New Technology in the Classroom

It is imperative for educators to stay current on what innovative new technology is available for implementation in the classroom setting. As technology expands at alarming rates, new methods and strategies for teaching emerge as well. One example is that teachers are working to use technology to aid students who may have been neglected or left behind in the past. For example, many teachers are growing familiar with Smartboards and other Smart technology. However, a new innovation is the Smarttable. This has all the elements of the Smartboard, but in the form of a table. The table format is easier for students to reach; thus, it is easier for students to interact with. Plus, the table features other applications that make media integration easier. Interactive technology is starting to be favored for students who have language deficits or communication problems because these students are more comfortable and adept at interacting with a “thing” (the Smarttable), rather than a “being” (the teacher). In its limited use so far, the Smarttable has earned satisfactory reviews from its users. Unfortunately, the latest technology is often quite expensive, so a teacher must weigh its benefits with the cost of implementing it.