Benefits of technology based classroom

A 21^st century classroom has many characteristics associated with it which distinguish it from the classrooms of the past centuries. The top 10 characteristics of a 21^st century classroom are:

Student-centric: In technology based classroom, students play the active roles and teacher act as a guide. Teachers are facilitating rather than lecturing. They make the students to think critically and creatively and also focusses learning by doing. Teacher act as resource person when they are constructing their knowledge. Student-centric classroom environments put students’ interests first and are focused on each student’s needs, abilities and learning styles.

More content: in the traditional classroom student got only the prescribed text materials. There was no chance to get more content ore more information about particular topic. They are only stick on the prescribed text materials. But, now students get sufficient contents or information through the help of internet. They not only give students the means to conduct online research and master the technology skills they need, but they also give teachers the opportunity to enhance their lessons.

Active learning: In modern classrooms, students are actively engaged in what they learn. Students participate in more active learning by working in groups or on computers and complete projects and other interesting activities that help them discover new skills. Students can learn actively by talking and listening, writing, reading and reflecting. When students are encouraged to take an active interest in learning, they are more likely to retain the knowledge they’ve accumulated.

Adaptive learning: In every classes, each student has his own learning style and each one has different learning ability. But in the previous classroom settings teachers faced difficulty with this difference among students. Sometimes, it makes difficult for teachers to make sure that all of them understand the concepts. The modern approach of adaptive learning gives students the freedom to learn at their own pace and in the way they are most comfortable. There are various kinds of software available for adaptive learning that teachers can use to enhance the learning of their students.

Personalized learning: The classrooms should not be cramped or overcrowded. Modern classrooms should have the basic material required for teaching such as, interactive whiteboards and LCD projectors. The students can bring their laptops or tablets to the classroom for better personalized learning.

Equal Important to teacher and students: teacher and students get equal importance in classroom. Because both of them have their own role to act. Every learning activities are happened only through the guidelines of teacher. Teacher motivates, encourages and supports the students to speak with confidence and value their opinions. In a well-disciplined environment, students should also co-operate with and respect their classmates.

Students take responsibility: As students are encouraged to actively participate in their own learning, they become responsible for their learning. Self-directed students not only encourage each other, but also work with their teacher to achieve academic and behavioral goals that they themselves have helped establish. Teachers should employ a variety of strategies to promote responsible decision-making and create self-reliant students.

Performance-based assessments: in the modern classroom, each and every time teacher is assessing the progress of each students. This regular assessment is possible through their performance in each activity: as member of group, as a leader, as a teacher etc. Teachers can utilize projects as well as other products and performances as assessments to determine student achievements and needs. Assessments are tailored to the abilities and needs of the students.

Collaborative learning: Learning through collaboration is one of the most effective forms of learning. Learning in groups enhances the scope of learning and develops critical thinking. Collaborative learning activities include collaborative writing, group projects, joint problem solving, debates and more. Collaborative learning redefines traditional student-teacher relationship in the classroom.

Technology plays a big role in developing all of these characteristics for modern classrooms. These classrooms enhance the learning experience and better prepare students for higher education and workforce.