Who recalls the classroom scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in which a room full of blank-faced students stare at their teacher while he explains economics? Much like the sleeping, gum-popping actors, today’s students are often bored out of their minds.
As children evolve into teenagers, their engagement in school steadily declines. Students lose their inquisitiveness and, with it, their motivation. Fortunately, educators are stepping up and creating alternatives to didactic lectures that students of all ages can enjoy.
Digital Revolution in Today’s Classrooms
Educators are learning to leverage technology in their classrooms, and according to a recent study, parents are pleased to see the change. Laptops, tablets, and even smartphones have created new teaching opportunities, helping instructors cater to different types of learners and even provide some students with the means to learn from home.
With increased engagement in activities, instructors can easily guide students into deeper classroom discussions. This has the added benefit of fulfilling the social needs of many students without detracting from the learning process.
Some of the greatest benefits of online materials are the alternative solutions for hands-on activities when tools are in short supply, as well as the ability to watch and repeat procedural videos to prepare for shop work.
- Bring a student up to the front of the class to practice an animation.
- Play a video and pause to ask students about what is being shown.
- Ask them to anticipate what will happen next and why.
Offering students a more interactive learning experience means no more glazed-over expressions in your classroom.
If you’re interested in engaging your students with digital tools as you teach automotive and diesel technology, contact CDX Learning Systems for more information and check out our online programs.