How 21st Century Classroom technology is helping the learning process.
A recent PBS survey<
http://www.pbs.org/about/news/archive/2012/teacher-survey-fetc/> showed that any 21st Century Classroom helps the learning process. A vast majority of all teachers
believe tools such as interactive whiteboards and tablets enrich classroom education.
The top three reasons for teachers to use technology in the classroom are:
1) Adapt to diverse learning styles
2) Boost student motivation
3) Enhance the material being taught
The results were neatly put together in this infographic<
http://mashable.com/2012/07/23/technology-in-the-classroom/>.
This proves ReLANpro is in sync with these conclusions after redesigning our language lab software and creating apps that enhance the learning process. According to 81% of all teachers tablets enrich classroom learning, while 86% of the students feel they
study more efficiently. ReLANpro enables students to use their own mobile device, something 59% of all students prefer.
Most importantly, students who use their smart-phone for language study not only spend more time on assignments, but achieve better results as well. Findings presented at the IALLT conference in Florida earlier this year and data from the Studyblue website<
http://www.studyblue.com/projects/infographic-mobile-studying-online-flashcards-on-smartphones/>
show mobile devices are an efficient way to improve student performance. Mobile learners, spend 40 more minutes studying each week, from anywhere they may go.
Unfortunately, most teachers feel they do not teach in a 21st Century Classroom. Only -1 in 5 teachers believe their classroom has the right level of technology. There is a lot of work to be done to enable teachers and students to work efficiently.
Here the "change before you have to" attitude from the Acalanes High School, mentioned in my previous blog<
http://relanpro.net/?p=1763> post, comes to mind. If teachers, and most importantly, students, are ready for
the change, educational IT should lead the way.
Being understaffed and having a very limited budget can make this challenging, but if implemented correctly the return on investment is simply huge. We have to prepare the students for their corporate future; restricting their use of 21st Century Technology
is not an option.
The solution is simple. Earlier research showed that 70% of all the students<
http://www.mobilegarageblog.com/2011/11/students-and-their-smartphones-sexting-facebooking-and-classroom-behaviors.html>
have smart-phones, while 88% of the parents<
http://www.iyogiinsights.com/> are willing to invest in technology, if it can also be used for educational purposes. With the help of these resources, we are on the road
to success.
Until next time for ASC-ReLANpro.....
Ralf Porankiewicz
CEO