How to Build a Technology Driven Classroom

Today’s educational institutions have set overarching goals for incorporating more technology into their classrooms. The educational network is already underway. Grade schools and high schools, in particular, have been increasing their adoption of in-class technology because of the clear association between digital tools and student success. In 2015, 84.3% of K-12 schools had high-speed internet and 98% of schools had one or more computers in each classroom. In coming years, educators will attempt to make every classroom tech-centric so they can bridge the gap between each student and the technology they need to succeed.

It has been widely accepted that including technology in education has a positive effect on student performance and their ability to thrive in a tech-based economy. According to a report by Stanford researchers at the Alliance for Excellent Education, technology can boost student engagement and facilitate greater levels of achievement. But this is contingent upon proper implementation. To implement educational technology properly, that technology must be built upon a solid network infrastructure that is designed specifically for each facility and is assembled with high-quality cabling.

Technology Integration for Better Education

Interactive displays, laptops, desktop computers, wireless devices, and digital projectors are commonly used to aid students in learning. Computers, especially, have become essential for student development. Teaching students how to use computers and important programs from a young age is now essential for their professional development. K-12 educators and institutions of higher learning anticipate more technology integration. Six out of ten teachers expect technology to become “very important” in the classroom, according to a study conducted by CompTIA, a non-profit IT trade association.

Building a Technology Driven Classroom

In order to integrate new technologies and build a technology driven classroom, cabling networks must be installed or updated using high-quality cabling. Fixed classroom devices, such as interactive whiteboards or projectors, must be installed and tied to the network. Both wired and wireless networks are increasingly important for facilitating technology-driven instruction. Wireless routers and amplifiers will enable students to get online to collaborate digitally during lessons and to access educational media.

Network designs and installations need to be customized for unique facilities and their requisite work areas. Individual learning spaces, administrative offices, and facility maintenance offices will have different requirements. For example, a computer lab will place a higher demand on the network than a standard classroom. Here are some examples of important work areas in a K-12 facility and which types of network technologies apply:

• Standard Classrooms – digital projectors, displays, audio speakers, in-building wireless
• Industrial Arts Spaces – Industrial standard cabling, computers, digital displays
• Music Rooms – Sound systems, computers, in-building wireless, recording equipment
• Digital Media Rooms – Sound systems, digital displays
• Computer Labs – Computers, wireless routers
• Administrative Offices – Computers, server closets, in-building wireless, paging systems
• Auditoriums – Sound systems, soundboards, computers, large screen monitors, cameras
• Facility Services – Computers, paging systems, security systems
• Gymnasiums – Sound systems, computers

In order to create these types of learning spaces, schools will need the services of structured wiring and IT professionals. A reliable structured wiring contractor will survey a site and work with school administrators to determine their exact needs. Using the highest quality resources, they will then update an existing network or install a new one. They can also assist in the installation of important classroom devices. Technology driven schools can benefit from the following services:

• Structured Cabling
• Network Design and Installation
• Cloud-Based Services
• Audio and Web Conferencing Services
• Paging Systems Installation
• Security System Upgrade and Installation

Building a technology driven classroom isn’t just important for educating the future workforce of the digital age. Technology enables students to innovate and create on their own. It also allows teachers to adopt new teaching methods, like “flipped classroom” models and cloud-based lesson delivery. As more technology finds its way into our classrooms, schools across the U.S. will need the help of reliable cabling and IT professionals to implement and support those technologies effectively.