The Benefits of Visual Aid in the Educational Classroom

Stephanie Shin

University of Utah

ED PS 5151: Educational Technology for Secondary Education

Dr. Robert Zheng

November 2021

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Introduction

In this paper I will focus on the benefits of technology integration in the classroom. I

have decided on focus on both visual images & pictures as well as videos & animation, as I

believe these topics go hand-in-hand. As the years go on, there are more frequent, extreme

changes to the world. A change that might have taken the span of 10 years 20 years ago are now

happening in just a few years. The time span of these culture shifts are shorter and shorter, which

forces us to adapt faster and faster. By using technology to enhance lessons, educators can

quickly adapt and implement the necessary changes to support our students as best as possible.

There are many ways educational technology can support and improve students’

cognitive thinking and learning. Some major benefits include engagement, collaboration,

inclusion, creativity, and future preparation. The use of technology can encourage active

participation in the classroom, as it can turn traditionally dull subjects into interactive lessons

and activities (Top 5 benefits, n.d.). Another benefit is the convenience of smooth integration of

technology into the curriculum (8 benefits of, 2020). According to Walden University, teachers

have observed an increased frequency of students helping each other when they’re using

technology in the classroom (Top 5 benefits, n.d.). This can be manifested when students are

completing assignments and seeking help from their classmates and group projects.

“Technology allows some students to be included in the classroom in ways they have

never been before. Many students who receive special education can benefit from technology,”

(8 benefits of, 2020). The quick advancements of technology have a huge positive impact on

students who receive special education, as it gives them more tools to learn and allows them to

“blend in” with other students. Another plus is the freedom of creativity for students to learn and

process lessons. Every child learns differently and that can be exhibited by modifying lessons to

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fit the needs of each student. At the same time, technology can be used to enhance creativity

rather than inhibit it if students are given choice about what they create (8 benefits of, 2020).

Going back to the topic of a fast-paced developing world, we can set our students up for success

by helping students familiarize themselves with technology. One thing is for sure, and that is the

large grip technology has on the world. In entertainment, media, careers, social interactions, etc.,

we know that technology is not going anywhere. “Simply having a mindset that embraces the

process of learning and using new technology can make a difference in a student’s future,” (8

benefits of, 2020).

Visual aid

Visual images, pictures, videos, and animation can be lumped under the overarching

umbrella “visual aid”. Something they all have in common is the use of images (or moving

images) to convey a message, rather than the common default of using words. “Visual aids

arouse the interest of learners and help the teachers to explain the concepts easily. Visual aids are

those instructional aids which are used in the classroom to encourage students learning process,”

(Shabiralyani et al, 2015). A big struggle teachers face in the classroom is gaining (and keeping)

the attention of students. Often times students are not engaged in the lessons due to a multitude

of reasons, one of them being boredom. Throwing technology into the mix can initiate or

stimulate and support learning (Shabiralyani et al, 2015).

The goal of planning and carrying out a lesson is for students to comprehend what

educators are trying to convey. Although for many years in the past learning have been done

with no visual representations, research has shown the pros of implementing technology into the

classroom. According to research done in the public and private educational institutions of

District Dera Ghazi Khan, 50% of people generally recall something learned if they hear and see

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what was being taught. “Visual aids are tools that help to make an issue or lesson clearer or

easier to understand and know… Visual aids are the best tool for making teaching effective and

the best dissemination of knowledge,” (Shabiralyani et al, 2015).

My experience

I can remember my first experience with technology in a classroom. I’d like to say it was

a unique situation specific to our school as it was more than 10 years ago. When I was in the fifth

grade, I got placed in a hybrid class. Meaning, there were 11 of us fifth graders, and the rest of

the class were sixth graders. A perk that came with being in a sixth-grade classroom a year early

was the set-up of Mac computers every two desks. Each desk partner shared a brand-new, shiny,

sleek Mac computer for the whole school year. We even had a designated time every month to

clean our desk area and corresponding technological devices. Having this feature allowed me to

dip into the world of technology earlier than my peers. At that time, technology hadn’t been quite

developed or implemented into our daily lives as much as it is now. By having access to new

computers constantly every day for nine months, I learned to navigate the world of technology at

a much earlier age. I had access to Word and PowerPoint, quickly learned to troubleshoot small

issues, navigate emails, etc. These skill sets definitely set me up for success in my later years as a

student.

Conclusion

In conclusion, educational technology does support and improve students cognitive

thinking and learning. Some of the ways technology benefits students are increasing engagement,

promoting collaboration between students, advocating for inclusion, making space for creativity,

and preparing students for the future. Even in my own personal life, I have experienced first-

hand the benefits that come from implementing technology in the classroom.

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 References:

N.a. (2020, November). 8 benefits of technology in the classroom. Grand Canyon University.

https://www.gcu.edu/blog/teaching-school-administration/8-benefits-of-classroom-

technology

N.a. (N.d.) Top 5 benefits of technology in the classroom. Walden University.

https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/education/resource/top-five-benefits-of-technology-

in-the-classroom

Shabiralyani, G., et al. (2015). Impact of Visual Aids in Enhancing the

Learning Process Case Research: District Dera Ghazi Khan. Journal of Education and

Practice, 6(19), 226-234. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1079541.pdf