1. Majority of teachers involved in choosing tech tools; but few see the impact data
More than 80% of teachers reported being part of the process when selecting digital learning tools for use in their class(es). However, almost a third of teachers expressed that there was not a lot of information available about the effectiveness of the digital learning tools that are currently use.
2. Teachers viewed as the most trusted resource when deciding on digital learning tools
More than 80% of Teachers, Principals, and District Administrators trust [other] teachers the most when deciding on digital classroom tools.
Other trusted resources are [other] School Administrators (45%) and District Staff (41%). The least trusted resources are Social Networks (7%), Education Publications (9%), and Internet Searches (10%).
3. Teacher control in the classroom is a concern
Only 23% of Teachers, Principals, and Administrators feel that the digital learning tools used at their school/district enable a high degree of teacher control.
In addition to this, less than half of the Principals and Administrators surveyed report that digital tools in the classroom save time for the teacher.
4. The impact of digital tools in the classroom on student focus is evident
More than half of teachers (58%) and nearly two-thirds of principals (63%) and administrators (65%) strongly agree or agree digital learning tools help students focus better. In fact, effects on student focus are more reported the most by elementary school teachers.
This piece of insight proves the great impact of digital tools in the classroom; engaging students through a medium they understand attracts their focus.
5. Digital tools in the classroom make teachers more effective & efficient
More than three-quarters of Teachers, Principals, and Administrators strongly agree or agree using digital learning tools helps teachers’ effectiveness; about as many from each group strongly agree or agree they help teachers be more efficient.
6. The future is now
Most Teachers, Principals, and Administrators see the value in using digital learning tools in the classroom to support teaching and learning now (91%) and in the future (84%).
7. Insufficient training lowers the effectiveness of digital learning tools in the classroom
When asked about potential reasons why there would be teacher resistance to use digital learning tools in the classroom, more than half of teachers say lack of training (56%) is an extremely significant or significant reason.
How Classroom Management Helps Teachers and Students
Classroom management gives teachers the control they need to keep students engaged in today’s digital classrooms. Tools such as Smoothwall Classroom Manager allow teachers to leverage the power of technology for teaching in easy-to-use software so they can focus on teaching rather than focusing on navigating the tool. In addition to the ease of use, teachers can also dictate what students view or don’t view through tab control and screen locking. It’s tools like these that help teachers and students produce learning outcomes.