Disheartened Pupils? 5 Ways to Use Technology To Boost Student Motivation

In today’s schools we see more and more ways technology plays a prominent role in learning. Our classrooms have become more tech enriched and teachers are looking for more way to incorporate technology to enhance learning and to meet the diverse needs of students. This week’s post is brought to you by Sophia Beirne, a blogger with a background in education and pedagogy, with 5 insightful ways we can use technology to boost student motivation.

Disheartened Pupils? 5 Ways to Use Technology To Boost Student Motivation

Technology has been inevitably integrated into the learning environment, and while some educators were resistant at first, many who have experienced the marvel would never turn back. Technology has many practical applications in learning, with motivation being among the most beneficial driving forces. If you’re looking to motivate your students, try bringing some more technology into the classroom. You’ll be astounded by what it can do.

1. Bringing Familiar Devices into the Learning Arena

Your students are already using tech devices in their everyday lives. So many people use smartphones that it’s changed the way that content providers strategize.

Your students may feel disengaged with your current methods, and incorporating a learning tool that they already understand into the process will provide a level of familiarity. They’re comfortable with their smartphones and tablets. They know how to use them, and they love doing it. Allowing them to learn with a device they feel proficient with will make the process feel a little less like hard work.

2. Motivation Through Gamification

Gamification, the concept of using game-based mechanics to boost engagement and create motivation is well-known in the world of education. However, with the advent of technology, the use of games in the classroom can be brought to a completely different level. There exist hundreds of gamified eLearning apps that can be used on computers, smartphones or tablets and might ignite motivational curiosity in your students, helping them become truly invested in the subject.

One additional benefit of bringing gamification to the classroom is providing your students with opportunities to compete and cooperate. Healthy gamified competition increases qualities such as perseverance and confidence in your students and it is generally considered that highly competitive people perform better in various areas of life. On the other hand, gamified cooperation teaches versatility and the ability to work efficiently with a group of individuals – qualities that are sought after by almost all employers and often mentioned in many job ads on job search websites.

There really is no reason not to introduce gamification in your classroom. Not only will you be motivating your students and engaging them more in the subject, but you will also help them improve their confidence and the ability to work with others.

3. Bringing Education Outside of the Classroom

If you’re teaching about something that can easily be observed out in the world, like natural science, architecture, or even the history of sites that still exist, you can take your students there. Allowing them to bring technology with them can encourage them to take pictures, make notes, and research what they’re viewing as they view it.

By blending the real world with access to all of that information, it’s easy for them to immerse themselves in the situation and explore material from multiple angles.

4. Overcoming Obstacles

If a student is experiencing difficulties with a certain concept, it’s hard to feel motivated. Some people have a strong fear of failure, which prevents them from trying.

By using technology to provide simulations of the concept you’re trying to teach, your students will be able to interact with the material in private. You can also encourage students who need extra help to collaborate with each other on social media, as an informal setting may remove the pressures they feel in a crowded room.

They can experiment with variables until they’ve overcome their obstacles. If given ample opportunity to experiment and work through concepts, students will be less likely to lose motivation or feel in over their heads.

5. Accommodating Different Learning Styles

Students who are struggling to grasp material or make the most of their education might not be receiving information properly. This could be due to the way it’s presented. By using technology to create a more immersive learning environment, students will be able to explore material from a multitude of angles. Whether your students are visual learners, auditory learners, or hands-on learners, technology can allow you to provide an experience that explores subject matter by presenting them with a well-rounded combination of every learning style.

If you’re in need of ideas or inspiration for integrating technology into your learning environment or boosting motivation in another way, it never hurts to ask your students. If you’ve noticed that your class appears disheartened, open a dialogue about it. The best learning environments are environments where everyone feels valued for their input and perspective.

How do you integrate technology in the classroom to boost student motivation?

About Sophia:

Sophia Beirne is a private tutor and a blogger with background in education and pedagogy. Currently, she is using her great love for writing and supports PopulationOf – an online knowledge library. Sophia might be found online, often sharing her tips with students and young people on the threshold of new careers. Feel free to reach out to her on @beirnesophia.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and can snag an idea or two to boost student motivation.

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