There are many obvious advantages to using technology in the classroom. Just some quick examples include improving collaboration and communication skills through tools such as GSuite (Benefits of collaborative learning, 2012). This along with many other examples has made technology a primary tool in education.
Looking further using technology in the classroom, Science is a major adopter when it comes to technology. From the equipment used in labs to the software used for gamification the classroom. There’s one technique that has many advantages, virtual labs. The four major benefits that come along with using virtual labs, flexible access, instant feedback, cutting edge technology and cutting costs (LYNCH 2018). Using this type of technology helps some students gain access to certain equipment that normally they would not have access to due to the costs that come along with it. This gives students the extra edge and experience when it comes developing their skills for this type of profession. Students can access the labs from any computer which makes it possible to create online programs in many areas of Science which again gives people the opportunity to gain experience that would normally not be able to. Also, not to mention the prevention of any serious safety risk when running experiments for labs.
There has yet to be a downside determined for this type of classroom technology, it would be difficult to outweigh the advantages of using this type of technology in the classroom (LYNCH 2018).
Benefits of collaborative learning. (2012, January 13). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042811030205
Lynch, M. (2018, April 23). 4 Benefits of Virtual Labs. Retrieved from https://www.theedadvocate.org/4-benefits-of-virtual-labs/
Integrating technology into a science curriculum truly has endless possibilities! You mention several great opportunities for learners, such as virtual labs. I have seen numerous virtual concepts that are able to be learned through virtual environments, like body systems or space concepts. Often times I wish I still taught science when I all the exciting pieces out there!
Hi Nicole,
The concept of virtual science labs is a very fascinating area of edtech. It opens up a world of opportunities for schools with limited science budgets. What do you think about the quality of learning in virtual science labs? Do you think a student who is trained only in a virtual environment would be ready to operate in a real-world lab?
It definitely seems like math/science have an advantage in technology resources. I teach language arts for half my day and have managed to cobble together some good tech resources to use with my students but I still see some holes. I teach STEM-focused courses the other half of my day and I definitely see a much larger field to choose from when finding tools and software to use.
Hi Nicole,
The information on the virtual lab was interesting. It does sound like this technology is necessary as it also allows for the possibility of remote learning which an in-person lab does not. However, I also agree that being able to go to a lab is valuable. I wonder if field trips could allow for that once students have perfected an experiment or if Amazon could just ship rented labs around the country for limited use. Then the virtual labs would be one part of a larger plan.