- In the past, classrooms relied heavily on textbooks and teacher-directed lectures, with limited educational technology. While computers and the internet were introduced, technology was not fully integrated. - Today's 21st century classrooms focus on active, collaborative, and student-centric learning. Textbooks are being replaced by educational software and technology resources. Key components include supporting critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. - Modern classrooms utilize various technologies like laptops, tablets, and interactive whiteboards. Large multi-touch displays allow for hands-on interaction and collaborative work between students and teachers. This new technology aims to fully integrate instruction and prepare students for the future.

1. The 21st
Century
Classroom
& Multi-touch Technology

2. A LITTLE
HISTORY
Not long before the turn of century, educational
technology was in its infancy, and classrooms did not
look much different than those of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Although a few computers could be found in a
classroom, much of the day-to-day instruction was
guided by a textbook-centered curriculum.
The introduction of the Internet and cable television to
classrooms opened up new possibilities. In most cases,
students interacted with educational technology in
their school’s computer lab. Educational technology
was seen as an “extra” and was not considered to be an
important part of day-to-day teaching and learning
activities.

3. WHAT ABOUT THE
TEXTBOOKS?
In today’s forward-looking classrooms, students spend very little time sitting passively listening to teacher-directed lectures,
reading chapters in textbooks, and completing individual worksheets. Textbooks are still around, but might not be here to stay.
Arne Duncan, the U.S. Department of Education Secretary, in his recent address to the National Parent-Teacher-Association,
brought up the fact that $7 billion to $9 billion is spent in the U.S. on textbooks, which are outdated quickly. In contrast, much of
this money could be spent more wisely if focused on educational software and systems and improving technology infrastructure
in schools and communities, consistent with the framework developed by the U.S. Department of Educational Technology.
In the US, most states have adopted the Common Core Curriculum standards as a means to prepare students for the future. In
some states, this mission has moved one step further through the adoption of the 21st Century Framework, a philosophy that
promotes effective technology integration within schools and classrooms to support the Common Core standards 21st Century
goals and objectives.

4. Opportunities for active and collaborative learning
An environment that is inviting and well-organized
Learning activities that are student-centric and adapted to learning needs and
preferences
Student progress is monitored through multiple pathways
Technology supports the teaching-learning environment
Technology and instruction work together, supporting teachers and students
SO WHAT ARE SOME KEY
COMPONENTS OF THE 21ST CENTURY
CLASSROOM?

5. Instructional activities support the “Four C”s”
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Creativity and Innovation.
In the U.S., most states have adopted the Common Core curriculum standards to ensure
that teachers are providing students with educational activities that will prepare them for
the future, consistent with the philosophy behind the 21st Century learning. Many of the
resources for moving teachers and school districts forward rely on the effective integration
of technology in the classroom.

6. Technologies that support 21st
Century learning and teaching
Take a look at a technology-enhanced classroom and you’ll find laptops, iPads, or tablets, along with a few touch-screen
computers. Students use different technologies throughout the day.
In many of today’s classrooms, teachers use large interactive whiteboards or displays to introduce and demonstrate new
concepts, often with the help of students. Students often use smaller displays, tablets, laptops, or even mobile devices as they
work with their project teams through project-based learning activities that extend for several weeks. At the end of the project,
use the larger interactive display to share what they’ve learned, and at the same time, practice their communication and
presentation skills.
In classrooms that make effective use of technology, the technology works seamlessly to support learning and teaching in
various ways throughout the day. This is made possible because forward-looking school districts have taken steps to improve
things behind the scenes, such as increasing network and Internet capability and making good choices regarding the purchase
of hardware and software.

7. Time for a
change:
Multi-touch collaborative
educational technology

8. Key considerations
In many classrooms, interactive whiteboards were purchased years ago, and only support
single-touch interaction. Because the whiteboards require projectors, they must be used
when the classroom lights are dim, limiting the types of learning activities the teacher can
supervise while the whiteboard is in use. When the time comes to make a change, some
schools have found that a move to a large high-definition multi-touch display is a good one.
The lights can be on, more than one student can interact with the display, and the teacher
can better integrate the use of the display into collaborative group activities.

9. http://www.nuiteq.com/blog
Learn more about multi-touch
technology in the classroom at:

10. thank you.
For more information, please visit
www.nuiteq.com