[Editorial] Classroom Technology for a Brighter Future

As difficult as it may be to imagine for those of us who remember watching Happy Days growing up, gone are the days of students using textbooks and spiral-bound notebooks. Today, they take notes on laptops, do research on tablets and stay connected with friends through their mobile devices. The learning experience continues to evolve as we move closer to a more connected and tech-savvy society. In fact, the global education technology and smart classroom market is forecasted to grow by more than $50 billion over the next five years, according to a recent study by Research and Markets.

Some have questioned the need for more technology in our schools, to which educators have responded with a resounding yes. Not only do they believe technology enables a more hands-on experience that allows students to better understand concepts and test theories, a recent Samsung-sponsored GFK survey found that 90 percent of U.S. teachers say modern technology in the classroom is important for student success.

This finding supports what Samsung has been doing for many years – providing technology to schools in every state across the country through our Solve for Tomorrow initiative, a nationwide effort to boost enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) among students in grades K-12. When used in moderation, a recent survey by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, found that students with access to technology perform better, on average, than those with less access. Through technology, teachers are better able to cater to various learning styles, engaging students both in and out of the classroom and encouraging more student involvement and collaboration.

Galena High School students Bela, Micheál and Jackie celebrate with Hunter at their school workshop in Reno, Nevada. Their assistive technology project where they used their STEM skills to design and develop prototype adaptive equipment to help special-needs students, Hunter and Kenny, earned them recognition as 2015 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national winners.

The classrooms of today are equipped with devices such as interactive whiteboards and displays, dashboards, tablets, smartphones and other tools that have modernized education to be more customizable, empowering students and teachers to use digital tools to solve problems and learn.

We’ve seen that when institutions don’t have enough traditional tools, of scientific inquiry such as laboratory equipment to accommodate every student, they often turn to technology to bridge the gap, creating virtual biology laboratories. Through technology, educators are able to find innovative ways of providing students with relevant information and tools to use in the problem-solving process.

There are countless success stories that demonstrate how technology in the classroom can break down barriers and ultimately create a more inclusive learning environment.

There’s also the students from Galena High School in Reno, Nevada who participated in Samsung’s technology grant program, called the Solve for Tomorrow Contest, where students and teachers were challenged to show how STEM can help improve their community.

Their objective was to design adaptive equipment to make day-to-day tasks easier for their fellow classmates with disabilities. They applied what they learned in their STEM studies to help their community and the team was rewarded for their efforts by being chosen as one of five national winners and earning $138,000 in Samsung technology for their school.

The Solve for Tomorrow Contest, which is accepting entries until October 30, encourages every U.S. public school serving grades 6-12 to harness their creativity and STEM skills to solve a problem that affects their local community. While technology and other prizes that total approximately $2 million throughout the course of the year-long competition is rewarding, many teachers who participate in this program say the experience of using technology in a way that engages students like never before makes the biggest difference.

As a global technology leader with scientists, engineers and mathematicians working together to imagine and create the future, we believe industry leaders must take part in helping ensure the leaders of tomorrow are being prepared today, with the tools they’ll need to make the world a better place for generations to come.

Technology alone is not the answer, but how technology is being used. When combined with sound teaching methods and irreplaceably caring teachers, technology can help create a fully immersive educational experience that makes all the difference.

The evolution of the education process is in full swing and our mission is to ensure that our future leaders are onboard for the ride.

For more information about the Solve for Tomorrow Contest and how to enter, please visit samsung.com/solve.