Education has been taken over by the influx of technology, revolutionizing the education system, making learning more interactive, engaging, and accessible than ever- basically relevant to the time and the tune of the learner. Due to which the education and technology have to go hand in hand to make the education fabric more relevant and immersive, matching the tone of the learners.

It is imperative that incorporating technology into the classroom must be done in a strategic and planned manner to ensure to improve and enhance and not hinder the learning process. Teachers need apt training, enabling them for a seamless shift from the cusp of conventional to contemporary efficient learning process.

We gladly share some crucial classroom management techniques for balancing technology and teaching.

1. Set Clear Expectations

Setting clear guidelines and rules on the use of technology in class is important at the very onset. Students must be sensitized and also accustomed to the when, where, and how of utilizing the digital tools. 

Alongside online hygiene and a session by an external expert on the repercussions of misusing the technology should also be taken.

This ground work establishes a comprehensive framework that  allows students to maintain their concentration and reduce distractions, and levy a sense of ownership of their demeanor or misdemeanor.

2. Incorporate Interactive Digital Tools

Teach the students they want to learn and with this in mind it becomes crucial to sustain the interest levels of the students. Various interactive tools like smartboards, learning apps, Google Classroom, Kahoot, and Padlet can enhance lessons and make them more engaging and interactive. The idea is to use technology as an aid to conventional teaching and not an alternative with a focus on the active involvement of the learner.

3. Integrate Traditional and Digital Learning

A blended method that interlaces technology with traditional teaching practices provides an environment for well-balanced learning. For example, when adopting an e-learning module for a specific subject, support the lessons through practical activities, group discussions, and assignments on paper-based tasks.
Such a method addresses multiple learning styles and maintains students actively engaged.

4. Effective Management of Screen Time

Too much screen time can result in shorter attention spans and less social interaction. Organize screen time strategically and interleave it with offline activities like peer-to-peer discussions, group work, and project-based learning. This ensures that students make the most out of technology without becoming too dependent on it.

5. Use Online Teacher Training Programs

Taking a teacher training course can assist teachers in upgrading their digital classroom management skills. Most well-known institutes, including the top teacher training institute in Bangalore, have specialized courses that offer insights into effective technology integration. Online teacher training courses also enable teachers to upskill at their own pace, keeping them ahead in the changing education environment.

6. Promote Digital Citizenship

Teaching students about responsible digital behavior is essential in today’s tech-driven world. Educate them on the importance of online etiquette, cyber safety, and the ethical use of technology. Encouraging responsible digital citizenship ensures a safe and respectful online learning environment.

7. Use Technology for Personalized Learning

Technology has umpteen capacity to serve individual learning needs but it is in the hands of the school to invest in employing adaptive learning software and AI-based platforms to deliver tailored learning experiences. Progress-tracking and customized learning route-recommending apps enable students to learn concepts at their own pace, and education becomes more efficient.

8. Remain Current with Emerging Education Technologies

Since the domain of educational technology keeps changing, the teachers must regularly update their knowledge regarding the latest digital tools, trends, and best practices by going to workshops and joining a teacher training program or a group. Teacher training institutes in Bangalore and other places train teachers with skills to handle technology-enabled classrooms.

9. Encourage Collaborative Learning

Technology may be utilized to foster cooperation between students using common documents, virtual discussions, and online group work. Microsoft Teams and Google Docs are platforms that foster collaboration where students can learn from one another and develop effective communication skills.

10. Monitor and Evaluate Tech Usage

Monitor regularly the effect of technology on students’ participation and academic achievement. Obtain student feedback, monitor classroom demeanor, and implement adjustments to ensure the effective utilization of computer resources. Regular monitoring ensures that technology fulfills its purpose without turning into a source of distraction.

It is in maintaining the balance between technology and teaching that the best classroom management can be achieved. By establishing specific guidelines, utilizing interactive tools judiciously, and combining digital and conventional methods of learning, teachers can design a rich and systematic learning experience. Spending on professional development through a teacher training school in Bangalore or an online teacher training program further empowers teachers with the skill sets necessary to successfully operate in the tech-influenced education sector. Through regular updates and following best practices, teachers can utilize the potential of technology to boost student learning without compromising classroom order.

Manita Hathi

Public Relations Officer

National Public School ITPL