Teacher vs. iPhone: Who Wins the Battle?

As blackboards battle Smartboards and teachers vie for the attention of students as they text on their iPhones, it seems that the educational world is headed for a battle with the technological. However, there is no way to stop the inevitable intertwinement of technology in the lives of our infant population. So if education won’t beat technology, they’ll join them.

Videoconferencing (or video chatting) is one of those really life-changing technologies that has had positive effects on worldwide communication in terms of personal, business and, now, educational areas.  This technology allows for both audio and video interaction between users at different locations, using platforms like Face Time or Skype (News - Alert), which allows three or more parties to be involved.

And in the world of education, this offers endless opportunities for students and educators to excel and expand their learning abilities. With tips given by Mashable’s article “5 Ways Classrooms Can Use Video Conferencing,” it seems that these new developments have sparked the interests of both students and teachers.

With tax cuts, budget cuts and other financial factors that can hinder schools from expanding opportunities for students, videoconferencing has removed these obstacles in a variety of ways by eliminating the issue of cost. Guest speakers no longer have to be hassled with travel expenses; instead, they can give speeches or lectures at the comfort of their own home and to more than one classroom or school at the same time.

Students can take class trips virtually, according to Mashable, and without the issue of distance, there is no limit on trips that students can take. As the thirst for worldly knowledge increases with usage of the Internet, videoconferencing has addressed it. Not only can students read and see images through the Internet, they are now equipped to see live interactions.

Along with bringing the level of education and learning to new heights, the technology also gives students the opportunity to communicate with other teachers and students from around the world. A common philosophy that is engraved into our society is the hope that in the future people from around the world can work together peacefully. With the ability for students to socialize with different parts of the world at a young age, this notion is possible.

And the most important effect of using videoconferencing technologies in a classroom setting is for teachers to capture the attention of students. Together students and teachers can interact with each other on a desirable level that creates a common ground for each.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.