By Candace Alstad-Davies

Technology plays an increasingly important role in our world today—it’s what helps set individuals, schools, companies, and countries apart, as well as bring them together. Therefore, it’s absolutely essential to integrate technology in your school and classroom.

Students must be able to develop solid technological skills to compete in school and their careers and be successful, contributing citizens. Though this should be a strong enough case to convince administrators to integrate and/or upgrade technology in the school, you may need to work harder.

Below are ten undeniable reasons why bringing technology into the classroom is crucial for education.

1. Technology is a great equalizer for those with special needs.

There are so many programs and products that accommodate the various challenges that special needs students have. Assistive technology can help with reading, writing, comprehension, retention, fine motor skills, and other key aspects of education.

2. It is a great way to engage all types of learners.

Learning occurs through a variety of different mediums; however, it can only happen when a child is presented with something that he or she is interested in. Children are very interested in technology, whether you’re using iPads, SmartBoards, WebQuests, digital cameras, or other software and devices.

If students are interested in what’s being taught, they’re far more likely to stay focused and be willing to participate. Visual and hands-on learners will appreciate technology the most.

3. Technology is a creative outlet for students.

By integrating technology such as Paint, Adobe Photoshop, document cameras, and others, students are able to find a creative outlet. These programs can be integrated in many of your lesson plans and activities, used during class lectures, and implemented in both group and independent projects.

When students create artwork, proudly display it on a classroom bulletin board and share it with families; thus boosting students’ confidence, focus, and motivation.

4. It makes assessments and progress reports more effective and accessible.

Technology allows educators to administer formal and informal assessments more effectively. With organized data to analyze, educators can adapt their teaching techniques and drive instruction. Data is much easier to gain, track, and report with technology. Students and parents can also access assignment and test results quicker by using a class website.

5. It improves communication.

As mentioned above, a class website can be an incredible tool. It allows for greater communication with students and parents alike. Parents can stay up-to-date on classroom assignments and school activities; thus encouraging greater participation within the school community. Families can also receive classroom newsletters and communicate directly with the teacher.

6. Students are forced to develop strong technological skills.

Technology is incorporated in almost every aspect of life. If children are expected to grow up and compete in a global economy, they must be able to master and effectively use technology, in school and life.

The skills students must harness include, but are not limited to: keyboarding, online research, word processing, email/online communication, and being safe online.

Find more resources for keeping students safe online:

• 5 Steps to Keep Kid Bloggers Safe
• The Educator’s Guide to Digital Safety
• Internet Safety: Teaching Kids to Think Before They post

7. Technology brings different worlds and cultures together.

Email and the Internet have transformed pen pal communication. Instead of waiting weeks for a letter from their pen pal, students can now communicate with them almost immediately. With the introduction of Skype, Face Time, and other programs that utilize a webcam, whole classes can communicate with one another, regardless of their location.

This is also a wonderful way for students to learn about other cultures, develop understanding, and become engaged in a global world.

Try it: How to Use Mystery Skype in Your Classroom

8. It provides more staff PD opportunities. 

Teachers can now become engaged in workshops and courses that are hosted anywhere in the world. They can easily log into webinars and engage in online talks. Educators can also conference in with one another to ask questions, share best practices, and address issues that are common to teachers, regardless of the school or state they teach in. Teachers can tune into pre-recorded videos like TED Talks to access new, creative teaching methods and ideas for activities as well.

9. Technology promotes a green classroom.

Technology helps reduce our paper footprint. Instead of printing 30 different exercise booklets, assignments, or exams, teachers can queue them electronically or email them home. The same can be said for class newsletters, progress reports, and students’ final grades.

Though the use of paper isn’t eliminated completely, it’s significantly reduced, and can potentially help decrease spending. Though the initial cost of technology can be high, it may be more cost effective in the long run.

More: Educational Technology for Low-Budget Classrooms

10. Technology grants are available, and becoming more accessible.  

If the school is still bucking at the cost of integrating technology in the classroom, suggest that educators write and apply for related grants. There are various tech-based companies and local businesses that will be willing to assist and provide the necessary hardware. The school and parents can also engage in fundraising activities, with funds being put toward technology integration.

Try it: Run an Online Read-a-Thon fundraiser to raise money for technology!

Hopefully these ten reasons will convince your administrators that technology of some kind should be integrated into the school. To be most effective, suggest that you form a School Technology Committee to ensure educators stay on top of cutting-edge devices, software, and trends, which can maximize the learning potential.

Once your school has a committee, suggest creating a District Technology Committee to enhance your reach and collaborate with other teachers.

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