Article by Laura Orquin
The use of technology in the classroom has many benefits. Firstly, it makes it easier for students to understand the content, since normally online content is more visual, so it is easier for them to pay attention for a longer period of time, and it also helps them to assimilate the syllabus more quickly.
Secondly, the use of online educational tools is often linked to self-learning. The student is the one who manages the content and the knowledge of it. This motivates students to learn, since they see that they have been assigned a task for which they have to act autonomously in order to acquire all the knowledge of the subject. In addition, by working autonomously, students can follow different learning paces on the same topic, which allows for flexibility of content and helps make sure no student fall behind.
On one hand, it allows students to develop critical thinking about the subject they are dealing with. Thanks to the use of technology, the Internet and social media, students can learn about different points of view on the same event and develop their own perspective.
On the other hand, the use of technology as a pedagogical tool is also linked to teamwork. Technology allows students to interact with each other and generate dynamics that favor teamwork. During the research of a topic, students can share the content for a more elaborate and complete research.
For these benefits to come to light, a good teacher who knows how to guide students and is aware of the inequalities that can be generated is needed. For example, when doing an activity where a technological device is needed, the teacher has to foresee that this can be a barrier for some students, as some of them may not have access to certain devices or services, so the professional will have to be aware that these situations can happen and anticipate them.
With the #VXdesigners project, the aim is to create an open online space where users can appropriate the technology and tools that the project will make available to them. Through exhibitions, active education, and the use of digital tools, the project aims to combine these three things in order to have educational tools that help to learn in an active way, using technologies as an engine of development through the creation of online exhibitions.
