Enhancing learning with technology
TECHNOLOGICAL tools are a ubiquitous reality in classrooms today and its prevalence in the teaching and learning process is unavoidable.
Used wisely, technological tools can open new dimensions in learning, research and discussions.
The variety of emerging learning technologies can be overwhelming, which is why Sunway International School (SIS) teachers choose three strategic areas in deploying its use – student response technologies, the flipped classroom concept and skill enhancement technology.
Student response technologies
Student response technologies allow teachers to check immediately for an authentic report of students’ understanding.
Teachers can access a rich database of more than three hundred programmes and websites such as Geddit and Kahoot that include a spectrum of subjects, topics and courses to teach students.
These programmes essentially act as informal check-ins, as students can be reticent or timid in offering candid feedback on their grasp of the material.
A student’s performance on these programmes let teachers gauge if the student is on-track with the lesson taught. If the results are less than expected, it indicates that the student is having difficulty understanding a concept, which informs teachers that a review of the lesson is required.
With tools such as these, teachers can be assured that no student is left behind and that the class as a whole is progressing at an equal pace.
These programmes are usually free to use and rated by users over a shared platform, which lets teacher verify their usefulness.
Flipped classroom
Another concept that is a hit at SIS is the flipped classroom concept. This idea flips the conventional classroom style by having students view their lectures at home and do their reviews or assignments in class.
These lectures are dispensed through video sites using professionally created and reliable educational videos.
Some of these video applications even allow teachers to attach questions to the video to emphasise salient points that they want students to remember.
Students need to answer the questions correctly before they can proceed with the rest of the video, thereby ensuring that they are not able to skip ahead to the end. This mechanism provides teachers a real–time capture of the students’ accountability in completing their assigned task.
At SIS, these videos are a boon for teachers to familiarise students with confusing terminology and understand complex concepts.
Conventionally, this exercise would consume time in class as students grapple with new words and concept but with these tools, students can spend time with teachers working together on review exercises in class, maximising interaction and facetime with teachers.
SIS students have been forthcoming with their feedback of these technological advancements and they approve of it.
Technological tools have made it easier for students to understand and absorb lessons better compared to in a traditional classroom setting.
Skill enhancement technology
As students become increasingly tech-savvy, they become empowered by deploying these tools and applying them to enrich their technological prowess.
SIS outfits all study areas with Wi-Fi access for students who work on their laptops and tablets, while every one of the 19 classrooms and laboratories at SIS contains an interactive whiteboard to run multimedia programmes.
Be it presentations, assignments or collaborative work, students are avid and adventurous in trying new features and testing various skills gleaned as they become adept at operating the software.
Technology coach Blake Watters is inspired by his students’ initiative and enthusiasm.
“These kids are fearless when it comes to learning technology. They’re always eager to progress and find what these programmes are capable of. It really aids them in understanding the lesson and helps them substantially in digesting new material,” he says.
By incorporating technological tools in the delivery of lessons, teachers can impart education in a way better suited for the learners of today, and the way that best brings out their innovation, awareness and critical thinking.
SIS will be hosting a parent information session on March 21 from 10am to noon.
For more information, call 03-7491 8070 or visit www.sis.sunway.edu.my