An Innovative School is one that approaches education from a new perspective. According to Business Insider, this can involve lots of things; like incorporating new technology or teaching methods, going on field trips, rejecting social norms or partnering with the local community. But innovative schools share 2 traits in common:
They have bold, creative educational ideas AND set high standards for students and staff.
Makoko Floating School, Lagos (Now collapsed)
With many new technologies for School admin and classroom use, there are many possibilities to be explored if only a school is willing to be innovative to promote student learning. It is left for the school system to track what works for them and put other unworkable technologies aside. Some of these technologies range from mobile apps that grade written student work and provide lesson plan databases and open content platforms for educators to share and exchange resources.
These 5 innovative ed-tech trends are quite adaptable and may already be in use in classrooms around you:
E-learning: With cloud based LMS (learning management systems), it is easier than ever to make everywhere a classroom. Apart from delivering and managing courses, many LMS’s feature collaborative platforms for students and educators to share and collaborate on projects and assignments; taking the immersive classroom experience a step further, on any device.
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Some educators have been experimenting with virtual or augmented reality. Students can use virtual laboratories and classrooms, using VR tech like Google Cardboard VR headgear to enter three dimensional locations.
Google Cardboard VR
With this technology, History students can visit far off locations via free apps or explore current events with new software. Cardboard headsets can cost approximately N5,000, use free apps, and only require a smartphone for operation.
Digital readers are rapidly replacing books and conventional libraries. Many Digital books are free or much cheaper than buying real books.
Unlike hard copy books, they also offer the opportunity to be interactive for the reader, can be regularly updated and effortlessly carried around. Online libraries save schools and tertiary institutions massive costs in space and money.
Management software are reducing the every day pains of school and classroom management. They are fully integrated software which manage every aspect of running a school from finances curriculum planing and inventory to time tables, result compilation and other normally rigorous classroom tasks, leaving ample time to focus purely on teaching and learning.
Want to see for yourself how School Management Software works? Try out a free demo here.
Wi-Fi In Schools Majority of schools in 2017 are expected to have embraced wireless internet services, according to this article.
SMART Boards have seen increased classroom use in recent years.
These computer-connected white boards use specialty pen sensors to allow writing on computer programs and recording all written notes. Teachers can explain a concept on the board during class then save the lesson plan so that students can re-watch it later at home. It’s a great interactive tool for students of all ages and a number of disciplines.
Trends for the future…
Another major technology that is exciting for schools is 3D printing. Currently the cost of the technology is prohibitive, but its educational applications are close to limitless. Learning analytics may also play a strong role in shaping the classroom of the near future.
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