Smart devices are everywhere these days – but what can they bring to the modern classroom?
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Gear Brain
For this school year we have assembled a list of the best study gadgets for improving students’ cognitive experience in a fun and engaging way.
Which gadgets can be used to improve education?
The smart board
The interactive whiteboard is a large touchscreen the size of a large TV that is controlled by a computer or laptop. Regular touches on the surface allow you to freely interact with tables and images as if you were working on a large tablet. When working with the system, you can easily perform a variety of functions such as writing, changing, highlighting text, etc.
Smart boards fall into two types:
- Projection board – this is a planar surface onto which one projects the image; the device is controlled by a laptop that is wirelessly linked to the board.
- Capacitive board – this manifests itself as a full-fledged computer device that runs the Windows operating system. It can be controlled with a finger or a stylus.
Key advantages of smart boards:
- Improved learning efficiency – smart boards improve students’ motivation, involve them in the educational process more effectively, and improve concentration and memorisation of material.
- Time efficiency – the developed interactive lesson can be repeatedly adjusted for different audiences and it also enables the teacher to quickly return to previous pages when necessary.
- Improved knowledge of technology applications – students quickly master computer literacy and electronic devices, allowing them to better navigate modern technologies and use them in the future to work on individual projects.
- The smart board provides effective ‘student-teacher’ reflection – it contributes to a more complete realisation of students’ creative potential and activity by allowing them to manage objects on the board independently.
Smart projectors
Imagine being able to write on a whiteboard and having your notes instantly appear on the projector – or, better yet, being able to write on any surface and have it projected onto the board. This is now a reality thanks to smart projectors. These nifty devices not only project what is on your screen but also recognise objects and text. For example, if you want to add a diagram to your notes, you can just draw it in real time and the projector will recognize it.
Not only are smart projectors great for classrooms, they are also perfect for businesses and conference rooms. They make presentations more interactive and engaging for everyone in the room because smart projectors enable you to present high-quality material to large audiences creatively.
Digital textbooks
Digital textbooks are a good addition to the classroom; it is time to say goodbye to those heavy, ancient, textbooks that teachers have been making students lug around for years. The digital age is here, and that means it is time for digital textbooks. There are many benefits to using digital textbooks:
- They are lightweight.
- They are easy to access and maintain.
- You can highlight and make notes directly in the text.
- They are eco-friendly.
- They offer the ‘Quick Search’ function.
- They come with an array of multimedia features.
- They offer an interactive self-test system.
Moreover, digital textbooks are often less expensive than physical textbooks so why would a modern classroom not want to make the change?
Smart table
A smart table can make your lessons more interactive and engaging. With a smart table, you can do everything from sharing files and working on projects together, to playing games and learning new concepts – and the best part is that these tables are customisable. As a result, you can create a setup that is perfect for your students. The key advantages of such smart workstations include:
- Learning becomes enjoyable and entertaining for students of all ages.
- It encourages teamwork skills development.
- It offers an opportunity to diversify tasks for students with various tools.
- It provides unlimited space for creative learning.
- It is cost-effective because the teacher does not have to print materials.
Smart camera
Smart cameras have been around for a few years now, and they are only getting more popular. A smart camera is a device connected to the internet – that might sound like a simple definition, but what it means is that you can control these cameras from anywhere in the world. You can access them on your computer or smartphone, and you can even view them live.
So why are they so popular in the classroom? For one thing, they are a great way to keep an eye on what is going on in the classroom.They are also a great way to help teachers keep track of student progress. Smart cameras can be used to record lectures, monitor behaviour and even help with the marking of assignments.
Hologram
Imagine giving a presentation and being able to see your audience in holographic form. This is no longer a futuristic dream; it is a reality that became possible thanks to the HoloLens.
The HoloLens is a device that allows you to see and interact with holograms. It is perfect for educators because it offers a new way to engage with students. For example, you can use it to create a virtual field trip for your class, or you can have students work on projects together, even if they are in different parts of the world.
The possibilities are endless, and the HoloLens is just one of the many gadgets that are making classrooms smarter.
Biometric Devices
Imagine if you could use biometric devices in your classroom to track student attendance and achievement. It became possible thanks to some high-tech gadgets that are making their way into schools all over the world. These devices use facial recognition, or fingerprints, to identify students and record their attendance, grades and other information. This data can then be used to help teachers track student progress and better tailor their lessons to the needs of individual students.
Laptops, tablets, and ‘phones
Imagine if you could have a classroom where the students and the teacher were all using laptops, tablets, or ‘phones. For many educational institutions it is still a pipe dream, whereas for others, it is a daily thing. High-tech gadgets significantly increase classroom intelligence.
The classroom of the future is already here. Moreover, it is more high-tech than ever. These gadgets are changing the way modern teachers educate and students learn, making the classroom smarter and more efficient. From interactive whiteboards to portable document scanners, these high-tech gadgets are making a big difference in the learning space.
So, if you are looking to upgrade your educational experience, be sure to check out these high-tech classroom gadgets. Your students will thank you for it!
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