Most teachers turn smart

[1]

We all know that an increasing number of middle and secondary-school teachers around the world have started using digital tools such as smartphones and laptops in classrooms. But did you know that the number of teachers who relied on modern technology could be as high as 73%?

According to a new study by Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, 92% of teachers across the United States say the Internet has a “major impact” on their ability to access content, resources and materials for teaching, making them advanced tech users.
The study clearly found that use of mobile technology dominates the learning process, with almost 73 percent of teachers claiming that they or their students use cellphones in the classroom to complete assignments and almost half of respondents say they use e-readers and tablets for teaching.
A report on Mashable website quoted Kristen Purcell, Pew’s associate director for research, saying, “The findings bode well for people who really want to see these tools become a part of the educational sphere!”
The study also found that 58% of teachers surveyed have a smartphone and they’re more likely to use social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. There are differences, however, across subjects. English teachers will use these networks more than their math-teaching colleagues.
Linda Burch, co-founder at Common Sense Media, says “Teachers are really active sharers and connectors from time immemorial. They’re people who like to gain knowledge from others and pass it on. Digital skills are necessary for students in the 21st century, but they need to know how to use them responsibly.”
In India, according to the last report by Internet and Mobile Association of India, 18% percent of all Internet users are school students. With this kind of prevalence, students will definitely stand to gain if a similar tech-friendly teaching model is adopted in schools across the country.
While the report highlights increasing comfort and familiarity for both students and teachers with these tools, 84% of teachers agreed that technology is leading to greater disparities between affluent and disadvantaged schools. Schools with low-income students are much less likely to use digital tools.
The age of e-learning is well and truly here and now would be a really good time to step up the efforts for completely digital classrooms!