Innovative learning tools are changing the way students experience school
5 Ways Education Uses Digital Technology
The impact of technology on education has dramatically increased since the advent of the Internet. While just a few decades ago, having any type of tech gadget – all the more a mobile phone! – in the classroom was almost inconceivable, if not punishable. Today, however, touchscreen technology and the availability of wireless laptops are part of the basic tools of modern teaching. The traditional workbooks and heavy backpacks are being replaced by wikis, apps, and educational websites. Therefore, it is not only the manner in which the education sector makes use of technology but also the innovative learning tools that are changing an entire generation’s experience of schooling. Read our shortlist of 5 ways education is currently leveraging digital tech.
Enhanced Students’ Experiences
Perhaps one of the underrated effects of technology in the classroom is the lessons teachers have learned. In fact, instructors have realized the importance of digitization as students become more involved in the learning process. Indeed, evidence shows that pupils respond better when they use tech and IT. Digital resources such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, and apps can capture children’s attention, boost their creativity, and increase their motivation to participate in class. Nevertheless, in order to fully implement such activities, schools require a high bandwidth wireless network that can deal with their needs. These include live streaming on multiple devices, hosting live updates and progress, as well as saving documents and data securely. This is a challenge for many schools but one that is worth taking on.
Improved Levels of Achievement
Research has demonstrated that access to Wi-Fi in the classroom greatly enhances students’ progress and success metrics. Statistics and case studies are proving that digital technology has a positive impact on literacy development and language acquisition across the globe. Custom and adapted software is also helping inclusivity by supporting the special needs of students. Consequently, the effect is reflected in higher self-esteem and a sense of purpose.
Development of New Skills
Digital technology is also used in class to improve behavior and make it easier for students with special needs to be part of mainstream classrooms. Some of these valuable tech features include voice recognition and text-to-speech apps. In addition, learning new skills – that would otherwise be strenuous – becomes easier and enjoyable. Wireless technology also helps bring science discoveries into the classroom through interactive games developed by NASA for example.
Upgraded Monitoring Capabilities
As mentioned above, it is not only students who benefit from tech advancements. New software solutions are allowing teachers and supervisors to monitor attendance in real-time, track pupil progress on a daily basis, and offer custom curriculum for students that match each of their learning needs. Thus, the integration of such technology with smartphones and tablets, makes it possible for educators to instantly react to student needs or emergencies, as well as give feedback to each pupil independently.
Advantages of Remote Learning
Extended school closures and physical distancing due to the Covid-19 pandemic have necessitated a rather quick and often unprepared shift to remote learning. Thus the need to ensure the continuity of schooling and education has led many countries to find alternate solutions that are based on the use of technology. This crisis however has highlighted the inequalities in access to digital tools and the internet. Thus education systems around the world were compelled to become more resilient. Consequently, teachers and schools had to adapt in order to survive and deliver education to students outside of schools.
Therefore countries are investing in remote learning as an emergency measure that schools can turn to in case of a crisis. The challenges are many. Also, addressing the needs of the education sector means upgrading the infrastructure to allow every student access to the internet.
Beyond the basics, advantages of remote learning include more personalized and modular content in the curriculums. Nonetheless, to truly reap the rewards of this method of teaching, there is a vital need to re-imagine educational content. This means to tailor the courses in a way that addresses unique skills and backgrounds.
In Conclusion
While EdTech investments have increased substantially, learning in many countries hasn’t considerably changed. The coronavirus pandemic has blasted the transformation. Therefore pedagogy was forced to rethink itself. The advantages of using technology for teaching are numerous. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of on-the-ground adjustments in order to fully implement such advanced systems. Definitely, more attention has been placed on how tech can be further included in a blended learning environment, to reach students at school and at home. There is a lot to look forward to.