Students nowadays use lots of tech tools to learn for projects. There are more of these gadgets in the world than people! This all started with cell phones, which became more common than people around 2014. A few years later, even more gadgets called the “Internet of Things” became more common than people!
If we take a closer look at those numbers, According to Gadget Cover, it all started around the time roughly 7.19 billion people were on Earth. That’s when the number of mobile devices began to outnumber us! Today, a tracker by GSMA shows a whopping 8.9 billion mobile devices in use, and that number keeps climbing. No wonder we spend so much time glued to screens, whether it’s talking on the phone or scrolling through social media. According to SENAT.me, statistically speaking, over 50% of people are currently engaged in some form of media consumption. Recent data indicates that Americans spend more than 12 hours per day consuming various types of media.
According to Statista, market leader Facebook was the first social network to surpass one billion registered accounts and now has over 2.89 billion monthly active users. The company also owns four of the largest social media platforms, each with over one billion monthly active users: Facebook (core platform), WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram. In the third quarter of 2021, Facebook reported more than 3.58 billion monthly users across its core Family products. Expecting this tech-savvy generation to leave their phones at home and focus on outdated books is unlikely to make students happy.
What are the benefits of using technology to enhance project learning?
In this context, leveraging technology can enhance learning in various ways. It offers the most up-to-date information and is interactive, unlike traditional books. Technology is omnipresent, enabling communication and learning on the go. HackerRank highlights that today’s world is characterized by the constant presence of technology.
New technologies are not only being developed at an unprecedented pace but they’re also being adopted faster than ever. Research published in the Harvard Business Review reveals that while the telephone took several decades to reach 50% penetration, the Internet achieved the same reach within a few years after its popularization in the 1990s. Many of us have experienced the convenience of listening to an audiobook while jogging.
How does technology play an important role in enhancing project learning?
Technology isn’t just helpful for learning, it can make it much richer. Imagine having access to all sorts of interactive learning materials and being able to connect with classmates around the world – that was unthinkable just two decades ago. Now that this technology exists, we should take full advantage of it, and move beyond just using video conferencing for occasional remote learning.
Technology is a tool we can use to achieve our goals.
Technology is a powerful aid, but it shouldn’t be the main objective. Sure, some teachers might brag about using the latest tech, but real success is measured by student achievement, not how many websites they’ve visited. In fact, language teachers can leverage this by having students rewrite or improve existing text using online resources – it’s a great way to practice using technology for a specific learning goal.
Technology is an aid.
Technology supports the learning process but cannot replace it. A great teacher and dedicated planning are irreplaceable, even with the best technology. Jet Learn cites Bill Gates, who said, “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” Therefore, it is crucial to provide students with reliable and trustworthy sources. Failing to do so, especially in today’s age of conspiracy theories, can be detrimental.
Read More: Boost Your Job Chances with These Key Tech Skills.
Technology acts as a link.
Technology can help close the gap in knowledge acquisition. Since each student has unique learning styles, designing projects that offer diverse learning opportunities can enhance classroom performance. Of course, it’s unlikely that every student will be completely satisfied, but employing strategies like having them write a digital report on their favorite Netflix documentary series can effectively develop their writing skills while exploring their interests.
Technology is an instrument of expression.
Technology gives us tons of cool ways to share our ideas. For your projects, you can choose any format you like to present your findings. Want to impress me even more? Skip the classic PowerPoint and try something new! There’s extra credit for presentations that don’t use it. Prezi, videos, or anything creative is fair game – the more variety, the better.
Technology is relatable.
Many YouTubers find success because they resonate with their audience. According to Oberlo, a significant 62 percent of consumers worldwide utilize YouTube. Providing free access to online resources your students prefer can enhance their success. Remember to recommend some sources yourself.
Consider suggesting Daily Manna to your students, a valuable resource for daily motivation and fresh perspectives on common subjects. Incorporating their articles into your classroom can increase engagement and foster communication. Here’s how to leverage technology to enrich project-based learning.
Learning Management Systems.
A proficient Learning Management System (LMS) facilitates effective communication of course material between instructors and students. It enables teachers to modify course content as the learning process progresses. Additionally, an LMS can gather learner data from various activities.
Flipped learning approach.
Videos are used to give students fundamental guidance before class sessions. By employing videos for instruction beforehand, classroom discussions can center more on critical thinking and problem-solving. A study conducted with 850 Physics undergraduates at the University of British Columbia revealed that when traditional classroom technology was utilized, students attained an average score of 41%, whereas with flipped classroom technology, the average score rose to 74%.
Video quiz.
Following the discussion of a course topic, online videos may incorporate quizzes within the video content. Engaging in these quizzes motivates learners to invest additional time in activities and practical exercises. Enhanced knowledge retention and increased productivity in classroom discussions are anticipated outcomes.
Analyzing learner data and presenting it visually.
To acquire useful information from course feedback, teachers, students, and parents must receive transparent communication regarding student data. Successful implementation of project-based learning hinges on effective communication.
Course Gamification.
Gamifying a course entails awarding points to students as they complete various tasks. Through this point system, students can progress through levels or compete on leaderboards. Consequently, learners can boost their involvement by tapping into their innate drive for social interaction, competition, achievement, and recognition.
Whiteboard animation videos.
Introducing gamification to a course involves giving students points for completing different tasks. With this point-based system, students can advance through levels or participate in leaderboards. As a result, learners can increase their engagement by leveraging their natural desires for social interaction, competition, accomplishment, and acknowledgment.
Training teachers and students for Software use.
Online learning software can educate students and instructors through screencasting, where instructional content is presented alongside video recordings of computer screens. This approach is economically advantageous, requiring only audio addition to the screencast for effective demonstration. Additionally, advanced video editing tools like Screenflow and Camtasia enable users to enhance screencasts with voiceovers and textual elements.
Technology possesses great potential, yet its effectiveness hinges on appropriate usage. Therefore, it’s advisable not to overly rely on technology to augment project-based learning or adhere to rigid guidelines. Students often have individual approaches to incorporating technology into their learning processes. As long as there’s no academic dishonesty and the desired outcomes are achieved, any utilization of technology is deemed acceptable.
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