A recent national survey from University of Phoenix® College of Education finds that more than nine in ten — 93% — K-12 teachers believe personal tech devices can link classroom learning to real-world activities and 89% expect they will be used in most classrooms in the next five years.
The survey of more than 1,000 K-12 teachers across the United States was conducted online by the Harris Poll in April on behalf of University of Phoenix College of Education.
Educators today are integrating technology into curriculum and their classrooms in many ways.
– 79% of K-12 teachers have allowed students to research subjects using the Internet in class.
– 62% have used games and simulations to aid learning.
– 49% have used web-based tools to help students improve writing and comprehension skills.
– 36%% have allowed students to use tools to produce their own video content.
– 20% have used clickers to keep students engaged. The same percentage have used wikis, blogs or social media to spur student dialogue.
– 15% have used technology to connect their students to students in another school, city, state or country.
– 11% have brought in experts via Skype or other technology who otherwise would not have been able to join their classes.
Here’s Kathy Cook, the Dean of Technology for University of Phoenix’s College of Education:
In many ways, technology is tearing down classroom walls and helping educators bring new content and experts into their curriculum. Today’s teachers are increasingly tech-savvy in both their personal and professional lives and are enthusiastic about using technology to keep students engaged and excited about learning.
Technology can help parents build on the momentum created in the classroom.
According to Cook, teachers and parents are often concerned that students may lose significant knowledge from the previous school year during the summer months. This is often referred to as the Summer Learning Slide.
Technology is part of students’ lives on a daily basis, so using a variety of digital tools can promote and make learning fun inside and outside of the classroom. Using digital tools during the summer can also improve children’s and parents’ tech skills.
One learning tool that accomplishes this effectively is the Easy Sketch Pro – Schools Edition software.
Its development was literally requested by teachers who saw students use their dads’ business versions, which have sold over 55,000 copies worldwide:
Easy Sketch Pro – Schools Edition is accessible wherever students have an online connection, making summerwork and homework a much more immersive experience.
The software is available for a 14-day free trial period, so if you’re a parent or student, encourage your school to give it a try. If you’re a teacher, you’ll find that even during this trial period, you can ask to have graphics tailored to your class topics.
Tech is a fundamental of 21st century living, and it’s a natural for schools. The Harris Poll survey has shown K-12 teachers know this, and Easy Sketch Pro – Schools Edition is an efficient and affordable way to put tech to good use.