From Skeptic to Advocate: How do smart class features enhance teacher mindsets toward using technology in classrooms?
Discover how smart class features are turning tech-hesitant teachers into advocates of using smart classrooms to create more engaging and effective learning experiences.
In the journey towards enhancing education, technology integration within classrooms has become an undeniable necessity. However, in government schools, teachers often struggle to adapt to these changes. Many of them haven’t grown up using computers and have jumped straight from watching TV to using smartphones. This leap has left a gap in their understanding of how to use technology effectively in teaching.
Because of this unfamiliarity teachers remain skeptical about using educational technology in the classroom. This is where one of the core smart classroom features, that is the operating system, comes into play.
A user-friendly interface, similar to smartphone experiences, can help bridge this gap.
By mirroring the smart class feature similar to those teachers use on their phones or TVs at home, we can help them become more comfortable and confident with technology. iDream Education is empowering teachers to embrace technology with greater comfort and confidence. We believe fostering familiarity with smart class devices outside the classroom is key. This familiarity can lead to a positive shift in teacher mindsets toward integrating technology into their teaching practices. Once teachers feel at ease using smart devices in the classroom environment, we are well on our way to enhancing the way teachers leverage technology to enhance the learning experience for their students.
Further, from the widespread implementation of smart classrooms across various states in India through partnerships between the social sector and the government,
We have learned that the most popular choices for smart classroom setups are either Smart TVs or interactive flat panels. This insight underscores the importance of aligning solutions with the preferences of teachers to ensure seamless integration of technology in teaching.
Let’s explore some smart class features that are shifting teacher’s mindsets from skeptics to advocates for the regular use of smart classes in schools
Interactive in nature
One of the smart class features is interactivity. It enhances the passive learning environment into a dynamic, participatory experience, actively involving students and sparking their eagerness to learn. Not only does this enhance student engagement, but it also makes teaching more enjoyable and fulfilling. The interactive feature of smart classes empower teachers to cater to different learning styles, where they can show visuals, conduct collaborative classroom activities, play video lessons, and more, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes for students.
Access to educational software:
In numerous social sector and government education initiatives, smart class devices are set up equipped with pre-installed educational software such as iPrep by iDream Education. This not only saves teachers valuable time searching for relevant content but also enriches their teaching pedagogy with engaging digital resources. This makes educational software a key smart class feature, enabling curriculum-aligned content in English, Hindi, and various local languages. Further, the bilingual interface simplifies navigation, allowing teachers to comfortably explore and utilize the software in their preferred language. This, leads to a shift in teacher mindsets to using technology in classrooms.
Access to Android Application:
Beyond educational software, teachers can use various Android applications and platforms to enhance teaching and student engagement. A prime example is the use of platforms like YouTube by coordinators at iMpower Centres of Aide et Action. They shared that, On Saturdays, they foster a unique learning environment at their centers. They do this by playing animated movies like Mowgli while students enjoy their meals. This approach has proven effective in captivating students’ attention, as they become so engrossed in the content that they even pause their eating to watch and learn, demonstrating the power of integrating technology and entertainment to create immersive educational experiences.
Annotation Tool
Annotation is one of the smart class features of an interactive flat panel. It is changing the way students learn. IFPs are touch-based devices that spark curiosity and engagement among students, making learning a more immersive experience. Through this, teachers can draw, write, and highlight, content directly on the screen, making teaching smooth and easy. From simple annotations to intricate diagrams, this smart class feature enhances visual communication and simplifies the explanation of complex concepts. With this too, teachers are able to engage students in collaborative learning by encouraging their participation in board activities. This approach fosters a sense of motivation to learn and improve.
Classroom Capture
Classroom Capture can be done through the use of an annotation tool as an interactive board. This smart class feature simplifies teaching by allowing teachers to add pages rather than erasing content, thereby preserving the continuity of instruction. Teachers can easily add pages during lessons, save their entire instructional content, and facilitate seamless revisit before the next class. Additionally, this feature enables teachers to share their lessons directly with students via QR code scans, enhancing accessibility and ensuring that students have easy access to classroom notes on their devices at their convenience.
On-demand collaboration
This can be done by teachers through touch haptics, another smart class feature of interactive flat panels. Teachers can effortlessly initiate collaborative activities on the screen, fostering teamwork and active participation. Students, naturally drawn to tactile experiences, thrive in this environment as they touch, interact, and work together on shared tasks. This collaborative approach not only cultivates healthy competition but also enhances classroom engagement, where learning becomes an enjoyable and interactive experience for all.
On-Demand Visual Learning
This improves classroom engagement by empowering students to take the lead. Teachers can select a student to guide their peers through a reading passage or facilitate interactive activities like group reading sessions. This dynamic approach not only enhances comprehension and retention of the material but also fosters a sense of ownership and confidence in young learners. This smart class feature transforms passive listeners into active participants, cultivating a vibrant and inclusive classroom where every student has a voice.
These are some common smart class features that have led to a significant mindset shift among teachers.
Let’s explore one example that illustrates the shift from skepticism about smart classes to active advocacy for their use.
From 2022 to 2023, we implemented 166 smart classrooms in schools across East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, as part of the Office of the Deputy Commissioner’s Project “Ka Lawei.”
Initially, teachers were hesitant and unfamiliar with technology’s role in education. However, through dedicated training, guidance, regular assessment, and bridge courses their apprehension evolved into curiosity and eventually, resulted in the regular use of smart classes.
Recognizing this shift, in collaboration with Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal Ji, we planned to highlight and motivate teachers who were using smart classes regularly. Teachers who consistently used smart classes were identified and recognized as “master trainers.” This strategic approach empowered them to mentor their peers, leading to the use of smart classes by other teachers as well.
As Project Ka Lawei marked its one-year milestone in Aug 2023, Three schools have been recognized and awarded for their exceptional performance within the Ka Lawei initiative. Moreover, nine teachers from different schools across East Jaintia Hills were recognized and felicitated for their contributions and use of smart classes.
The intuitive nature of smart class technology, mirroring the familiar interfaces of devices like TVs and smartphones, empowers teachers to effortlessly integrate digital tools into their classrooms.
At iDream Education, we understand that each school possesses a unique infrastructural landscape and teachers have individual preferences. This is why we meticulously tailor our smart class hardware and software solutions to seamlessly fit within existing school infrastructures and align with the specific needs of teachers. User-friendly interface of our learning platform iPrep simplifies the adoption process, removing any barriers to integrating technology into the classroom. By leveraging teachers’ inherent comfort with technology and providing them with tools that are both easy to use and specifically designed for their needs, we create an environment where technology enhances, rather than hinders, the educational experience.
If you want to know more about smart classrooms for your education program/initiative, please write to us at share@idreameducation.org
