We can thank educators for this as they take cautious steps to integrate technology into the classroom to ensure that students maintain the collaborative spirit of traditional learning . Educators are incorporating new approaches to learning through STEM education , learner-center spaces , and incorporation of digital tools where necessary ; all while teachers are keeping up with the technology
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When you look around , you will see the soft glow of light beaming onto the faces of our peers as they immerse themselves in their smartphones , tablets and computers , getting their news , updates from family and friends , and staying connected . We see technology seeping into every aspect of our lives ; our cars are equipped with technology to connect to our smart devices through Wi-Fi and “ smart ” homes allow our phones to control anything from thermostats to light switches . Technology is an integral part of almost all aspects of our lives , but as we look toward one of the most ancient traditions , it has seemingly stayed , for the most part , traditional . As institutions start to examine advancements in technology in the classroom and new approaches to learning , we are seeing variations to classroom settings , an uptick in digital learning , and teachers keeping up with the ever-changing educational landscape .
According to National Geographic , it was 1635 when the first public high school in the United States opened in Boston — a room with desks and chairs in neat rows and the teacher ’ s desk adorning the front of the classroom . Since then , we ’ ve seen blackboards transform to whiteboards , and now to interactive displays . Paper and pencils have been erased by computers . Yet we haven ’ t seen technology completely overhaul the classroom . Teachers haven ’ t ( yet ) been replaced by robots , and students are still lugging home heavy textbooks .
STEM EDUCATION Science , Technology , Engineering and Mathematics , or STEM , is a curriculum based on educating students in subjects that have been underserved by graduating seniors entering the workforce in the past . Each of these fields encompasses a vast number of disciplines under them , touching almost all aspects of our lives . An increasing number of jobs are available each year in these fields and there are schools opening across the country that are solely based on STEM learning . There continues to be an increase in the number of students applying for admission , so much so that public schools are now incorporating these types of courses into their curriculum to keep up with student interests . Teachers are teaching their students with an interdisciplinary approach based on real-world applications , allowing them the opportunity to conduct research , connect with executives , and collaborate with their peers .
A report done by InTech explains that “ a successful STEM education provides students with science , math and engineering / technology in sequences that build upon each other and can be used with real-world applications .” The National Science Foundation estimates that 80 percent of the jobs available during the next decade will require math and science skills . By introducing new practices that are being used across different industries , students are getting a firsthand look into what their future could hold . STEM is still very new to educators , students and parents alike , but the impact these four fields will have on our future proves to be important to all .
Another tactic educators are implementing to increase collaboration and engagement is through the implementation of communal spaces . As teachers , students and parents seek out upgrades to the traditional approach of learning , inspiration comes from Silicon Valley , as communal spaces have proved to allow for more than just collaborative learning . According to the Social Development Theory , social interaction and a sense of community play a critical role in cognitive development . Providing students with a space where they feel comfortable and free to express their feelings also opens the door for shared learning .
DIGITAL LEARNING
Digital learning is a type of adaptive learning facilitated by , or with the help of , technology . This is done through the use of computers and tablets and can be found in traditional classrooms , blended classrooms or virtual learning classrooms . Students who once relied solely on textbooks available at the library now have access to resources and information that , prior to the internet , were unattainable . With almost unlimited resources , teachers and students have a new approach to learning . They have tools that assist with research , videos that make learning more fun , and access to a community of individuals ( peers , leaders and the like ) to support their projects . Students are using tools such as Skype to tap into their network of resources .
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