Twenty-first century education for secondary school teachers: Technology’s impact on education
Technology permeates nearly every corner of modern lifestyles, from the device you use to check emails in the morning and the GPS that maps your journey into work to the smart TV that helps you wind down at the end of the day. For many of us, the electronic pull of a new gadget is inescapable – but what about in the classroom?
While there is a school of thought that technology can distract students from learning, many teachers are crying out for more devices and systems in their classrooms. In fact, just 33% of secondary schools and 60% of primary schools feel they are adequately equipped with ICT infrastructure and devices, according to the British Educational Suppliers Association. And with today’s children born into a more digitally immersive world than ever, it’s clear future education systems will need to embrace technology trends and incorporate them into everyday lessons. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
Augmented reality
Virtual and augmented reality have gained momentum in recent years, with education attracting the second-highest level of virtual reality investment in 2018, behind gaming. This has naturally created new resources for teachers, such as education-based games, textbooks and worksheets that students can interact with. Interesting examples of AR in the classroom include the Cyberchase Shape Quest, a geometry board game that blends maths with animation, and Human Anatomy Atlas, an app that students can use to visualise and interact with the human body. For restless students, visual learners and anyone who benefits from seeing the context around ideas, the stimulation and interactivity that AR provides holds enormous potential for students and teachers alike. Best of all, AR technology is becoming much cheaper and more accessible, meaning many apps and games require little more than a smartphone and headset.
Videos and podcasts
The use of videos in the classroom is not a new concept, but the YouTube generation has ramped things up a notch and given teachers a new world of educational resources – all at the touch of a button.
In an ideal world, teachers at every level would have a broad subject knowledge and feel confident teaching everything from European geography through to human biology. However, all teachers experience knowledge gaps at times, which is when external resources can prove to be particularly helpful. Sites like WatchKnowLearn, Twig and TeacherTube are great starting points for primary and secondary school teachers looking to diversify their classroom resources. Teachers can use video to support their lesson plans, go into more detail with a subject-matter expert and provide visual context to their teaching, helping visual and auditory learners to engage more with the material. Similarly, podcasts can be a great way to capture students’ attention and help them dive deeper into subjects that interest them. From StarTalk for the budding scientist through to Myths and Legends for those curious about world cultures, there’s a podcast to suit every learning requirement.
Teachers interested in using technology in the classroom can check out the TechTalk4Teachers podcast. Recent topics include getting students accustomed to using OneNote, using Microsoft Whiteboard and how to handle fake news.
Get inspired
Classroom innovation can take on many forms, and educators around the world are constantly finding new ways to inspire students and convey messages. New technology is just one way of bringing your classroom into the 21st century. Take inspiration from what other schools are doing around the world, such as Summit Sierra’s ‘personalised learning’ approach that sees students empowered to guide their own learning through technology. Another approach is that of Amsterdam’s Steve Jobs school, which is a personalised approach to education where children are given an Individual Development Plan and their own iPad loaded with apps to guide their individualised learning. Elsewhere, Brightworks encourages hands-on learning from early childhood onwards, allowing pupils to learn in flexible, diverse environments full of creativity and problem-solving.
While the prescribed curriculum and your school’s policies may limit the types of technology and teaching styles you can bring into your classroom, there’s plenty to be gained from learning about how other educators are doing things. Creative, outside-the-box ideas like these may just give you the inspiration you need to teach your subjects with a fresh pair of eyes and new passion.
Take your teaching career further
Regardless of whether you’re a technology expert or a complete novice, your role as a teacher within the UK’s classrooms is more important than ever. Help develop 21st-century students with a new teaching job. We’d love to hear from you.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£31,650 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Portsmouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
ICT & Computing
Location
Portsmouth
Description
Computer Science Teacher for secondary school in PortsmouthAbout the School: This forward-thinking secondary academy in Portsmouth is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and student dev
Reference
compsci
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South Coast SecondaryAuthor
South Coast SecondarySalary
£85 - 105 per day
Location free text
Clapham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater London
Description
Exciting Opportunity: Secondary Teaching Assistant with English Specialism Location: Clapham, Greater London Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time Salary: £85 - £105 per dayAre you passionate ab
Reference
TAENG00
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wimbledon BranchAuthor
Wimbledon BranchSalary
£31,650 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Waterlooville
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Maths
Location
Hampshire
Description
Maths Maternity Cover for secondary school in WaterloovilleAbout the School: This highly regarded Catholic secondary school in Waterlooville has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and st
Reference
MathsMaternity
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South Coast SecondaryAuthor
South Coast SecondarySalary
£31,650 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Waterlooville
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Food Tech
Location
Hampshire
Description
Teacher of Food Technology required for Secondary school in WaterloovilleAbout the School: This vibrant secondary school in Waterlooville prides itself on providing a supportive and inclusive environm
Reference
Food tech
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South Coast SecondaryAuthor
South Coast SecondarySalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Christchurch
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Secondary
Location
Dorset
Description
About Us:At TP tutors, we are dedicated to making a difference in students' lives by providing top-notch educational support. We partner with local schools and authorities to offer tailored tutoring s
Reference
LV2210
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£20 - 25 per hour
Location free text
Manchester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Manchester
Description
Teaching Personnel are specialists in providing 1-1 tuition for young people who are not in education. We have an urgent need for tutors.These pupils have a range of needs including: SEND needs - suc
Reference
10SFManMath22/10
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£83.85 - 90.00 per day
Location free text
Bury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Primary Teaching Assistant – Radcliffe (M26)A multi-academy trust currently needs Teaching Assistants to provide ad-hoc cover across their three primary schools located across the Radcliffe and Bury a
Reference
ADHOCTASBRY
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North PrimaryAuthor
Manchester North PrimarySalary
£30k - 50k per year
Location free text
Rayleigh
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Business
Location
Essex
Description
A Secondary school in Rayleigh are looking to appoint a full-time Business Teacher, to cover and support the Department from January 2025. The position is suitable for an ECT or Experienced Teachers.
Reference
JCBTS12
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex BranchAuthor
Essex BranchSalary
£125 - 190 per day
Location free text
West Thurrock
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Maths
Location
Thurrock LEA
Description
Mathematics Teacher (Full-Time) – ThurrockWe are supporting an excellent school in Thurrock in the recruitment of a highly motivated and qualified Mathematics Teacher. This role offers the opportunity
Reference
JCMT5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex BranchAuthor
Essex BranchSalary
£125 - 190 per day
Location free text
Rayleigh
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Religious Studies
Location
Essex
Description
Religious Studies Teacher (Full-Time) – Start Date: November 4th 2024Location: Rayleigh, EssexTeaching Personnel is pleased to be supporting a well-regarded school in their search for a committed and
Reference
JC03RE
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex BranchAuthor
Essex BranchRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As 31st October approaches, it’s a significant date for many teachers in the UK who may be considering their professional future. Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding professions. Y
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
At the end of October, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining ac
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Teaching assistants (TAs) are an invaluable part of schools today. Their dedication and hard work deserve to be celebrated! Their impact is so meaningful that pupils often remember the differenc
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job