There’s no denying that technology has become an indispensable part of the classroom. However, the success of EdTech hinges on its ability to empower teachers to teach their way.
The most effective solutions are those that support teachers, enhance their capabilities, and integrate seamlessly with the tools and applications they already use.
Among these solutions, smartboards that integrate with existing tools and applications stand out as a powerful example of technology that can truly make a difference in modern education.
Teachers at the Heart of Education
Teachers are the cornerstone of the educational system. According to research by RAND, teachers have a two to three times greater impact on student performance than any other school factor, including facilities and leadership.
Their influence extends beyond academic success to affect graduation rates, college attendance, and future earnings. Given their pivotal role, it is crucial that technology in the classroom supports, rather than hinders, their efforts.
The modern classroom is filled with technological tools—from computers and tablets to projectors and smartboards. While these tools have the potential to enhance learning outcomes, they also present challenges.
Teachers must invest time in learning new technologies, creating compatible materials, and troubleshooting technical issues. In an era where teacher shortages are a growing concern, it is essential that technology does not add to their burden but instead serves as a helpful tool.
Teacher-Friendly Technology
The integration of technology in the classroom should prioritize user experience, especially for teachers. One of the most impactful technologies in recent years has been the smartboard.
In 2020, 93% of schools purchased a purpose-built interactive display (which looks like a big flat TV) instead of an interactive whiteboard. There are several reasons that these have become the new standard in education collaboration.
For smartboards to be effective, they must be intuitive and easy to use. Teachers should be able to start using them with minimal training.
Features like screen mirroring and flexible whiteboard annotation capabilities can boost student engagement without requiring extensive preparation.
Moreover, smartboards should offer additional features and apps that teachers can explore over time to enrich their teaching experience.
Essentially, teachers should be able to tap the smartboard and start teaching immediately while they grow their knowledge of the boards and ways to use them to encourage collaboration and 21st century skills.
Personalized and Integrative Technology
Technology that adapts to the individual needs of teachers and students can save time and enhance the learning experience.
For example, a smartboard with EDLA certification can allow teachers to log into their board and access their personalized settings and Google materials instantly. This level of personalization can streamline lesson preparation and delivery, making technology a true asset in the classroom.
Equally important is the integration of new technology with existing tools and applications.
According to a Futuresource report, technology integration is a major barrier to adoption. A fully integrated smartboard should allow teachers to access and utilize materials they have already created, whether they are stored on a cloud service like Google Drive or a local network. It should also support the use of web-based apps such as Kahoot, enabling teachers to continue using the resources they trust and rely on.
Enhancing Engagement and Collaboration
One of the primary goals of EdTech is to enhance student engagement and collaboration. Smartboards are particularly effective in achieving this goal. They allow for interactive lessons where students can participate actively by sharing their screens or contributing to the whiteboard in real-time. This kind of dynamic interaction can make lessons more engaging and improve comprehension and retention.
For example, wireless presentation systems (WPS) integrated into smartboards enable students to cast their screens from their devices effortlessly. This fosters a more collaborative and interactive classroom environment, making learning more enjoyable and effective.
Streamlined Management and Security
Behind every successful tech-enabled classroom is a hardworking IT team that ensures everything runs smoothly. Technologies like single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) can simplify user management and enhance security.
A centralized user account management system that integrates with existing directory services can make it easier for IT staff to manage devices and applications, providing a seamless experience for teachers and students alike.
Plus, robust security features ensure compliance with international data privacy standards and regular security updates. They also provide flexible network security options and secure login methods, such as NFC card authentication, to protect against unauthorized access.
Sustainability Comes to EdTech
Another element that can’t be overlooked is sustainability. Climate change and energy conservation are at the forefront of global concerns, driving the need for sustainable solutions in all sectors, including education.
K-12 schools in the U.S. release emissions equivalent to 18 coal-fired power plants, or 15.4 million cars, each year. American universities emitted a further 5.8 million tons of greenhouse gases in 2020, equivalent to the emissions of 1.1 million cars.
Educational institutions can play a significant role in reducing their carbon footprint by adopting energy-efficient technologies.
For instance, smartboards with innovative power-saving features can significantly cut down energy consumption without compromising performance. As an example, some boards can reduce power consumption by up to 70%. This reduction in energy usage not only lowers greenhouse gas emissions but also results in substantial cost savings.
UK schools, for instance, have reported annual savings of about £250, or approximately USD $308, per classroom after making the switch to more energy-efficient boards. These savings can help schools improve their overall financial health and reinvest in other important priorities, demonstrating the dual benefits of sustainability and cost-effectiveness in educational technology.
How to Define EdTech Success
The most successful EdTech solutions are those that allow teachers to teach their way. Technology should serve as a supportive tool, enhancing the teaching and learning experience without adding complexity.
Smartboards that integrate with existing tools and applications exemplify this approach, offering intuitive, personalized, and integrative solutions that empower teachers and engage students.
By prioritizing teacher-friendly technology, personalization, integration, engagement, and security, we can create a more effective and enjoyable learning environment for all.
As we move forward, it is essential to continue developing and implementing technologies that reflect the needs and aspirations of educators, ensuring that they remain at the heart of the educational process.
Carly Burton-Sallay serves as senior marketing manager for BenQ, a global leader in visual display solutions for the classroom, www.benq.com.
