The Revolutionized Classroom of 2017
The
revolutionized classroom of 2017 will have much to offer students, parents,
teachers, and administrators. With technology quickly advancing within our
society, and being part of our daily lives. It is also rapidly being
integrated into our classrooms, education has been revolutionized! Using new
technology is the future in our education. At the pace that we are going in
regards to technology, our revolutionized classroom of 2017 will be highly
technological.
As teachers of a
revolutionized classroom we ponder about the reasons and its relevant use in
our classrooms. According to the presentation from Amplivoxsound (2011) - Top 10 Reasons to Use Technology in Education: iPad, Tablet, Computer,
Listening Centers, there are 10 reasons why it is essential to
integrate technology into our class: 1.) Students love it! (Engagement and Interests),
2.) It engages the four key components of learning (A. Active engagement, B.
Participation in learning, C. Frequent interaction and feedback, D.
Connection to real world experts), 3.) Professional Development, 4.) Make
life easier for teachers (i.e. online lectures/tests, etc…) 5.) Improves
tests scores, 6.) Helps kids with low attention spans, 7.) Learn from the
experts, 8.) Encourages completion of homework, 9.) Saves money, and 10.) Removes
obstacles. In a revolutionized classroom we, the teachers, are encouraging
students to learn through technology. Our goal would be that they know and
understand technology and that we use technology as a tool to cater to a
Universal Design of Learning, or also
referred to as UDL. A design that accommodates a wide variety of users, which
also allows teachers to re-think critical elements in education such as: goals,
materials, methods, & assessments (Lessonbuilder.cast.org). Revolutionizing the way we design our
teaching and our students learning styles with the integration of technology
is the key to success in the future classroom.
In the revolutionized classroom of 2017, a
teacher would integrate technology’s power and flexibility to include all
students. To create an environment
that will challenge students to higher critical thinking and greater
diversity. The use of technology in the revolutionized classroom of 2017,
will offer students the opportunity to expand and grow on their prior
knowledge. Technology will engage students in a self-directed learning, it
will enable creativity and empower students to create, explore, compose, and
express.
It is evident that we must understand that
learning and teaching are constantly reshaped with theory, applied research,
and changing media. In the revolutionized classroom of 2017, instruction will
be designed to support recognition learning, strategic learning, and
affective learning (Rose & Meyer). The use of technology in the classroom
will help facilitate a lesson objective with greater ease. It will deepen
student understanding and make them “Big Thinkers” as James Paul Gee stated
in the video Big Thinkers. Students
in the 2017 classroom will become innovated and creative; teachers will
stress the importance of solving problems collaboratively and innovatively.
Technology in our classroom will offer students a real world learning
opportunity. As supported in the Horizon Report Article, “If learners can connect
the course material with their own lives and their surrounding communities,
then they will become more excited to learn and immerse themselves in their
subject matter” (Horizon p.8).
In the revolutionized classroom of 2017, mobile
devices will become the primary way that students interact with and learn
from each other (Horizon p.11). With
smart phones, ipads, ipods, tablets, filled with applications (apps) that
facilitate and support learning, the revolutionized classroom will, with no
doubt, integrate these devices into a new teaching and learning style. As
more and more schools are embracing the idea of Bring Your Own Device,
students are acquiring a 21st Century Skill of growing importance
that makes them feel empowered. In addition, apps help students learn by
doing and encourage communication and collaboration. In the revolutionized
classroom of 2017, I envision an increased availability of network access for
students. Many schools today are investing in the infrastructure that
supports these devices, therefore planning for the future of education.
“Future flexibility lies not within the specific technology or equipment
choices made, but in the basic room geometry, sizing juxtaposition, and based
building infrastructure which includes power conduit connected to the
pathways etc., provided in the brick and mortar of the building” (Video: The Classroom of the Future).
It is clear that our
daily lives, our society, our education, are among a short list of ranges, which
have been revolutionized by the use and integration of technology. And
although we cannot predict what the future of technology will be, it is
evident that we will continue taking great leaps forward in all aspects of
technology. Modern education will revolve around technology, and so it is
necessary that we prepare our students for a revolutionized classroom and a
revolutionized world. As teachers we need to continue educating ourselves and
plan on learning what technology beholds.
In the classroom of the future, “Teachers will not be replaced by
technology, but teachers who don’t use technology will be replaced by those
who do” –Sheryl Nussbaum Beach (Video: The Classroom of the
Future). Start the learning process today and be prepared for the
revolutionized classroom of 2017.
WORK CITED
Readings
Rose, D., &
Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal
The Horizons Report K-12 Edition
Videos
The Classroom of the Future
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