The Role of Technology in Education
As per the Global Alliance for ICT in Teaching, many hyper current vocations have emerged in the early 1990s (ISTE). Schools will assist kids in obtaining the required skills to prosper in future careers as technological advancements drive internationalization and virtual transformation.
What is the role of technology in education?
The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing attention to the value of virtual classrooms in teaching. Teachers can use online learning as a powerful teaching tool by introducing technology into existing courses instead of seeing it solely as an emergencies tool.
Through the use of edtech in the classroom, students’ engagement can be raised, teachers’ lesson plans may be improved, and personalized learning can be enabled. It also aids students in the development of crucial 21st-century skills.
Virtual classrooms, video, augmented reality (AR), robotics, and other technology tools can assist teachers to collect data on student performance by providing more inclusive learning environments that encourage collaboration and curiosity.
It’s essential to mention, though, for technology is a means to an end, not an end in itself. That administrators do with virtual classrooms and how they use it to best fit their children’s needs will be where the development of online training lies.
The Challenges of Educational Technology
According to BuiltIn, 92 percent of teachers are aware of the impact of technology on education. 59 percent of middle school students say digital instructional tools have helped them improve their grades and test scores, according to Project Tomorrow. The World Economic Forum estimates that the educational technology market will grow to $342 billion by 2025 as a result of these tools’ popularity.
However, instructional technology has significant drawbacks, particularly in terms of adaptation and use. So according to Project Today, despite growing interest in the usage of augmented reality, AI, and other emerging technology in the curriculum, just about 10% of universities have these tools in their courses. Excessive screen time, the effectiveness of academics who would use technology, and questions around future tech equity are among the other concerns.
As either a result of such COVID-19 criteria, the issue of subject matter has become more significant. Educators must be allowed to create and comment on online educational content, particularly in order to encourage students to approach a topic from various angles. Due to the time constraints imposed by the crisis, this was not possible. Access is also a challenge; not every school district, for example, has the resources to supply pupils with a laptop, and internet connectivity in homes might be unstable.
Furthermore, while some students excel in online learning environments, others struggle due to a variety of issues, including a lack of support services. A student who previously struggled in face-to-face situations, for example, may suffer even more in this setting. These students may have resorted to resources that are no longer available to them at home.
Even nevertheless, studies show that when students have the necessary tools and gadgets, they are generally confident in using online education. Teachers, on the other hand, may face obstacles as a result of online education, particularly in areas where it is not yet the norm.
Despite the obstacles and worries, it’s crucial to remember the advantages of technology in education, which include better cooperation and communication, higher educational quality, and exciting classes that encourage students to use their imagination and seek information.
Advantages of EdTech
Professors in seeing their pupils improve, and science may be able to assist them. Administrators could help teachers obtain the skills they need to use technology to increase student learning in order to address the issues. Additionally, incorporating technology into the classroom should enhance instructors’ jobs easier whereas without adding to their workload.
Even nevertheless, when youngsters are led, they learn more effectively. While technology can help young children learn and attain enlightenment through play, statistics state that learning is most effective if an adult, such as a teacher, is present to lead them.
Useful stuff piques people’s curiosity
Coaches can foster intellectual imagination and open-mindedness by providing engaging and relearning, which is now being connected to academic success in studies. Enthusiasm helps students understand arithmetic and reading concepts. Content such as augmented reality, films, & podcasts can all be leveraged to produce engaging content. While presenting tasks, students can, for example, attach videos or interact with other children from across the world.
On a side note, technology is also helping students in completely other fields, such as helping student loan refinance.
Efficiency of Teachers Have Improved
Tutors were able to boost child dedication and assistance while also improving their productivity and implementing valuable digital techniques to aid their students’ academic skills. It also allows teachers to improve their teaching skills and tailor their lessons towards the needs of their students.
Education can benefit from technology by reducing the costs of traditional teaching materials, promoting high functional recovery, and optimizing instructor time.
Use of tools to promote classroom learning
Educators who are unfamiliar with some of the technologies used in education may not have been introduced to them as part of their professional development or as part of their preparation for their jobs. Teachers who want to make the change and learn how to incorporate technology into their classrooms can take advantage of professional development programs.
American University’s School of School Online provides a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Arts in Education Policy and Leadership to educators who want to assist alter the education system through technology. Courses like Education Program and Policy Implementation and Teaching Science in Elementary School provide graduate students with the skills they need to effectively integrate technology into educational settings.
Salman Zafar is a serial entrepreneur, digital marketer, writer and publisher. He is the Founder of Techie Loops
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