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The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) states that the previous ten years have seen the creation of many of the high-demand occupations of today. Teachers may assist kids in developing the abilities they’ll need to thrive in the jobs of the future as technological advancements fuel globalization and the digital transformation of society.
What role does technology play in education? The COVID-19 epidemic is rapidly illuminating the reasons why online learning need to be an essential component of instruction. Teachers may use online learning as a potent teaching tool by incorporating it into their current curriculum rather than using it just as a crisis management tool.
When digital learning technologies are used effectively in the classroom, they may help instructors create more engaging lesson plans, promote individualized learning, and raise student engagement. It also assists pupils in developing critical 21st-century abilities.
In addition to making classes more engaging, technological tools like virtual classrooms, video, augmented reality (AR), robotics, and others may also be used to create more inclusive learning environments that encourage cooperation and curiosity as well as provide instructors access to statistics on student performance.
However, it’s crucial to remember that technology is a tool, not a goal in and of itself, in education. The use of educational technology by educators to better address the needs of their students holds the key to its potential.
Challenges with Educational Technology
According to BuiltIn, 92% of educators are aware of how technology is affecting education. Project Tomorrow reports that 59% of middle school pupils believe using digital learning resources has improved their test scores and grades. The World Economic Forum projects that by 2025, the market for educational technology would reach $342 billion due to the growing use of these tools.
But there are drawbacks to instructional technology, especially in terms of use and implementation. For instance, Project Tomorrow reports that fewer than 10% of schools report using augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and other new technologies in their classrooms, despite the rising demand in their utilization. Concerns over technological equality, the efficiency of instructors using it, and excessive screen time are other issues.
One of the main issues that emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic is content. Teachers must be able to create and evaluate online learning materials, particularly in order to motivate students to think about a subject from many angles. There was not enough time for this because of the hasty decisions made during this crisis. An additional issue is access; for instance, not all school districts have the funding to provide pupils laptops, and internet connection in homes isn’t always dependable.
Furthermore, although some students succeed in online learning environments, others struggle for a variety of reasons, including a lack of support services. For instance, a student who found it difficult in face-to-face settings would find it much more difficult in this setting. It’s possible that these youngsters depended on materials that are no longer in their homes.
Still, research suggests that when given the means, the majority of students usually show confidence in adopting online learning. Teachers may face difficulties with online learning, however, particularly in areas where it has not been the norm.
The advantages of technology in education should not be overlooked, despite the difficulties and worries. These advantages include better cooperation and communication, higher educational standards, and interesting classes that encourage students to use their imaginations and seek out new information.
Technology’s Advantages for Education
Instructors want to improve student performance, and technology may assist them in achieving this goal. Administrators should assist instructors in acquiring the skills necessary to improve student learning via the use of technology in order to lessen the difficulties. Furthermore, teachers’ responsibilities should be made simpler by technology in the classroom without requiring more time from them.
Technology gives students quick access to knowledge, accelerates their learning, and gives them enjoyable chances to put what they’ve learned into practice. It helps students to delve deeper into complex ideas and explore new topics, especially in STEM. By using technology both inside and outside the classroom, students may acquire the 21st-century technical skills required for careers in the future.
Nonetheless, youngsters learn better when given guidance. According to the World Economic Forum, there is data that says learning is more successful when it is guided by an adult, such a teacher, even if technology may assist young pupils in learning and acquiring information via play.
It is important for leaders and administrators to assess the level of faculty awareness about online spaces. They may put future answers into practice right now by using the lessons they’ve learnt from this turbulent period. Administrators may, for instance, allow instructors a week or two to carefully consider how to teach courses that haven’t been offered online before. It is crucial to be flexible during these difficult times in addition to looking for answers.
Here are some examples of the value that technology brings to education as well as the advantages it has for both instructors and students.
Enhanced Cooperation and Exchange of Information
Collaboration may be encouraged via educational technologies. During lessons, professors may interact with pupils, but students can also speak with one another. By use of virtual classes and educational games, learners collaborate to resolve issues. Students may encourage one another and exchange ideas and views while working in groups. Technology also makes it possible for students to communicate with instructors one-on-one. Students may express questions about the classroom and get further assistance with concepts that they find challenging to comprehend. Students may submit their homework from home, and instructors can use their computers to access and see finished assignments.
Opportunities for Personalized Learning
Technology makes instructional materials accessible around-the-clock. Using a laptop or mobile device, classes may be conducted fully online. Hybrid learning models integrate regular in-person classroom sessions with the ability to utilize technology from any location. It is feasible to employ technology in both situations to create customized lesson plans for every student. Based on the interests and abilities of their students, teachers might design classes. The ability for pupils to study at their own speed is an additional bonus. Students may watch the lesson plan’s videos whenever they need to refresh their memory on important ideas covered in class. Teachers may identify which students needed more help and support by using the data these online activities provide to discover which students struggled with certain topics.
Inquiry Sparked by Captivating Content
Teachers may help students become more curious and inquisitive by providing them with interesting and instructional information. Research suggests that curiosity is linked to academic performance. Students that are curious are better able to comprehend reading and math subjects. Podcasts, films, and augmented reality (AR) may all be used to create interesting content. For instance, students may engage with students worldwide or attach videos to their projects.
Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity of Teachers
Instructors may employ technology to boost student support and engagement, reach new productivity levels, and adopt helpful digital tools to increase student learning possibilities. Additionally, it helps educators to enhance their teaching strategies and customize education. By lowering the price of tangible teaching materials, improving the effectiveness of educational programs, and optimizing instructor time, technology may help schools.
Become a Pioneer in Using Technology to Enhance Learning Environments
It’s possible that educators who aren’t acquainted with some of the technologies used in the classroom weren’t introduced to it during their professional development or career preparation. Instructors who want to transition and develop the necessary abilities to use technology in the classroom might benefit from professional development programs to enhance their competence. American University’s School of Education online provides a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Arts in Education Policy and Leadership to equip educators with the necessary skills to become leaders for those who want to use technology to help change the educational system. Graduate students who take courses like Teaching Science in Elementary School and Education Program and Policy Implementation get the essential skills needed to successfully integrate technology into learning environments.
