How to Use Technology to Teach

Summary

This video script explores technology integration in education, emphasizing the use of virtual learning environments (VLEs), online quizzes, discussion forums, and social media to enhance student engagement. It discusses synchronous and asynchronous learning, highlighting the importance of student-teacher interaction and the internet's role as a teaching tool. The script also touches on gamification and digital media's potential to enrich the learning experience, concluding with an invitation to consult higher education experts for teaching courses.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Technology integration involves using tech-based resources like mobiles, smart boards, social media, computers, software, and the internet in teaching practices.
• 🎓 A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), also known as Learning Management Systems, serves as a web-based educational platform for online teaching and resource center.
• 📊 VLEs are increasingly popular in higher-end private schools with high technology penetration and internet access, and are used for both online and on-campus courses.
• 📝 Online quizzes through VLEs are quicker to implement than paper-based ones, with automated grading and vetting of student answers.
• 🗣️ Online discussion forums can engage shy students, allowing them to contribute to lesson discussions without intimidation and share related media.
• 🔗 Student-teacher interactions are crucial for learning objectives and can be facilitated through online platforms like Zoom, especially during pandemics.
• 🕒 Asynchronous learning allows students to engage with pre-recorded content such as webinars, videos, and discussion boards at their own pace.
• 🌐 The internet, if used correctly, can be a powerful teaching tool, but its potential to distract also presents challenges for teachers.
• 🎮 Gamification and digital media can enhance interactivity in the classroom, with students encouraged to create or co-create content about their topics.
• 💼 For those interested in a teaching career or learning more about education, higher education consultants can provide information on relevant courses like PGCE and Masters in Education.

Q & A

What is technology integration in the context of education?

Technology integration in education refers to the use of tech-based resources such as mobiles, smart boards, social media platforms, computers, software, and the internet in daily classroom and teaching practices.

What is a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)?

A Virtual Learning Environment, also known as a Learning Management System, is a web-based educational platform that acts as an online teaching medium and serves as a primary online resource center for students.

How has the use of VLEs expanded in educational settings?

Originally used for online or distance learning courses, VLEs are now also used for on-campus courses, and their popularity is growing in higher-end private schools with high technology penetration and internet access.

What are two ways teachers can use VLEs in their classrooms?

Teachers can use VLEs for implementing online quizzes, which are quicker than paper-based ones, and for setting up online discussion forums to engage with students who may be more reticent in traditional classroom settings.

How do online quizzes in VLEs benefit the teaching process?

Online quizzes in VLEs are easy to implement and can automatically grade student answers, providing a more efficient and less time-consuming method compared to traditional paper quizzes.

What is the role of online discussion forums in enhancing student engagement?

Online discussion forums allow students to contribute their perspectives without feeling intimidated, and they can also share related media with classmates, thus enriching the learning experience.

How have global pandemic conditions impacted the use of online technology platforms in teaching?

The global pandemic has made online technology platforms like Zoom and VLEs necessary tools for synchronous learning, as traditional classroom-based teaching was disrupted.

What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning?

Synchronous learning involves real-time interaction between teachers and students, while asynchronous learning is not done in real-time and allows students to complete activities at their own pace.

How can the internet be utilized as an effective teaching tool?

The internet can be an effective teaching tool when used to facilitate social learning, gamification, and the use of digital media, provided that distractions are managed and its educational potential is maximized.

What is gamification and how can it be applied in a classroom setting?

Gamification is the application of elements of gaming to other activities, making it an interesting way to add interactivity to a classroom setting and enhance student engagement.

How can digital media be used as a technology tool for teaching?

Digital media, including online videos, blogs, and wikis, can be used to provide more context to a topic and can also encourage students to create or co-create social media content about the topics they are learning.

What opportunities are available for those interested in teaching or learning more about education?

Individuals interested in pursuing a teaching career or learning more about education can speak to higher education consultants about opportunities such as PGCE, Masters in Education, or other teaching courses offered.