Classroom for the future means the classroom environment integrated with ICT (information and communication technology) that makes learning process for students much more full of life, interactive, synergistic, informative and personalized to the needs of the students. The integration of ICT tools such as computers, interactive whiteboards, digital visualisers (also known as Document cameras), projector, audience response systems and educational content has transformed traditional classroom into “classroom for the future”. ICT based teaching tools pushes the boundaries of learning and teaching to new era. Equipped with the modern educational technologies, “classroom for the future “enable teachers to use audio visuals into their learning sessions enhancing the memory and concentration of the students.
Let’s discuss about the elements of classroom for the future in the next para.
The central point about creating classroom for the future is the maximum use of computers to deliver the instruction. There has also been growing trend across the globe in the use of Interactive Whiteboards instead of traditional whiteboards to
enhance whole class teaching and learning. Interactive Whiteboards are connected to computer and a multimedia projector. Teacher can write, draw and annotate on its surface and navigates the computer functions from interactive whiteboard with finger or pen. Whatever teacher writes on its surface can be saved in the computer as an electronic file in various formats such as Picture, power point, PDF, HTML. These electronic files can be used later for repeated sessions or mail to absent student as an attachment. They have lots of tools for presentation like spotlight, snapshot, reveal etc.
Document cameras are indispensable teaching tool for the educators to deliver lessons and presentations filled with the visuals in the classroom.Document cameras are used to display any text material, slides, negatives or any 3-D object with high resolution clarity.
The audience response systems provide each student with a complete set of response remote controls. Students use these handheld devices to answer questions and giving teachers instant feedback. The teacher can collect these data and evaluate about the understanding of the subject.
Projector is an ICT(Information and Communication technology ) device used in the classroom that displays information stored in computer such as multimedia, power point files, animation, motion video and other interactive contents on projection screen at the class and opens up a world of possibilities for new teaching ideas and learning experiences for the students.
Digital signage display system comprises of flat, high definition interactive panels such as plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD) screens that can display news bulletin, alerts message, videos, visual messages, warnings message, special messages, and other forms of content across a campus similar to the television display. The Digital signage is becoming more popular among schools, colleges and universities campuses as educators are acknowledging the value of speedy and efficient interaction with students, parents and visitors.The time has come for creating classroom for the future in order to prepare students with skills required to succeed in the constantly changing global economy.
