Classroom Technology: Software, Card-Reader Systems and Game Cartridges
Including classroom technology as an educational tool can help students engage with the subject matter and related information. This technology can also have an added benefit of teaching students to use technology. For example, using educational CD-ROMs can inform students about subjects and offer skill practice plus students also gain computer skills such as mastering how to navigate screens, use a mouse, type on a keyboard, or operate a numerical keypad.
Classroom technology can engage students with subjects multiple ways. For example, the Language Tutor Learning System by Educational Insights is a card-reader system with activities that require students to look, listen, and speak as they learn vocabulary and otherwise develop their fluency. Because listening and speaking can be essential parts of language learning, a variety of foreign language CDs, DVDs, and software are also available. Of course, language arts isn’t the only subject addressed by classroom technology. For example, students learning math facts can benefit from software that drills them on multiplication problems and may find it an entertaining way to practice in addition to completing worksheets and participating in oral quizzes. School Zone Publishing and Critical Thinking Press offer software designed to build and strengthen basic skills in language arts and math.
Adding technology to a classroom that also uses other teaching methods, like lectures, can help capture student interest by keeping the educational approach fresh and new. Some classroom technology also lends itself to being a reward or treat while still being educational. For example, students could engage in a game day by playing Classroom Jeopardy by Educational Insights. The Classroom Jeopardy game cartridge can be used with a TV, whiteboard or projector. Its categories and questions keep the focus on learning while students enjoy this fresh, fun approach to education.
Technology is everywhere in today’s world and starting students off right can include teaching them how to use technology as a study tool for their school subjects.