Although some students may be returning to school after a long summer break, the majority of private schools in Dubai will be opening their doors next week. But as students make the transition back to normality, how will teachers be easing their way back in?
According to research by Edarabia.com, teachers will be utilising technology aids across three main areas of teaching modalities, namely 'creation', 'communication' and 'collaboration'.
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From podcasting to blogging, and 3D printing to gamifying, these are just some of the essential tools that can help create a smooth transition into the classroom.
Some essential tools for teachers in 2017:
1. Livestreaming/Communication
Skype has been a useful tool giving teachers the ability to communicate with schools and organisations from around the world. From learning about animals from a zoologist at London Zoo to exploring a farm in Kenya. Skype has given both teachers and students the ability to see the world from the comfort of the classroom.
2. Blogging/Websites
From discussion boards and lesson resources this is a one stop shop for all things teaching.
3. Podcasting
Creating a school-based radio show is a great way for students to develop confidence and interact with others.
4. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have started to take a greater place in the classroom, as there is now greater access to these technologies through students' own personal devices and iPads. Students can now explore the human body and solve maths problems using virtual reality or interacting with a virtual heart using AR and an iPad.
5. Social media
For David Talbert, head of technology integration at Dubai British School (DBS Jumeirah Park), social media usage is a must. "Twitter has been a great source of inspiration and something I highly recommend teachers to use. There are loads of ideas and discussions with educationalists and teachers from around the world where you can find out and learn about new innovative ideas for your lessons."
The school has Twitter accounts for individual classes, which give teachers the ability to communicate with the wider world and highlight a students' achievements and hard work.
6. Gamifying
Gamifying has also become a favorite for both teachers and students. "I always encourage teachers to gamify a lesson now and then. The Kahoot application has allowed us to bring fun educational quizzes to the classroom to end a lesson in a fun way and reflect on the students' learning too," Talbert said.
Matthew Burfield, principal/CEO at Gems Founders School, said Gems has always been a great believer in the use of technology to support learning processes.
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"As a rapidly growing school we have had the ability to create this environment from the beginning. We use a wide range of technology particularly to support our approach to Home Learning."
7. Google Forms
Looking at Edarabia's three main areas of learning, Burfield said in the 'creation' category, Google Forms will be the stand out for him.
"This has been such an asset to us as a new school as we are creating everything. We have been able to ask for our communities input on After School Activity programme, our School Development Plan and even our Self Evaluation Form though the use of Google Forms."
8. Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
In the area of communication, he said Class Dojo is a fantastic tool, which has been used across its entire primary school last year.
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"We have our own Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called 'My Learning', which is a great tool to drive our Home Learning approach. As Class Dojo plugs into My Learning seamlessly, it means our parents have one portal to check in on how their children are behaving in class using the Dojo Points system. They can also have a quick conversation with the teacher through a messenger like app and check on Home Learning assignments at the same time."
With the presence of technology becoming the norm in today's education sector, its use is now allowing teachers to develop independence in students as well as assist in parental engagement.
By Kelly Clarke
