The efficient use of digital learning technologies in the classroom, according to studies can boost student engagement, assist teachers in improving lesson plans, and enable personalised learning. It also assists pupils in developing critical 21st-century abilities.
Teachers can utilise online learning as a valuable educational tool by integrating technology into existing curricula rather than using it purely as a crisis-management tool.
Virtual classrooms, video, augmented reality (AR), robotics, and other technology tools can not only make the class more interesting, but they can also create more inclusive learning environments that stimulate cooperation and inquisitiveness while also allowing teachers to collect data on student performance.
However, it is crucial to remember that technology is a tool for education, not an end in itself. The promise of technology in education lies in what educators do with it and how they use it to best meet the needs of their students.
Educational Technology Difficulties
According to BuiltIn, 92 per cent of teachers recognise the role of technology in education. According to Project Tomorrow, 59 per cent of middle school pupils believe that digital instructional tools have improved their grades and test results. These technologies have become so popular that the World Economic Forum predicts that the educational technology market will grow to $342 billion by 2025.
However, educational technology presents several difficulties, notably in terms of implementation and use. According to Project Tomorrow, despite increased interest in using augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, less than 10% of schools report having these tools in their classrooms. Additional concerns include excessive screen time, educational effectiveness with technology, and concerns about technology equity.
The question of content has emerged prominently as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Educators must be allowed to create and comment on online educational content, particularly to encourage students to evaluate a topic from multiple perspectives. The immediate actions performed during this crisis did not provide enough time for this. Access is another issue to consider; for example, not every school
Furthermore, while some students excel in online education settings, others lag due to a variety of circumstances, including a lack of support services. A student who has previously struggled in face-to-face situations, for example, may suffer much more in the current circumstance. These pupils may have relied on services that are no longer available to them.
Nonetheless, studies have shown that when students have the resources, they are generally confident in using online education. However, online education may provide difficulties for teachers, particularly in areas where it has not previously been the norm.
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Despite the obstacles and concerns, it is crucial to recognise the positives of technology in education, such as better cooperation and communication, higher educational quality, and exciting lessons that help ignite students’ imagination and search for knowledge.
Technology’s Advantages in Education
Teachers desire to increase student performance, and technology can assist them in doing so. To address the issues, administrators should assist instructors in developing the skills required to improve student learning using technology. Furthermore, classroom technology should make teachers’ tasks easier without adding extra time to their day.
Technology gives students simple access to knowledge, rapid learning, and enjoyable opportunities to put what they’ve learned into practice. It allows students to study new disciplines and expand their comprehension of complex concepts, which is very useful in STEM. Students can learn 21st-century technical skills for future careers by using technology both inside and outside the classroom.
Nonetheless, children learn more efficiently when they are directed. According to the World Economic Forum, while technology can assist young pupils in learning and acquiring knowledge through play, data suggests that learning is most successful when guided by an adult, such as a teacher.
Leaders and administrators should assess where their faculty is in terms of their grasp of online environments. They may now apply solutions for the future based on the lessons learnt throughout this turbulent period. Administrators, for example, should give teachers a week or two to carefully consider how to teach previously unavailable online courses. Flexibility is essential during these tough times, in addition to an examination of alternatives.
- Collaboration and communication have improved
Collaboration can be aided by educational technology. Teachers can interact with students during lessons, but students can also speak with one another. Students study through online lessons and learning games.
- Personalized Learning Opportunities
Technology allows 24/7 access to educational resources. Classes can take place entirely online via the use of a laptop or mobile device. Hybrid versions of learning combine technology from anywhere with regular in-person classroom sessions. In both scenarios, the use of technology to tailor learning plans for each student is possible. Teachers can create lessons based on student interests and strengths. An added benefit is that students can learn at their own pace. When they need to review class material to get a better understanding of essential concepts, students can review videos in the lesson plan. The data generated through these online activities enable teachers to see which students struggled with certain subjects and offer additional assistance and support.
Teachers can encourage children’s inquisitiveness and curiosity through interesting and instructive content, which has been linked to academic achievement in studies. Curiosity aids students’ grasp of arithmetic and literacy skills. AR, videos, and podcasts may all be used to create compelling content. Students, for example, can include videos or engage with students from all over the world while submitting homework.
