Smart Technology for Smarter Students
The rise of technology has greatly enriched the field of education. The internet has connected students all around the world to one another, as well as offered them the opportunity to find virtually any information online. The use of technology in the classroom helps students to better understand all subjects, including mathematics, science, language, music, and art. Technology in the classroom also helps prepare students for success in higher education and in their careers. Below are descriptions of some of the most revolutionary technologies currently used in the field of education.
Simulation

Today's teachers often employ simulation software to teach students about physics, biology, and social studies. There are many programs available that can simulate situations realistically, thus allowing students to solve real-world problems and analyze possible outcomes. For example, social studies teachers can use programs in which the student behaves as a city planner or government official. By performing different actions and witnessing the result, students can better understand politics and social issues. Similarly, science simulation programs can allow students to perform virtual experiments and research studies.
- Simulation and Computer Models in the Classroom: An article that discusses the advantages of using simulation in the classroom and provides a list of relevant examples.
- Learning Science through Computer Games and Simulations: A book that discusses the relevance of simulation in science education.
Virtual Manipulatives
A virtual manipulative is a software program that allows students to learn the effects of different object manipulations through virtual reality. The use of virtual manipulatives provides students with a clean and organized way to manipulate objects and deepen their understanding of math or physics. For example, a virtual manipulatives program designed for a mathematics class may include a virtual pizza that children can cut in different ways to learn about fractions. This method of instruction is usually much more convenient than traditional manipulatives. In the previous example, the student can start over with a fresh "pizza" at any point, whereas a real pizza can only be cut once.
- National Library of Virtual Manipulatives: A page with examples of virtual manipulatives used in the classroom.
- Virtual Manipulatives: An article that describes the benefits of using virtual manipulatives.
Smartphones
Some educators are even beginning to incorporate the use of smartphones to enhance learning. Educators can use smartphones to teach time management and planning. Students can use them to take pictures outside of the classroom that they can share with classmates back at school. In addition, several companies are now developing apps that students can use in the classroom to learn about specific subjects. Using smartphones to teach other subjects also teaches students how to use the smartphones themselves, which is an essential skill in today's society.
- Smartphone Use in a Higher Educational Setting: An article that describes the possibilities for smartphones in higher education.
- Students Turn Their Cellphones on for Classroom Lessons: An article that discusses smartphone usage in the classroom.
Smart Boards
Many grade schools and colleges are replacing their chalkboard and white boards with a revolutionary technology known as the "smart board." The smart board is an interactive white board that reacts to user input. The board allows for handwriting and drawing just like a regular chalkboard, but it incorporates more advanced features as well. There are many software applications that teachers can download to use on the smart board, thus making it even more useful in the classroom. In addition, the smart board can accommodate all other programs commonly used with computers, such as PowerPoint. Smart boards are a great alternative to traditional chalkboards and whiteboards which can be difficult to keep clean.
- Smart Boards: An article that describes the smart board and its place in the classroom.
- Smart Board in the Classroom: A list of example interactives that can be used with smart boards.
Assessment
Not only has information technology added richness to the learning process, but it has also provided teachers with better tools for assessment. Teachers can use technology to create online quizzes and exams for their students. Students can also use the internet to submit papers and communicate with the teacher. In addition, teachers can create non-traditional assessments for students that involve the use of simulation or virtual manipulatives. Furthermore, teachers can use the internet to post grades and keep students informed about their progress in the course.
- Online Assessment with Blackboard (PDF): A document providing information about Blackboard, one of the most popular programs used for online assessment.
- Online Assessment (PDF): A document that describes different ways in which teachers can assess their students' progress over the internet.