Equipment, Advantages and Design of Smart Classroom

Chalk, duster, blackboard, whiteboard, markers all are teaching aids that teachers are using in the traditional classroom for many years. But in smart classroom, there is no need for any of these. Traditional classrooms are being replaced by smart classrooms. 

What is smart classroom?

A smart classroom is a classroom that is equipped with modern-day technologies to provide an interactive environment to students. In a digital smart classroom, teachers and students access and use smart technology such as computers and other audio-visual equipments.

Smart classroom design 

Importance points should be considered while designing a smart classroom:

1. It should be equipped with the latest technology.

2. Seating arrangements should be flexible. Furniture should be easily movable as it makes learning more portable. 

3. There should be a proper lighting facility in the classroom.

4. Fast and reliable internet connection should be there.

5. All educational software and other online resources should be virus free and protected with security.

6. It should have fire alarms and emergency exist.

7. Teachers should be aware of techniques of smart classroom management.

Definitions of smart classroom 

According to Hart, “ A smart classroom is one which has been designed for the efficient and flexible integration of a variety of teaching technologies and which takes account of a variety of teaching styles. It could be defined as the large group of delivery system for multimedia.”

According to Pepper’s, “ A smart classroom is a solution designed to help teachers in meeting with new challenges and developing students abilities and performance.”

Equipments for smart classroom 

Following is the list of smart classroom equipment:

1. Smart classroom board: Smart classroom boards are touch sensitive screens that display content in digital format and allow students and teachers to interact with the content in real time. 

2. Sound system: A sound system is essential for a smart classroom. It includes wireless microphones, multiple speakers and, an amplifier. 

3. Laptops and computers: These are used by teachers and students to access digital content, educational software, and various other online resources.

4. Wireless interest access: It is used to connect different devices to the internet so that information can be accessed at any time.

5. Projectors: Different types of projectors could be used in the classroom. Some of the most common types are LCD projectors and Overhead projectors. These are used to display a variety of multimedia content such as images, videos, presentations, etc.

Advantages of Smart classroom 

Following are some advantages or benefits of the smart classroom which help to make the teaching-learning process more flexible and dynamic. 

1. Easy access to online information and tools

With the internet and a wide range of digital online resources in students’ hands, they can easily access information and other tools according to their needs.

2. Low-maintenance 

All equipments in the smart classroom are easy to use. Some of them require low maintenance. Smart board (interactive whiteboard) and projectors are two commonly used equipments in smart classroom. They generally have a low maintenance requirement.  

3. Personalised learning experience

Smart classroom allows teachers to provide a learning experience to each student according to his need and learning style. This leads to a more effective and personalized learning experience. 

4. More interaction and collaboration 

Smart classrooms facilitate collaborative environment among students. Students can easily interact with teacher and other students in a smart classroom. For example, interactive whiteboards or displays can allow students to share their work and projects simultaneously during meeting or interaction.

5. Beneficial for teachers

It is easy for teachers to evaluate students’ performance with smart tools. They can provide immediate feedback to students and their parents. 

6. Make learning more enjoyable

Students enjoy when taught in a digital smart classroom. In a smart classroom, teachers can teach the content in different ways such as through pictures, videos, quizzes, games, etc. Thus, smart classroom makes learning more enjoyable. 

7. Helpful for all types of learners

Smart classrooms are helpful for all types of learners whether disabled or non-disabled. In smart classroom, various tools such as text-to-speech software, screen readers, and speech recognition tools can help disabled children with reading, writing, and communication.

8. Environment friendly 

Smart classrooms are environment friendly as they use energy-efficient technology and promote paperless learning. Digital devices used in smart classroom can store large amount of information that reduces the need of paper and help to conserve natural resources.

Thus, smart classroom is an important part of ICT (information and communication technology) and it plays huge role in improving the teaching-learning process.