Instructional Technology: Definition, Benefits, Best Practices

One of the most important aspects of any education is the teaching quality in the classroom. Teachers must be able to reach their students and teach them effectively. Instructional technology has proven to be an effective tool in this regard. It can help teachers deliver more engaging lessons while improving student retention rates and performance on standardized tests such as SATs and ACTs.

Use of digital devices in education

Instructional technology encompasses the use of digital devices in education. The most common benefits of instructional technology include interactive whiteboards, learning management systems (LMS), and online learning platforms. Other uses include computer-aided design software and simulation environments for training purposes.

One way to categorize instructional technology is by whether it supports student learning or teacher/instructor instruction. For example:

• Student learning tools are used to facilitate students' acquisition of knowledge or skills through activities such as simulations, projects, and games
• Teacher/instructor tools support teachers' instruction by facilitating the delivery of information from teachers (via live presentation), managing student progress toward mastery of objectives, and communicating with students outside class time.

Many people think of instructional technology as entirely digital-based, but it has also been integrated into learning via non-electronic media.

These include:

• Informal learning (i.e., teaching by example)
• Teaching by doing (i.e., teaching through direct experience)
• To teach by telling (i.e., explaining a concept or procedure)
• Leading by showing (showing someone how to complete a specific task or solve a problem)

Instructional technology can help teach anything

Instructional technology can help teach anything involving abstract knowledge or procedural skills, including history, science, and calculus.

For example, if you have a son or daughter struggling with math in school, consider getting them an iPad to use at home while they practice their math skills. This way, they can get extra instruction from their parents or tutors without taking time out of their busy schedules at school.

Technology can be used in various ways

In a classroom, technology can be used to help students learn. Teachers teach and connect with students. Students can submit their work electronically and receive feedback from their teachers. Technology also allows the teacher to give personalized feedback tailored to the student's needs.

Teachers can use technology in many different ways as well. For example, teachers have access to various instructional materials that may not be available otherwise because they are time-consuming or too expensive for smaller schools or school districts (e.g., online resources).

Also, teachers don't have to waste valuable class time searching for information on sites such as Google; they can find it quickly and efficiently using search engines within the classroom itself!

The use of technology

You may wonder, "Why do teachers need to use technology in the classroom?"

The answer is simple: technology has increasingly become mainstream for instruction and assessment in classrooms across the country. Technology can be used in various ways in education—from how students are taught to how they submit work, track their progress, and communicate with their teachers.

Adaptive testing tools

Leaders with extensive knowledge of the subject matter are developing some technology. Teachers use this technology in their classrooms and share it with others. For example, adaptive testing tools are being developed by teachers who have been able to combine their expertise as programmers and educators to create software that helps students in ways they never expected. These tools allow students to work at their individualized learning styles and abilities while assisting them in reaching high levels of achievement.

Overuse of technology in school

You may be thinking, "What? Overuse of technology in school? Isn't that a good thing?" Not necessarily. At the same time, some teachers use technology to engage students and improve their learning experience. There's also a growing concern that the amount of time children spend using screen-based devices outside of school is causing them to become disengaged in traditional teaching methods. In fact, according to a report from Pew Research Center, 35% of parents believe that their children are spending too much time on computers and other digital devices. And even more parents (46%) say they're concerned about this impact on their kids' attention spans.

Instructional technology can help teachers

Instructional technology can help teachers teach more engaging lessons faster without sacrificing quality or personal interaction with their students. Technology allows for more personalized learning experiences by introducing new communication, collaboration, and assessment methods that weren't possible in the past. Teachers can use instructional technology to:

• Provide individualized instruction
• Track student progress
• Communicate with parents and administrators through digital platforms
• Give students more opportunities to learn

Conclusion

Instructional technology is an expanding field that can positively impact teachers and students. As more people become aware of its potential, we expect to see more innovation.