How Wireless Educational Technology Will Impact Teaching in America's Classrooms

A technology explosion invaded homes across America as the iPod touch and the iPad reached teenagers' anxious hands. Teens were not alone in their enthusiasm, however, as teachers also grasped onto the new technology. Minds whirring, teacher leaders plotted ways to incorporate these wireless devices into their classrooms. Their goal was simple - to reach their students in a new way to best prepare them for life in the 21st century. This article will examine some of the ways wireless devices will most likely impact student learning processes in a classroom.

Portability
Wireless devices truly make a classroom portable. A classroom's arrangement would be different. Rather than being stuck in rows staring at computer screens of today, student classrooms filled with wireless devices would look vastly different. Students would be able to conduct research and record data within small groups or teams. In addition, the portability of wireless devices would allow students to continue working at home without requiring a separate computer.

Large Memory
Every year school districts shell out thousands of dollars on new textbooks which require a large amount of storage. From lockers to shelves to library storage rooms, textbooks require room and inventory systems which take up time and resources. Students would be able to use their wireless device's memory to house all their textbooks electronically, removing the storage crisis. In addition, e-textbooks would eliminate back problems and student complaints about heavy backpacks.

All-in-One Tool
Modern educational wireless gadgets typically have more on them than just a book reader. They house a calculator, word processor, ruler, planner, and many other organizational applications. In addition, students would have access to online research at the touch of their screen rather than having to go unsupervised to the school's computer lab or library. However, instead of hearing, "I forgot my pencil," teachers would deal with, "I forgot to charge my iPad."

Creativity Supported
Wireless educational devices would make it easier to address various learning styles. Want to get students up and moving? Have them create a video and present it on their iPad by connecting it to the projector. Have students create a work of art by drawing on their screens about a relevant topic. They could even post their results onto a classroom blog or group page. As teachers look for formative assessments, they could survey elementary students via online surveys and record the data for future analysis. The possibilities would be endless with a teacher's expertise at thinking outside the box.

Convenience in a Green Society
Schools which adopt wireless devices would leave less of a carbon footprint. The amount of paper use would diminish drastically as copy machines would sit idle and finally disappear altogether. Rather than handwriting responses or work, students would either e-mail answers to their teacher or post their submissions in "the cloud" on a school network. Many schools now do their grading electronically, so it would make sense to have student work submitted electronically also.

Responsibility
Finally, using wireless technology in a classroom establishes a trust relationship between the school and its students. It shows students they are valuable enough to spend a large sum of money and entrust such a powerful tool to them. As a result, it follows that students would respond in a positive manner, taking more pride in their work and in taking care of the technology entrusted to them.

Overall, wireless devices will continue to shape all aspects of society. Therefore, correctly implementing wireless technology such as the iPad into a classroom becomes essential preparation for a well educated graduate.