Technology has changed classroom communication for good as the teacher-student interaction is no longer limited to the classroom.
While early attempts to bring technology into the classroom setup were basic, the internet revolution has changed things dramatically.
Sure, the old classroom communication skills tips worked a treat, but times have changed. For example, it’s not uncommon for job interviews over the internet, so teachers must relearn good communication skills.
Here are three technologies teachers can use to improve communication in the modern setting.
Tools for Communication
As any teacher will inform you, the technology works best if it mimics the classroom environment. These student learning tools come close to the real thing, sometimes surpassing expectations.
1. Video Communication Tools
Internet speeds have grown exponentially. These tools take advantage of these great internet speeds to come up with innovative communication solutions:
a. Zoom
Once you schedule an online learning session on Zoom, you can hold live video recordings with your students.
Outside the classroom, it is the most effective way for classroom instruction. The learning process involves the following communication techniques:
- Gestures
- Tone of voice
- Eye contact
- Facial expression
From the student behavior, you can judge whether they are good listeners. Always offer positive feedback whenever they answer like this as motivation to be an active participant.
You can use the integrated discussion boards to draw or write, while the students use the annotation tool for feedback.
Use the Breakout Room feature for teamwork, where students can discuss issues for short periods.
In addition, have the students present or share projects with the class. This should help improve their online presentation and communication skills.
The great thing about Zoom is you can pre-record teaching sessions before releasing the video. That way, you can have a look and edit it to ensure the delivery is perfect.
Further, students can save the video for reinforcement purposes whenever they need a reminder of the lesson.
Other similar video communication tools include:
- Skype
- Google Meet
- Slack Video Calls
b. Digital Signage
Even though it’s not a two-way communication tool, use it to present crucial information to the students. Digital signage is a way of using LED, LCD, or projection to display content, such as:
- Images
- Information
- Video
- Streamed content
As students have a notoriously short attention lifespan, digital signage offers a way to create engaging content. For instance, you can display news from the world, show directions around campus, or report current happenings within the school.
You can use these tools to improve a child’s speaking and active listening skills, refining their online conversation abilities.
2. Mobile Devices
According to a ChildWise report, most children own a phone by age seven. Therefore, teachers can include mobile devices to aid communication skills learning. For example:
a. SMS
Text messaging can be a useful communication medium if you get creative. Its main advantage is that a student does not need a smartphone.
You can gauge students’ grasp of a language since it involves typing. For instance, you can send students short multiple-choice quizzes or assignments.
This should test their spelling abilities and develop their skills for writing for different purposes and audiences.
Alternatively, use it as a rapid communication tool for the faculty, or for fun activities, such as language translation.
b. WhatsApp
You can form a study group for classroom use, remote learning, problem-solving, and for providing extra support. Create a safe learning environment with a fun and productive zone, relaxed guidelines, and dish out praise for good deeds.
WhatsApp works best under the following circumstances:
- Collaboration: where students need to share content, hold discussions, or a classroom chat
- Information: when you need to pass class-specific instruction, notice, or announcement
- Extend learning time: you can upload information, data, videos, or communicate beyond class time
Telegram is similar to WhatsApp. However, it is not limited to 256 participants.
3. Online Teaching Tools
a. Edutopia
Founded by the award-winning filmmaker George Lucas, Edutopia focuses on the following:
- Integrated studies
- Comprehensive assessment
- Project-based learning
- Teacher development and technology integration
The platform shares evidence of best practices for improving K12 education that students can apply their entire life. Part of that includes teaching students how to have a conversation.
b. VoiceThread
This is a learning tool aimed at enhancing online engagement as teachers and students can share learning resources. You can utilize the platform to create, share, and comment on shared material such as:
- PDFs
- Images
- Videos
- Audio files
- PowerPoint presentations
VoiceThread’s platform is an interactive cooperation tool because users can add comments to the student work.
Reach out to a colleague to assess and sniff out any weaknesses in the system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most of these tools ensure you are available to students at most times. You can fashion them using an open door policy, thereby creating a supportive environment that helps achieve your learning goals.
That leads to improved class participation, student engagement and increases the success of students.
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