The 10 Best International Schools in Dubai 2018

n this era of time and space compressions, social
Iconnections are empowered by an explosion of
technological advancements that mandate reframing
our views of technology in the classroom. Technological
advancements enlightened and conquered. It broadened
possibilities and accelerated achievements. Major
technological innovations are evident in various aspects of
our lives. Today, voice-controlled assistants help in setting
clocks and adjusting home thermostats, smartphone
applications allow sharing images across the globe in an
instant, and artificial Intelligence guide driving, predict
purchasing habits, and provide real-time traffic updates.
Big data analytics is fundamentally shaping our lives.
Smart cities use information and communication
technologies to improve efficiency of operations and
services.
This same technology is altering teaching as we know it,
marking a paradigm shift and ushering a new era in
education. Educators are already implementing
Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)
in classrooms to achieve learning outcomes. Integrating
technology in teaching enrich learning experience by
st
supporting teachers and providing students with 21 century
skills.
While traditional teaching methods necessitate the
instructor to occupy center stage with little or no student
interaction, modern teaching methodologies call for greater
student engagement. Integrating technology into our
classrooms promote active learning, collaboration,
autonomy and life-long skills.
Active learning, a technique that engages students in the
learning process, promotes student classroom participation
and involvement. Technology made this involvement
conceivable. Simulation software such as virtual reality
and 3D models allow students to visually observe the object
of study, interact with processes, components, and analyze
the fundamentals of the investigated object.
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Developing intercultural competence is crucial in the 21
century. It is described as the active pursuit to understand
and accept others through interaction and communication
especially outside one's own environment. Through virtual
communities, students create products, communicate, and
teach each other anywhere around the world. This provides
heightened awareness, understanding and tolerance of
diverse views.
Technology enables increased collaboration in the
classroom. Collaboration constitutes effective
communication among students resulting in problem
solving skills crucial in the professional world. Flipped
classrooms requires interactive learning and collective
work. In flipped classrooms, the content is learned outside
the class, while classroom time is allocated for students
working together on assignments.
Technological pedagogy in the classroom aids in student
autonomy. Students independently progress in mastering
concepts. Customized curriculum accommodates students'
learning styles and needs. Interactive books and testing
platforms adapt to students' level and offer personalized
activities and assessments.
While education should continue to prepare students for
future careers, this generation grew up using tablets and
smart phones. Employing technology in the classroom
fosters digital literacy and digital citizenship skills such as
responsibility, time management, confidence and kindness.
Academic institutions should facilitate the integration of
technology in the classroom to empower faculty and
teaching staff. It is important to offer pedagogical
workshops and training in technological pedagogical
knowledge. This knowledge focuses on ways to enhance
teaching and learning through technology. It includes
pedagogical feasibility of technological tools related to
specific discipline. Another approach is to introduce
learning management systems that allow faculty to integrate
e-learning into the curriculum.
Traditional teaching and learning methodology are
inevitably evolving with the influx of technology in our
classroom nowadays. Educators continue to develop
products that enhance students learning. Data generated
from apps and programs provide insight into student
progress and offer specific personalized recommendations
to enhance student performance. The teacher becomes a
guide and coach steering students through the learning
process while providing support at the appropriate time.
Education today extends beyond bricks and mortar.
Technology offers exciting opportunity for life-long
learning, a keystone of a progressive society. It empowers
individuals to acquire new skills thus building capacity and
transforming knowledge into outcomes. Educational
institutions are regarding technology an integral component
of teaching and learning. Faculty are encouraged to view
this as a tool to customize knowledge transfer and address
various student needs. This empowers students and
facilitates their success. T R
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