Tech Hardware in the Modern Classroom

The modern classroom demands that students have access to resources and technology that allow them to interact with the content and demonstrate proficiency in a student-centered way. As a teacher, it is my job to ensure that the technology I use is strategically implemented, providing students the access they need to succeed. As the NCTM article Technology in Teaching and Learning states, “Effective teachers optimize the potential of technology to develop students’ understanding, stimulate their interest, and increase their proficiency in mathematics.” There are vast amounts of content specific software tools that can be used to accomplish this goal, yet the focus of this post is about specific hardware necessary to implement the technology.

The first piece of hardware, arguably the most essential, is a screen to view content. It may seem obvious but having access to a screen that allows screen sharing capabilities is essential in any modern classroom. Although students may have access to their own device, having a main classroom screen allows for access to a common experience. A smart TV or projector where the teacher can present information and students can share their own thoughts and creations is important. Whiteboard space is also valuable, particularly in a math classroom, but it cannot replicate the interactive experience that a digital screen can provide. Particularly if students in the room can share their own screens to it, allowing others to view their work. This capability opens the door student engagement and discourse that helps students learn from one another. If the TV itself doesn’t allow for wireless connectivity, a complementary streaming device such as an Apple TV or Chromecast box could be used to facilitate the screen sharing.

A natural extension of this hardware is the student devices that the students use daily. Having a school issued device, such as an iPad, is incredibly important for supporting content mastery. Particularly if the distribution is one-to-one. This isn’t to say that learning cannot occur with such hardware. Simply that the device allows for access to tools and interactive experiences not possible through other means. More than a substitute for a stand-alone calculator, an iPad is a powerful tool capable of so much more. Specifically, the use of virtual manipulatives and simulations allow for the exploration of content by removing some of the logistics hurdles of running classroom experiments through traditional means. Devices, such as iPads, can support authentic acts of learning through exploration, collaboration, consolidation, creation, and communication. The ability to research information online and conduct virtual simulations opens the door for project-based learning experiences and allows students to explore concepts at a deeper level than would otherwise be possible. Creating digital presentations in the form of digital slides or videos, to demonstrate content mastery, is yet another aspect that facilitates learning and gives students ownership of that learning.

The final piece of hardware necessary in the development of today’s learner, often overlooked but foundational in nature, is the network infrastructure itself. Classroom technology requires fast and reliable Wi-Fi to function as intended. This is made possible through the combination of network routers and a fast ISP connection capable of supporting the high bandwidth demands of multiple devices. Having devices that can seamlessly connect and interact with one another requires a solid internet backbone. The capabilities of all classroom hardware can be hindered by slow or frequently interrupted wireless connections. Likewise, the hardware security features of the network are essential. Keeping kids safe from inappropriate content or from external virtual threats is just as important. The filters schools often use to shield kids from dangers and avoid unnecessary distractions have a big impact on learning. Without such hardware, the very technologies we hope to help kids learn would work against that very effort.

Ultimately, the technologies we want for our students all revolve around better interaction with the content and within the community of learners. The idea is to get students to engage with each other and with the learning in a safe, productive, and efficient way. Maximizing the learning that takes place and giving our students ownership in the process.