There is hardly any industry that technology has not transformed. Technology has made growing crops easier during most seasons. It has let us charge our mobile phones within minutes and has enabled astronomers to explore distant planets. So, of course, technology has not left education behind. From innovative learning approaches to AI, here are some of the best and amazing ways technology is transforming education and the future of the way we learn and teach.
Greater Flexibility
Education enables institutions and government agencies to work together to put in place new technologies in schools and colleges. Here, online portals are being set up where the students can easily download lessons, courses, and notes. These online educational initiatives give teachers much more free time to focus on taking a more target approach to teach their students. It also allows students to access education with a few clicks on their laptops or mobile phones.
Self-Paced Learning
The same online education initiatives mentioned earlier are also helping students learn at their own pace. When combined with a blended approach of videos and online platforms, online initiatives are enabling students to do so when they are in the right state of mind to study. For example, if a student is comfortable studying during the wee hours of the night, they can do so using the online portal without disrupting their teacher’s or classmate’s schedules.
Better Accessibility
One of the best benefits of technology is that it makes education much more accessible for those who may not have the privilege of attending schools. Educational technology provides a level playing field for everyone. Regardless of their economic or social background, everyone can get the same levels of education. The accessibility is all thanks to in-class devices, high-tech IT services, online portals, and ease of access to the internet. This point was best demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when everyone was forced to study and attend school from home.
Increased Collaboration
Group projects, whether they are simple presentations or long-term research, can always be hectic. There is a lot of coordination that needs to be carried out between the team members and their mentors. Here, technology has made it easy and straightforward to collaborate with everyone. People can use simple mobile applications and computer software for the same. There are various platforms, especially Google’s GSuite, that makes teamwork and collaboration easy. These platforms also have a lot of room for individual growth. They also have provisions for holding each member accountable for their contribution or lack thereof. Plus, using these tools give team members practical knowledge on planning and project management.
Better Understanding of Concepts
In the past, the best way to show concepts was using PowerPoint presentations. The scenario is changing with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Schools have started using AR and VR tools like Google Expeditions, Merge Cubes, or Civilisations AR. This lets students virtually visit places, show a 360-degree view of concepts, and simulate scenarios that would otherwise be difficult to grasp.
Enhanced Student Interaction
Nowadays, various technological tools are being used to increase student interaction with other students around the world and thought leaders. Tools such as Get Coffee generates discussion questions for students to discuss. FlipGrid lets students collaborate with other students around the world. Such interactions allow students to solve authentic problems and improve their empathy quotient. This lets them collaborate with other students that come from different backgrounds.
Increased Motivation
Schools are also using game-based programs to gamify their lessons. The best example is the coding industry that uses point-based systems to encourage students to practice coding on their own. The more they learn to code and solve problems, the more points they earn. They can then use these points to unlock other courses that may otherwise be paid or win goodies like merchandise or gadgets. These gamified programs give students perks more than good grades, making them want to study more without feeling forced.
Technology has made education accessible to the world. Someone living in a rural part of Asia can attend reputed universities like Harvard University or MIT from their home for a fraction of the cost. It has also made education much more inclusive; students with learning disabilities now have the power to study the same courses as their peers, albeit with a slight variation of methods. This is just the beginning. Technology is paving the way for a future where education is no longer a luxury but a gift that every student around the world can enjoy.
