Advantages of Technology in the Classroom

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The use of technology within the classroom can be very beneficial; children are able to become more actively involved with their learning, engaging in learning subconciously through games and set activities within the classroom.

                     

Technologies could include the interactive whiteboards, ipads, and even web based interactive activites and chatrooms- all with appropriate privacy and parental blocking systems to ensure safe use!

With the use of technology, children are able to gather information faster and easier; looking through numerous types and styles of resources in comparison to the tedious task of looking through books and other 'boring' means of information. 

Children can also use Technology as a way of displaying and processing information, creating presentations, images, and documents. encouraging ICT skills and creativity simultaneously.

 Technology also allows the children to work independently or as part of a team; depending on the task they are set. This allows the teacher to take a step back, in order to observe and help when guidance is needed; allowing the children to create individual and unique pieces of work through the different types of techologies. 

The use of technology will overall improve the childs creative skills, their ICT and keyboard skills, thinking skills and their motivation to learn and work independently as well as with peers. lt may enhance their ability to learn as this time of learning may meet the needs of their personal learning style, encouraging them to flourist and work harder!

WordNik

                                

Wordnik is an online tool and is a fully functioning dictionary providing an explanation and context for a word. With the influence of modern technology, students tend to avoid using books! – they seem to be referred to as ‘old fashion’ and ‘time consuming’, however, Wordnik offers all the resources that your ‘usual dictionary’ can, but online, making it easier and quicker to access.

Wordnik provides both the dictionary definition as well as providing an example, to ensure better understanding for its user.

Here's an example!

I typed 'exciting' into Wordnik's search bar, and here are my results:

The benefits of using WordNik are that it provides various definitions for users; helping them to understand the meaning of a word, as well as the context of which it can be used. With this tool being online, as long as the internet is accessable, it allows 24 hour access, without passwords or hesitation.
Easy-Peesy!

This is a prime example of a good online resource, and can easily be interprated into lessons of all subjects across the curriculum. An example being story writing in literacy lessons, where pupils can use this technology to understand words they want to use, or look up synonyms and word equivalents. A benefit to this, is that the pupils will gain a better and stronger understanding of the

vocabulary that they are using, improving knowledge and spelling subconciously.

 

"Wordnik is a place for all the words, and everything known about them.
Our goal is to show you as much information as possible, as fast as we can find it, for every word in English, and to give you a place where you can make your own opinions about words known."

- http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/captivated-words-youll-love-wordnik.htm