Abstract
In many school districts, tablet computers and PCs, better internet connectivity, and computer literacy programs influence instruction. Teachers recognize the need to integrate new technologies into the classroom, yet they often struggle to do so. All levels of education work to incorporate technology, from buying new equipment to changing lesson ideas. This chapter should help instructors overcome challenges in using technology in the classroom. Identifying and addressing these problems should be a primary focus for future scholars, administrators, and instructors. The chapter reviews external technological integration concerns such as resources, training, and support.
Summary
Education is a dynamic field that undergoes everyday evolution. On-campus and in-classroom use of educational technology is becoming more common. This can improve the approach if training is given in the school facility. However, even while teachers can provide students with access to educational technology, they confront problems integrating it into their lessons (Bond et al., 2020). When introducing new technology to a campus or a classroom, careful planning is required. Teaching others how to use new technology can take a long time to train. It takes money to get the technology up and running.
Current Landscape
The existing landscape has been altered by the use of technology in education. Teaching with technology is widely accepted by most instructors. A shift in the landscape has occurred because of the increasing use of technology in education. According to research, studying how educational technology is identified and used involves various levels of support (Bond et al., 2020). Every school system provides its teachers with professional development opportunities to improve their teaching and learning methods. Technology training is also offered to teachers, but they may have to use their leisure time or plan to adjust their technology usage. When new technology is introduced and used in the classroom, the administration will help by providing support.
It is critical for educators to know how students learn and the methods they employ to help them retain information. Only when teachers use technology in a way that students can understand will it benefit students when it is adopted. For this to function, the educator must know how to use the technology and feel at ease doing so. According to Boonmoh, Jumpakate, & Karpklon (2021), substantial variations and favorable correlations between teachers’ current computer training and comfort level and computer use in the classroom in comparison to their earlier training and comfort level were found in the technology implementation research (Hartman, Townsend, & Jackson, 2019). Having to hold training sessions each time a new technology is introduced has several drawbacks. The expense and time involved in each training session are a couple of drawbacks. The goal of using technology in the classroom is to help teachers deliver education more effectively and involve students more actively.
When planning their lessons, teachers should always place the needs of their students as their top priority. Afterward, teachers should test technology to ensure everything is functioning correctly and without hiccups for the session that will occur later that day. The findings of this research have uncovered five significant advances in the field of educational technology. Five of the current year’s most promising emerging technologies include sensor and mobility augmented humans, postclassical computing and communications, digital ecosystems, and sophisticated artificial intelligence and analytics.
Recent Developments
Over time, advancements have been made in educational technology. It is not about technology; it is about learning. It is not essential technology in and of itself, but rather how it is used (Bond et al., 2020). Because of the entrance of new technologies into the classroom, the teachers’ lessons needed to be updated. This part of the discussion will center on the most current advancements that have been made in terms of educational technology.
Current Issues Facing the Field
Technology has been introduced into all aspects of education at every level in the modern world. Everyone active in the educational use of technology is subject to the problems that occur. There will be a conversation about the current difficulties that educators are facing. According to Boonmoh, Jumpakate, & Karpklon (2021), several attempts were made to teach the skills of managing tools to assist educators in learning how to use various technological devices. The administrators do not provide their teachers with the time to become familiar with the technology used in their classes.
Teachers cannot learn how to use the various technology tools available throughout their workdays. Rather than using their free time, they attend departmental meetings and planning sessions (Arnesen, 2019). It is common for educators to remain late at school or even bring equipment home with them so they can find out how to use the new technology. Providing various forms that aid educators are referred to as professional development (PD) (Bowman, Vongkulluksn, Jiang, & Xie, 2022). After school, at grade-level or department meetings, or even as a self-paced online session are handy options for teachers to attend professional development (PD) programs.
Students must be taught how to use technology productively. Students may need a lesson broken down into phases and precise modeling to understand the technology better. It will be able to conduct education while utilizing the latest technology after the instructor and students have established sufficient familiarity with the technology (Bowman, Vongkulluksn, Jiang, & Xie, 2022). Using technology expands the range of ways in which students can contribute.
Emerging Trends in K12 from a Global Perspective
Primary and secondary schools exhibit patterns. According to Gartner, there are five key trends in education today. Postclassical computing and communications, digital ecosystems, and robust AI and analytics are all part of this new wave of innovation (Olofsson et al., 2021). In modern-day society, a rise in these technologies has been observed. Students can use their senses and mobility to manipulate the objects around them. Cameras and drones are also part of this trend (Qaddumi, Bartram, & Qashmar, 2021). The augmented human technologies that enable immersive workspaces and biotech experiences are expected to be the next big thing.
According to my predictions, five trends, including individualized education, will be prevalent in schools in the coming years. PL for students has been available for a while, has grown in popularity, and is used in project-based learning, according to Schrum (PBL) (Arnesen, 2019). Students can study at their own pace and in a way that makes sense. Overall, Schrum argues that instructors should be in charge of implementing individualized learning.
Educators must have access to professional development opportunities whenever they are required to do so. It ought to be accessible in a range of formats, such as face-to-face, small groups, or one-on-one settings (Hartman, Townsend, & Jackson, 2019). In my opinion, rather than only being available on days when teachers are scheduled to work, it should be accessible both before and after the start of the school day. With personalized learning, educators could plan their in-service training whenever convenient for them.
Future Directions in Education
In the next 10 – 20 years, technological advancements will significantly influence the educational system. According to Bowman, Vongkulluksn, Jiang, & Xie (2022), it is reasonable to assume that the Horizon report’s forecasts about the direction of future trends will be accurate. The Horizon reports cover various topics, including Technology Implications, the Next-Generation Digital Learning Environment, Analytics, and Privacy Questions.
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) is being made for educational reasons. In artificial intelligence, educators can communicate with their students and offer feedback even when they are not physically present in the classroom with their pupils (Mhlanga, 2021). Students can now participate in lessons outside the traditional classroom setting, making for a more individualized educational experience. It is anticipated that there will be a range of educational approaches offered via the Internet.
Within the Next-Generation Digital Learning Environment (NGDLE) context, educational institutions develop unique learning environments for students and teachers (Shipunova et al., 2019). Learning may occur in a traditional classroom setting or remotely through the internet. Using a learning management system (LMS) in the classroom can begin once teachers have completed the necessary training to operate the software. Blackboard and Canvas are two examples of learning management systems. Blackboard was developed first. Many educators have projected that the expansion of educational delivery will happen within the next 10 to 20 years. There will be a significant amount of work completed via the Internet. Therefore, analytics and privacy concerns will be the next big thing. Higher education is primarily responsible for these two developments (Olofsson et al., 2021). These trends are significant since the college protects students’ personal information in this way.
Safeguards
When it comes to education, the Internet typically provides several safeguards. This is especially the case when the students use the LMS. This is one of how schools ensure the well-being of their students. Students and teachers should be on the lookout for inappropriate use of any software downloaded from the internet. According to the findings of some researchers, the Student Data Privacy Policy Committee is the body in charge of student data privacy measures and parental rights.
Institutions must put protections in place to protect their personnel and students from any potential injury. Safeguards have been put in place as a preventative step to protect pupils’ personal information and prevent them from viewing stuff that violates the law. These safety measures may monitor and stop cyberbullying before it even starts (Gleason & Heath, 2021). This year, I have seen the impact of protections and the process by which they were put in place. Our high school uses a hybrid format, with more than half of our pupils online. They want administrators to be able to watch and record our meetings. We must use LMS and brush daily on Google Meetings (Gleason & Heath, 2021). Each student needed a Google Meet code and an email from the school district to attend the meeting.
Psalms 91:11 KJV comes to me when I think about safety precautions. He will place his angels in charge of you, watch over you, and guard your steps (Psalms 91:11). Our Lord is protecting us, and angels will be dispatched to watch over us. The book of Psalms Assurance in God’s protection can be found in this verse. It is important to take great care when it comes to protecting our children, especially when implementing and using technology.
References
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