In this day and age, technology plays a key role in our everyday lives. We now live in an era where people are consumed by smartphones, tablets and computers, which is shaping how we communicate, shop and work. As these technologies have evolved, so has their adoption rate – particularly in schools.
By embracing technology in the classroom, it is entirely transforming the way that schools teach, and the way children learn. The use of tech during class means that tech can be integrated into everyday learning and lesson plans, opening new methods of learning.
Online training providers The Knowledge Academy sought to find out how valuable technology is in the classroom. According to a recent report by Smoothwall, a staggering 96% of teachers believe technology has had a positive impact in the way children participate and learn in lessons. A further 56% of respondents in their survey said that pupils were noticeably more engaged when technology is used.
The Knowledge Academy also found the following highlights from the report:
• 49% of teachers admit tech has made them more efficient at planning and giving lessons – a third claim it makes marking easier 

• 54% of teachers said tech allows them to plan more varied and exciting lessons 

• According to 53%, technology makes the classroom more vibrant and fun 

The nature of teaching and learning has become much more collaborative in recent years. And now, with the rise in technology available to schools, we are stepping into a whole new world of innovation and creativity – Joseph Scott, The Knowledge Academy
However, using technology in the classroom has been met with some disapproval. The Knowledge Academy identified from the report that a third of teachers are worried about using technology in class because they are concerned they cannot control what each child is doing. Adding to this, more than one quarter of teachers are concerned about children being able to access inappropriate material online. As a result, Theknowledgeacademy.com sought to find out what parents think about the use of technology in school. The Knowledge Academy surveyed 5,279 parents around the UK with children aged between 4 and 11 years old. 
Questions included: 

1. “Do you think tech has a positive impact on your child’s grades?” 

2. “Do you believe using technology in class is a distraction?” 

The survey found that, altogether, parents are happy for their children to use technology in the classroom.
64% of parents assert that tech has become more integrated into the way teachers teach and students learn, with 93% believing technology is a valuable tool in student learning. However, it must be noted that only 1 in 3 parents believe schools are doing an “excellent” job using technology for this purpose. A further 68% say technology has increased their ability to help their children with school work.
Joseph Scott, a spokesperson for The Knowledge Academy, said: “The nature of teaching and learning has become much more collaborative in recent years. And now, with the rise in technology available to schools, we are stepping into a whole new world of innovation and creativity – with technology the possibilities are endless.”