! While we have the power to use technology to the
fullest, it is important that we use it responsibly. Parents and teachers play a crucial role in promoting this sense of awareness and accountability amongst our 21 st century learner!
