Classroom

Classroom Technology Investments Modernize K–12 Workspaces

Improving efficiency in the classroom is better for districts’ bottom lines.

Amy McIntosh is the managing editor of EdTech: Focus on Higher Education and EdTech: Focus on K–12.

When we talk about workplace modernization, we know the workplace means different things to different people, depending on their roles and where they’re physically working. But modernizing the work experience generally means the same thing for all employees, whether they’re in an office or a classroom. Time is valuable, and when technology can make someone’s job more efficient, that’s considered a win.

In K–12 education, the classroom serves multiple functions. When class is in session, it’s a place of learning, where technology is used to enhance a lesson. But before, after and between classes, a classroom is a place for teachers to get the rest of their work done: grading, planning, communicating with parents and more. In this case, technology plays a different role, as it’s designed to help them do a different aspect of their jobs to make teaching and learning run smoothly.

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Modern Technology Creates a More Efficient Classroom

Technology can be a vital partner in improving student engagement, keeping students on task and allowing educators to deliver effective lessons. And an upfront investment in technology can save districts time and money in the long run.

Technology can transport students to new locations without having to leave their classrooms. Using virtual reality headsets, digital field trips are allowing students to visit new cities, tour museums, meet their peers in other countries and even travel to outer space — without the time, expense and logistics required when organizing an in-person excursion.

This modern classroom technology can come with a learning curve, and often teachers don’t have the time to devote to learning how to use it. But because this tech can improve the overall classroom experience, it is well worth the effort.

At Leander Independent School District in Texas, IT leaders purchased new interactive flat panels and provided professional development opportunities for teachers to learn how to use them. The team offered the PD in several different formats so teachers could select the ones that worked best for them. Knowing how to use these tools effectively ultimately boosted student engagement and improved the overall classroom.

When budgets are tight, making significant technology investments might seem counterintuitive. But the time savings and efficiencies that modern technology can bring to K–12 employees is priceless.

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