Teachers are finding it harder and harder to ignore the ever changing technology that is swooping in and consuming their students. Instead of ignoring it, they are choosing to embrace it. For students, technology is a part of their daily lives. Social networking, smartphones, and the internet is ingrained into their daily lives, and this is just the beginning. With technology growing at a rapid pace it doesn't look like it is going away anytime in the near future.
A growing concern with teachers is that these devices are a distraction to students. But, what some view as a distraction, can actually be turned into an opportunity. We can find a way to embrace technology and use it to our advantage.
Here are 5 ways teachers can embrace technology and stay relevant in the world of their digitized students.
- Train Students to Use it Appropriately
Many schools are allowing students to bring their own devices into the classroom. With this, comes many concerns; teachers are afraid students will be too engaged in their own apps. But, if teachers train their students to use their devices appropriately, it can be an opportunity of a lifetime for students. Technology has the ability to reach students on an individual level where they will have access to materials that meet their own specific needs. By training students to use their own devices effectively, and providing them with opportunity to use technology, we create a situation where students are engaged in what they are learning.
2. Create innovative Activities to Utilize Technology
Teachers can provide students with opportunities to use technology as part of their daily activities. For example, students can read articles online, search Google for answers to questions while in their cooperative learning groups, or create a Power Point presentation or iMovie on an iPad. Take advantage of the technology that they love, and put it to use.
3. Encourage Students to Use Social Media
Social media sites have been discredited for keeping our youth dehumanized in communicating with one another. Instead of criticizing social media sites, teachers can show students how they can be used effectively. Twitter and Facebook can be used to develop writing skills, as well as learn how to communicate with professionals. These skills are ones that students need to develop anyways, so why not utilize what students love.
4. Student Engagement
Teachers can harness the enthusiasm that students already have for modern technology and use it to their advantage. Technology is a part of our students’ daily lives, and we can tap into what they already love, by embracing it and using it as part of our curriculum. Apps on an iPad make it easy to show students what we are talking about in a new, and exciting way. Instead of having students raise their hand or give us a thumbs up or down, students can give us feedback with a polling application. There are millions of apps that can help us engage students, and keep them interested in topics that they would have never been interested in if they were reading about them in a textbook. With today’s technology teachers have an advantage in keeping their students engaged like never before. If utilized properly, we will see the amazing results in the very near future.
 5. Preparing for a 21st Century Workforce
The reality that teachers face in preparing their students to enter the workforce centers on technology. This means steering away from the traditional model of teaching, and utilizing the technology that exists today. In order for our students to succeed in today’s world, it essential that we prepare them with the skills and tools that they need to live in the digital age.
Looking for more information on technology in the classroom? Here you can learn about the 5 best tech tools, as well as 10 reasons you should have a class website.