You are currently viewing How to Build a Technology-Based Curriculum
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

How to Build a Technology-Based Curriculum

Technology has always played an important role in education. In the past, we saw technology in education in the form of the abacus. As the world progressed, we saw calculators and projectors make their way into the classrooms. Teachers try to incorporate technology into education in every age and era to improve learning.

Today, we live in a highly digitized world. Virtual reality and artificial intelligence have transformed the world as we know it. Due to pandemic restrictions, schools and colleges have already shifted to online learning. PowerPoint presentations and Google classrooms have become more common than we know. But we have to ask ourselves, is this enough?  

Building a Technology-Based Curriculum

A technology-based curriculum uses all the digital tools and software to enhance the learning experience. Incorporating technology into the curriculum is a fairly new concept. So, it can be a bit tricky to navigate. If you wish to build and introduce a technology-based curriculum in your school, here are some tips to help you through this challenge.

Understand the process

The curriculum-development process is lengthy and complicated. Even when you develop a traditional curriculum, you have to consider many factors like the classroom environment and the mindset of the children. 

As a curriculum developer, you need to be aware of the latest models of curriculum development. To gain more insight into the process, you can enroll in an online degree program and acquire a specific set of skills to develop a curriculum that meets the requirements of your educational institute.

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends

As a curriculum developer, you should always stay on top of the latest trends in education. In the past, we switched from a purely theoretical approach to a more engaging one. Students were encouraged to participate. We have technology that can replace almost every school experience in a better, more engaging way. 

Keep in touch with the latest trends in education technology. Here are a few digital trends transforming our education system (for the better, hopefully!).

  • Gamification: Gaming as an instructional tool is a stroke of genius. You can use gaming software to develop problem-solving scenarios in game mode.
  • Artificial Intelligence: AI in education has proved to be helpful in the form of virtual student advisory services and chatbots. 
  • Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality: With AR/VR technology, you can bring the outside world into your classroom for a maximum learning experience. For example, AR/VR can transport you to a volcanic island to teach you about volcanic rocks, etc.

Think outside the box

Since technology integration in education is not so common, you have the opportunity to design your own curriculum. Try new things. Approach the technology at your disposal in your own unique way. The risks you take now can turn into a masterpiece in the future. Hold onto this possibility and go wild with your imagination.

At the same time, try to track down other institutions that have adopted a technology-based curriculum. Stay in touch with them and attend conferences that can help you incorporate technology into education a bit more sympathetically.

Invite regular feedback

When you try something new, there are always chances of errors. These errors can be minor as well as major. Does this mean you have failed? Absolutely not!

Mistakes are a part of the process. To learn from them:

  1. Make a habit of getting feedback.
  2. Encourage your peers, students, and their parents to provide you with constructive criticism regarding the curriculum you developed.
  3. Use this criticism to make alterations in the curriculum.

Involve your students in the curriculum development process. They know the technology better and can give you genuine pieces of advice on how to use them to make the learning experience better. Such exercises can help you design a curriculum best suited to their needs.

Why should you go for a Technology-Based Curriculum?

A technology-based curriculum enhances the learning experience in many ways. For example, approximately 77% of educators agree that technology has proven to be highly effective in education. Below are a few features of education technology.

Maximum student engagement

Children these days are absolutely enthralled with the latest technology. Almost everyone owns an iPad and PlayStation. Teaching through games and virtual reality scenarios can encourage the students to participate in their lessons enthusiastically. Other tools like 3-D quizzes and simulations can create an air of entertainment while teaching them something new.

Time-saving

A lot of time is saved that was previously taken up by procrastination and other tiring prospects. Thanks to technology, students grasp concepts better and faster. They save their time by gathering material for their assignments from educational websites. 

Novel Experience

New experiences always intrigue the children. More often than not, they are always ready to try doing things in new and exciting ways. Technology creates an air of excitement around the children, which motivates them to learn more. 

Develops problem-solving skills

Simulations and virtual reality scenarios can help children solve real-life problems in a controlled environment. As they envision the problem, they can develop better solutions in record time. Such experiences can come in handy as they approach similar problems in the future. 

Conclusion

Education technology has revolutionized teaching practices all over the world. To keep up with modern times, it is our job to make use of this technology and mold it to fit our needs. The key is to keep going and be patient. If you want to bring change, you must work for it and not give up. Technology is the future! But it does require a series of trials and errors to perfect.

Featured Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay