Using ICT In The Classroom To Boost Productivity & Student Engagement

Technology has become an integral part of people’s lives, especially since the advent of the internet and smartphones, and it’s also made its way into classrooms. Whether teachers are looking to boost collaboration between students or they’re thinking of new ways to make lessons more engaging and interactive, there are many ways that ICT can be used in the classroom to deliver the best learning outcomes. Further, having a tech-rich teaching environment can also make teacher’s lives easier, which can increase their job satisfaction too. This article outlines how effectively using ICT in the classroom boosts productivity and student engagement.

Strategic placement of ICT equipment can transform the learning environment

It’s not just the technology itself that can make learning more engaging. In a recent study, 96 per cent of students said that working in a group improved their learning experience. The way that ICT equipment is placed in a classroom can deliver positive results too. For example, in learning environments where collaboration is a focus, workstations can be placed around the outside of the classroom. This may involve setting up tables that seat four to six students with one large display monitor and the necessary accessories (keyboard and mouse) to work on exercises and assignments as a group. Not only can this kind of setup make it easier for teachers to monitor students’ progress, but it can improve learning outcomes too.

The devices need to make teaching and learning easier

Students studying arts and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects may require more powerful devices. While this doesn’t mean schools need to place orders where all devices have the highest processing capacity, it’s important that school finance teams and administrators plan ahead to ensure the correct number of devices with the necessary specifications are ordered. This is particularly important for video and cinematography work, graphic design and coding. Key features that procurement managers should look for include: 

• Processor speed: How quickly the laptop or computer can process instructions from the central processing unit (CPU).
• Random access memory (RAM): Where data is stored short-term before processing. For gaming, graphic design and programming tasks, a laptop should have at least 8GB of RAM.
• Graphics processing unit (GPU): A single-chip processor that manages video and graphics performance, which is important for gaming, coding and creative work.

Know the difference between learning and distraction

While technology is an effective way to improve student engagement and learning outcomes, it can be a distraction too. According to a recent survey by the Gonski Institute at the University of New South Wales, 84 per cent of teachers said digital technologies can be a distraction in learning environments. This doesn’t mean technology shouldn’t be used in classrooms, but it should be used appropriately and with good habits in place, just as adults should with technology. For example, this may mean limiting the use of technology to certain tasks and environments and monitoring how much screen time students have throughout the school day. Just as a teacher who often checks email in the late evening may be tired the following day, the same goes for students who use devices for many hours each day.

Build classrooms of the future and boost student engagement with Quadrent

Technology has transformed the way we do things, including how students learn. Effectively using ICT in classrooms can make learning more engaging and encourage collaboration between classmates. Whether schools are looking to add large display monitors to collaborative environments or students studying coding and graphic design need more powerful laptops, leasing makes continually updating ICT equipment without sacrificing cash flow possible. Further, keeping technology up to date not only makes learning more engaging but also makes lesson planning and delivery easier for teachers, which can increase job satisfaction. 

Quadrent’s asset leasing and financing solutions for the education sector help schools ensure they always have the best systems and hardware available for their teachers and students. Contact us today to learn more about how Quadrent’s solutions can support your school in strengthening its people management.