Article by Paul Buchanan

If there’s one thing in the world that is always going to be constantly changing and updating, it’s technology. Technology forms such a huge part of our lives now that it’s increasingly difficult to imagine what our lives would be like without it. It’s so ingrained into our society and operates our access to even our most basic human needs – like fresh water, without it, most people would probably end up at a total loss.

Although new technology can be seen as something big and scary, many of us know that the best way to come at it is simply to embrace it and get to know the latest developments. How many of us know ultra-cool older people who have not only familiarised themselves with the internet but are already on Facebook, Hotmail and even Twitter? Compared with people of similar ages who won’t even go near a computer, it’s clear that there are two very different ways of dealing with technology. When you’re older, which camp would you like to be in? The tech-savvy grannies and granddads or the nay-sayers who can barely work their way around the keyboard? There isn’t much of a contest, is there?

As a teacher, you should be doing your best to familiarise yourself with new technology as and when it appears. After all, you’ll want to keep up with your class – especially given how quickly kids can adapt to and learn new technology in a matter of moments. What’s more important about learning how to use new technology is the whole new world of opportunities it opens up for your teaching. Consider the evolution of the blackboard, from scratchy, hard to use surface to smooth, wipe clean white – but even the whiteboard isn’t ideal; it takes time to write things down and there’s always the chance a student will get their hands on your pens and make the most of them while your back is turned. Still, there is a distinct improvement between the two – and further improvements have included the addition of technology. Now, interactive whiteboards, which utilise computers, projection and the internet to replace standard whiteboards with revolutionary classroom technology are cropping up in classrooms around the UK as the next evolution of whiteboards.

While interactive whiteboards might be daunting at first, by simply embracing them and exploring just what they can do in terms of creating lesson plans and interactive activities you’ll easily be able to keep up with the latest technology – and your class!

Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.










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