Sandra Success-Olaobaju explores the importance of rethinking the physical classroom and suggests ways that educators can make the classroom a more engaging environment in these times of digital evolution.
There is an ongoing colossal revolution in education. Whether or not we teach online or in a brick-and-mortar room, learning cannot be the same again because of the COVID-19 crisis, which has been a serious catalyst for this new form of learning. The pandemic has been a blessing in disguise as it allowed educators to mirror and alter their way of doing things. In response to the changes that the pandemic has brought on education around the world, there is a need to be proactive and target what we all know students will need in the future. Today’s Early Years and first learners are going to be employed in some jobs that are yet to be created. So, the stark reality is that the setting, content and pedagogy in education cannot stay the same.
Reinvent, Remodify and Recreate
Students are taking learning out of school rooms and into places where they'll decide what they need to be told, and the way they need to be taught.
The need to reinvent, remodify and recreate our school rooms can't be overemphasized due to the astronomic boost in technology and therefore the resulting wants of 21st century learners. New technology is constantly changing the method of how things are done in the classroom. Also, students are taking learning out of school rooms and into places where they'll decide what they need to be told, and the way they need to be taught. Some individuals involved are wondering if Artificial Intelligence can replace the school rooms and teachers. No matter what happens, the physical classroom is still needed as a take-off or rather a base that must be repackaged, thus creating the necessity for a reimagined room.
The reimagined room is all about exploring new ways of teaching and delivering content. It's the key to unlocking the new world of learning. Each 21st-century teacher must be thinking outside the box and constantly inventing templates to sustain learning. It has become clearer recently that a room isn't about teachers standing before the children allotting directions, however the eye is currently on the youngsters who have taken the centre stage. The reimagined room is dynamic and ceaselessly evolving. It doesn't follow a 1 size fits all methodology. A teacher can reimagine the room by simply adapting the physical area to make it free and comfortable, using items like bean bags, wobble stools and yoga balls in areas where kids can explore learning. Also, a versatile seating arrangement will provide children a sense of independence, possession and responsibility. Kids may be free to bring their personal devices for analysis, research, writing essays, assignments and even for instant feedback from their teacher and peers.
Engaging Digital Natives
In a reimagined room, learning should be suitable for the purpose and the teacher should discover inventive ways to use technology, boosting student excitement levels and engagement with lessons. The teacher must consider the fact that today’s kids are digital natives and accommodate their individual learning wants. The COVID-19 crisis forced students to learn from home and this resulted in a rise of the use of online tools for numerous functions like video conferencing, practice, feedback and assessment. There are different ways to use technology to boost learning in a reimagined room. Examples are using multimedia and online tools in lessons, gamification of learning, feedback platform for pupils, and digital field journeys. It's simple for students to look at streets from any location through different online tools.
Utilising Technology in the Classroom
Respecting every student’s individuality and desires for inventive expression helps them flourish as learners.
With social media tools like Twitter, Edmodo, ClassDojo, etc. students can discuss lessons or raise questions! Students can provide feedback with response tools like Jamboard, online surveys and polls, and lecturers can use video conferencing tools like Skype and Zoom to reach the far side of the physical room. The teacher may offer choices for pupils to express themselves through blogs, videos, podcasts, digital art, or any other means that they feel most comfortable with. This way, students will produce digital content associated with the items they're learning, show their individual inventive skills, and showcase learning. Respecting every student’s individuality and desires for inventive expression helps them flourish as learners. Teachers use Google calendar to keep folks connected and engaged with their child’s learning. For visual learners, teachers will use an associated interactive whiteboard and projector. In a reimagined room, there are lots of online sites with inventive activities like Discovery Education, National Aeronautics and Space Administration for Educators, PHET Interactive (simulation site), Engage NY, ABC Teach, Quizizz, Scratch, Khan Academy and lots of others.
Reimagining the room is creating a room with a lot of participating, comfortable and personalized ways of collaborating with others at a similar time. As a disclaimer, these devices do not guarantee improved learning. Video conferencing isn't a substitute for face-to-face learning. The reimagined room isn't all about adopting new technology. However, incorporating these tools to enhance students' participation, engagement, and interest. It's not also the replacement of old learning but complementing it with a lot of inventive content and elegance to suit the wants of the 21st century learner.