Smart Classrooms: How they are beneficial for schools?

by Lead School Consultant

So, tell me, what comes to your mind when you hear ‘‘Go to your classroom’’? Teachers, blackboards, chalk and duster capture your imagination, I’m sure. However, the technology is changing the scene by transforming blackboards into ‘‘Smart classrooms’’.

Smart classrooms can be defined as a classroom founded in technology-enabled teaching and learning. These classrooms make learning exciting and fun for the students by providing teachers with tools and resources to teach efficiently. They ensure ‘‘Quality Education’’ in today’s ever-changing world.

SMART CLASSROOMS VS TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS

All of us have attended traditional classrooms that have been imparting education using textbooks, chalk, blackboards and duster since time immemorial. The teachers take students to labs to demonstrate certain activities to teach some concepts. If you had a doubt, you had to wait until the next day. There were fixed timings, and evaluation and assessment were done manually.

On the other hand, smart classrooms aim at delivering quality education using various technological tools such as laptops and computers connected to the internet, e-textbooks, projectors, whiteboards, LEDs, etc. Students are engaged for a more extended period with multimedia, video & audio tools and a flawless curriculum management system for schools. Teachers are accessible to the students through technology even after school hours.

IMPORTANCE OF SMART CLASSROOMS

The importance of smart classes can’t be overstated as they provide quality education to the students and ensure better learning outcomes. Traditional classes are rapidly losing their effectiveness in the modern era. Smart classes are well equipped with the latest technologies such as smartboards, visualizers, computers/laptops/tablets, projectors, internet connectivity, speakers, podium, microphone and many more.

These days students are inclined towards technology and gadgets. They prefer technology for sharing study materials as they find learning more fun and engaging with the help of innovative technology. Their attention span increases, and they take a deep interest in learning activities, lesson plans and discussions.

Students can quickly learn complicated concepts by watching animations and videos. Learning has become an enjoyable and fun experience for students. Smart classes improve the academic performance of the students as well. They enable teachers to quickly evaluate and assess students based on their scores and performance using the tools of a smart class.

IMPORTANCE OF SMART CLASSROOMS

#1 Access to Online Resources

Students and teachers can access a database consisting of online resources – study materials, images, videos, documentaries, podcasts, etc. – for effective teaching and learning experiences.

#2 Effective Learning

They provide effective learning and teaching opportunities to the teachers and students with the help of technological tools. Teachers can convert heavy concepts into easy ones by using images, graphs, flowcharts and animated videos. This helps in a better understanding of a concept. Information retention is better because human minds register visuals better than text.

#3 Increased Accessibility

The resources are stored on a cloud-based platform and are accessible anytime, anywhere for teaching and learning. Internet – the powerhouse of abundant information – is just a click away.

#4 Interactive & Fun Learning

Teachers deliver lectures more efficiently and effectively by using presentations, projectors, images and videos. Thus, they create an interactive and fun learning atmosphere. This leads to stronger relationships between teachers and students.

#5 Eco-friendly

Smart classes use technological tools that are environment friendly as the teachers deliver lectures over online mediums without using writing and printing information. Since everything is available digitally, there is no need to use a pen, ink, papers, pencils, etc.

#6 Saves time

Most often than not, students are focused on taking down notes rather than learning in the class. This, a lot of learning time is wasted. In smart classes, notes are shared with the students in the form of presentations. Therefore, they have an ample amount of time for productive activities.

FUTURE OF SMART CLASSES

Smart classes are indispensable for all schools to improve their teaching and learning environment. Students enjoy the learning phase with smart classes very much as the classes have transformed from being boring into fascinating.