How important is technology in education? The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly demonstrating why online education should be a vital part of teaching and learning. By integrating technology into existing curricula, as opposed to using it solely as a crisis-management tool, teachers can harness online learning as a powerful educational tool.
The effective use of digital learning tools in classrooms can increase student engagement, help teachers improve their lesson plans, and facilitate personalized learning. It also helps students build essential 21st-century skills.
Virtual classrooms, video, augmented reality (AR), robots, and other technology tools can not only make class more lively, they can also create more inclusive learning environments that foster collaboration and inquisitiveness and enable teachers to collect data on student performance.
Still, it’s important to note that technology is a tool used in education and not an end in itself. The promise of educational technology lies in what educators do with it and how it is used to best support their students’ needs.
Technology is opening new horizons for education which is changing the world of learning around us. Educational expert Nadim Nsouli says, "I believe that learning through technology will continue to transform teaching practice. It can really help to tackle some of the challenges that are faced in the education sector such as efficiency, workload, accessibility, and inclusion."
Technology has been an integral part of sustaining and transforming society for many years, and so its infusion with education was inevitable. Both accessibility and teaching methods are being transformed by technology in different ways.
Being able to learn remotely has made education more widely accessible for everyone. Online education allows people who work full-time to further their learning remotely in their own time, children who don't suit traditional schooling can work at their own pace in a safe environment, and people who live an alternative lifestyle due to illness or travel can receive an education.
Nsouli states, "with the improved use of technology in classrooms, teachers are able to focus on personalised learning, which can be of huge help to some individuals."
Technology has made it possible to gain qualifications solely online and receive excellent education remotely through institutes that offer online courses. That means that it doesn't matter where you live; you can still take advantage of online education.
Technology has made certain teaching tasks quicker and easier. For example, a teacher can arrange an online quiz for their students, which will provide them with instant results and feedback. This then eliminates the need for the teacher to assess and look through each child's quiz. Educators are also able to use technology to schedule separate group or individual lessons, produce personalised content, and stay in contact.
Teachers can leverage technology to achieve new levels of productivity, implement useful digital tools to expand learning opportunities for students, and increase student support and engagement. It also enables teachers to improve their instruction methods and personalize learning. Schools can benefit from technology by reducing the costs of physical instructional materials, enhancing educational program efficiency, and making the best use of teacher time.
The switch from a traditional school setting to an online learning platform allows educators to embrace more interactive tools and approaches that students will find engaging.
Technology allows a shift from static learning materials to more dynamic interactive media content. Students often learn faster and engage more when they are not only passively listening to a teacher and reading textbooks but also participating in engaging academic activities.
Educational technology can foster collaboration. Not only can teachers engage with students during lessons, but students can also communicate with each other. Through online lessons and learning games, students get to work together to solve problems. In collaborative activities, students can share their thoughts and ideas and support each other. At the same time, technology enables one-on-one interaction with teachers. Students can ask classroom-related questions and seek additional help on difficult-to-understand subject matter. At home, students can upload their homework, and teachers can access and view completed assignments using their laptops.
Through engaging and educational content, teachers can spark inquisitiveness in children and boost their curiosity, which research says has ties to academic success. Curiosity helps students get a better understanding of math and reading concepts. Creating engaging content can involve the use of AR, videos, or podcasts. For example, when submitting assignments, students can include videos or interact with students from across the globe.
The future of eLearning is highly dependent on technology, which is rapidly transforming the way we access and consume educational materials. Despite this, tutor booking apps also play an important role in the future of education, as they provide convenient and flexible access to educational resources for students.
As technology changes and influences education, the role of the teacher also changes. The focus becomes less on being a subject expert but rather on a guide in navigating all of the available information and technology. This new approach to teaching builds trust and respect within the classroom setting — whether that is online or a traditional classroom.
Technology in education is more than following trends; instead, it is a powerful tool that can enrich and improve the education process for both teacher and student. The use of technology in education has transformed learning and the way that people retain information. It has become a fundamental part of learning, and its development and application should be embraced by all educators in a way that best suits them and their students.
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