Digital transformation in education, with the motto of applying more modern technologies in teaching, has been maximizing the effectiveness of students’ learning experiences. Following this trend, schools in Vietnam have recently been rapidly developing the smart classroom model, helping to transform traditional teaching and learning methods. This article will provide you with an overview of the smart classroom, highlighting its outstanding advantages that help students develop comprehensively.
1. What is a Smart Classroom?
The smart classroom is a learning environment equipped with various technological devices such as computers, projectors, interactive screens, and software such as electronic lessons and textbooks that align with the curriculum. It also includes a centralized management system designed to optimize the entire teaching and learning process.
Each of the teaching tools mentioned above is modern, user-friendly, and easy to use, designed to work in harmony to bring the teaching content to life. These tools increase student engagement and create a dynamic, enjoyable learning environment for both teachers and students. As a result, they significantly improve students’ learning outcomes.
2. Role of smart classrooms in modern education
In the digital age, it’s not only technology and service industries that are undergoing change, but education is also experiencing a powerful revolution. The most notable of these changes is the rise of smart classroom models – a new educational trend of the era that enhances learning quality while building a safe, highly interactive educational environment between teachers, students, and parents.
During the pandemic, we saw a significant increase in educational standards along with remarkable advances in the application of educational technology. The widespread use of virtual whiteboards, projectors, modern audiovisual systems, and more made teaching and learning more dynamic and engaging. These tools not only help teachers deliver lessons more effectively but also encourage students to actively engage in knowledge acquisition.
With the rapid development of technology, the integration of information technology in teaching has become an inevitable trend in modern education, ranging from basic presentation software to advanced learning management systems. These innovations not only change the way knowledge is delivered but also open up new methods of learning that are more modern, flexible, and effective.
3. Types of smart classrooms
1. Standard Smart Classroom
A standard smart classroom is a teacher-led learning space equipped with basic technologies such as computers, interactive whiteboards, and projectors. Although it still follows traditional teaching methods, the integration of smart technologies offers students more opportunities to interact with the lesson content, teachers, and peers.
2. Intermediate Smart Classroom
This classroom includes all the elements of a standard smart classroom but is enhanced with tablets or laptops for students, advanced interactive software, and cloud storage tools to support group projects and research. This model increases student participation and personalizes the learning experience according to each student’s needs and pace.
3. Student-led Smart Classroom
In this model, students take control of their learning process rather than depending entirely on the teacher. The classroom utilizes various digital technologies and tools that allow students to independently search for information, learn through educational apps, and conduct research tasks. Personal devices such as tablets, laptops, and other mobile tools foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in the classroom.
4. Benefits of Smart Classrooms
Modern smart classrooms aim to equip students with digital skills, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving capabilities. They are designed to benefit all students by placing the learner at the center of the educational process while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
Here are some of the benefits and advantages of smart classrooms, emphasizing their effectiveness in promoting a more comprehensive and dynamic educational experience:
4.1. Enhancing Student Interaction
Smart classrooms make lessons more lively and engaging. Teachers can use projectors and interactive whiteboards to display images, videos, and animations, stimulating students’ interest, which facilitates better interaction with the lesson and more effective knowledge absorption.
With tools such as projectors, computers, and sound systems, students can interact directly with 3D models, videos, and images, which helps them better understand complex concepts in a more visual and effective way.
4.2. Improving Learning Outcomes
Smart classrooms in Vietnam enhance learning efficiency by allowing teachers to adjust lessons according to each student’s ability and learning style, promoting personalized learning. Thanks to the application of technology like electronic textbooks, teaching support software, and learning management systems, students can access knowledge at their own pace, improving retention and understanding through dynamic, visual teaching methods.
Additionally, through devices like interactive whiteboards, teaching support software, 3D simulations, and virtual reality (VR), lessons become more engaging and visual, making it easier for students to understand and retain knowledge longer than traditional teaching methods. Students also have more opportunities for self-learning and practice thanks to online learning systems where they can access materials, lessons, and assignments anytime, anywhere.
4.3. Strengthening Teacher-Student Interaction
Interactive whiteboards, tablets, smartphones, along with digital content and online learning platforms, equipped in smart classrooms, make lessons more visual and help connect students and teachers. This also enables students to take an active part in the learning process, creating a more dynamic and creative learning environment.
Moreover, teacher-student interaction is enhanced through group activities, real-world projects, and extracurricular sessions that are programmed online. Teachers can organize discussions, case studies, or educational games using specialized software and internet-connected devices, encouraging students to collaborate, debate, and express their opinions, which helps them develop communication skills and critical thinking.
4.4. Access to a Wealth of Educational Resources
Modern technological devices with internet connectivity and integrated educational applications open new doors for students to access abundant resources from around the world, broadening their horizons and enhancing their self-learning capabilities. This is also a crucial foundation for fostering flexible thinking and lifelong learning in the digital age.
Students participating in smart classroom models in Vietnam can easily access rich learning materials from systems like the Vietnam Digital Knowledge System, VNPT E-learning, MISA EMIS, or electronic libraries from the Ministry of Education and Training. This not only helps students expand their knowledge beyond textbooks but also supports self-study and research, especially in the context of increasingly popular online learning.
4.5. Saving Time, Improving Teaching Effectiveness
Smart classrooms optimize teaching processes by applying classroom management software, electronic lesson systems, and automatic assessment tools. As a result, teachers can save time on lesson preparation, grading, and tracking student progress, allowing them to focus more on guiding and supporting students, thus improving teaching quality. This model also helps schools in Vietnam gradually transition to digital education, staying in line with modern educational trends.
Instead of writing down everything from the board, students can focus on listening, observing, and actively participating in the lesson. The presentation of images, diagrams, illustrative videos, and the integration of digital textbooks also helps students understand the lesson more quickly, reducing theoretical learning time and allowing more time for discussions, practice, and applying knowledge to real-life situations.
5. Challenges and Limitations of smart classrooms
Smart classrooms help increase student interest in learning and enhance knowledge acquisition. However, there are still many challenges and limitations that cause concern for parents:
5.1. High Investment and Maintenance Costs
Smart classrooms require devices such as computers, interactive whiteboards, projectors, and sound systems, as well as a stable network connection (LAN, WAN, Internet). Maintaining the technology in a smart classroom involves significant investment and considerable ongoing costs. Schools must not only pay for equipment but also for software maintenance, upgrades, and teacher training. To cover these expenses, tuition fees at some schools may increase, making it difficult for many parents.
5.2. Teachers’ High Technological Proficiency and Skills Required
Not all teachers are proficient in using smart technology for teaching. Before implementing a smart classroom, teachers need to be trained in creating lessons using formats such as videos, interactive presentations, and teaching software. Along with this, teachers must also gain knowledge on effectively using devices and handling technical issues. This training process can be costly and challenging for educational institutions with limited budgets. If teachers are not adequately trained, technology can become a disruptive element rather than an aid to teaching.
5.3. Limitations in Developing Problem-Solving and Creativity Skills
Although technology helps students access knowledge quickly, over-reliance on devices may reduce their ability to solve problems independently. When faced with technical issues, students might feel confused and unsure of how to adapt.
Furthermore, excessive dependence on technology could hinder students’ creativity. The use of technology in the classroom can sometimes create a sense of monotony, as creative thinking is not encouraged. Learning can become mechanical when students continuously use devices that operate according to pre-programmed methods.
Additionally, the generational gap between parents and students also makes it difficult for many parents to assist their children with online learning or using new technologies.
6. Smart Classrooms at Westlink International school
Westlink is a leader in implementing smart classrooms in Vietnam. By integrating advanced technology such as Viewboard, my ViewBoard, Classwift Manager Advanced from ViewSonic, Westlink is creating a modern learning environment where teachers can present lessons in a lively way, manage classrooms efficiently, and encourage students to participate actively, unlocking their full potential.
Westlink’s teaching staff are not only highly skilled educators who effectively apply modern technology but also have extensive experience in both international and Vietnamese educational environments. They inspire students to explore, research, and discover independently. The teaching methods at Westlink encourage initiative, responsibility, and perseverance in learning, helping students continuously develop and discover themselves while nurturing ambitious goals to become global citizens.
With the combination of modern technology and advanced educational methods, the smart classrooms at Westlink offer an exceptional learning experience, helping students reach their full potential in a flexible, creative, and inspiring environment.
If parents have any questions about the smart classroom model at Westlink, please contact us through the following channels:
Contact Information
Address: Gia Vinh Road, Tay Ho Tay urban area, Xuan Tao Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi
Hotline: (+84) 865 777 900
Email: infor@westlink.edu.vn
Website: https://westlink.edu.vn/vi
