What Role Does Technology Play In Education

What Role Does Technology Play in Education? The Benefits, the Difficulties, and the Impact on Students

According to the International Society for Technology in Education, many of today's high-demand jobs were created in the last decade (ISTE). As technological advancements accelerate globalization and digital transformation, teachers can assist students in acquiring the necessary skills to succeed in future careers.

What role does technology play in education? The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly demonstrating why online education should be an important component of teaching and learning. By incorporating technology into existing curricula, rather than using it solely for crisis management, teachers can harness the power of online learning as an educational tool.

Effective classroom use of digital learning tools can boost student engagement, assist teachers in developing more effective lesson plans, and facilitate personalized learning. Additionally, it assists students in developing critical 21st-century skills.

Not only can virtual classrooms, video, augmented reality (AR), robots, and other technology tools make class more engaging, but they can also help create more inclusive learning environments that foster collaboration and inquisitiveness while also allowing teachers to collect data on student performance.

Nonetheless, it is critical to remember that technology is a means to an end, not an end in itself. The promise of educational technology is in how educators use it and how they use it to best meet the needs of their students.

 

Challenges in Educational Technology

According to BuiltIn, 92 percent of teachers are aware of the impact of technology on education. According to Project Tomorrow, 59% of middle school students report that digital educational tools have aided in their academic performance and test scores. These tools have grown in popularity to the point where the World Economic Forum projects that the educational technology market will reach $342 billion by 2025.

However, educational technology presents some difficulties, most notably in terms of implementation and use. For example, despite growing interest in augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technology, Project Tomorrow reports that less than 10% of schools have these tools in their classrooms. Additionally, excessive screen time, the effectiveness of teachers who use technology, and concerns about technology equity are all causes for concern.

The issue of content has risen to prominence as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Educators must be able to create and comment on online educational content, particularly in order to encourage students to consider a subject from a variety of perspectives. The hasty actions taken during this crisis did not allow for this. Access is an additional concern — not every school district has the resources to provide students with laptops, and internet connectivity in homes is not always reliable.

Additionally, while some students thrive in online learning environments, others struggle due to a variety of factors, including a lack of support resources. For instance, a student who struggled previously in face-to-face settings may struggle even more in the current situation. These students may have accessed resources that are no longer available to them in their homes.

Nonetheless, as studies have indicated, the majority of students demonstrate confidence in using online education when they have the resources. However, online education may present difficulties for educators, particularly in areas where it is not yet the norm.

Regardless of the challenges and concerns, it's critical to recognize the benefits of technology in education, which include increased collaboration and communication, increased educational quality, and engaging lessons that foster students' imagination and thirst for knowledge.

 

The Benefits of Technology in Education

Teachers want to raise student achievement, and technology can assist them in accomplishing this goal. To address these issues, administrators should assist teachers in developing the competencies necessary to enhance student learning through technology. Additionally, technology in the classroom should simplify teachers' jobs without detracting from their daily schedule.

Students benefit from technology because it enables easy access to information, accelerated learning, and enjoyable opportunities to practice what they've learned. It enables students to explore new subjects and gain a better understanding of difficult concepts, particularly in the STEM fields. Students can acquire 21st-century technical skills necessary for future occupations through the use of technology both inside and outside the classroom.

Nonetheless, children learn more effectively when they are directed. According to the World Economic Forum, while technology can assist young students in learning and acquiring knowledge through play, evidence indicates that learning is more effective when guided by an adult, such as a teacher.

Leaders and administrators should assess their faculty's level of familiarity with online spaces. They can now implement solutions for the future based on the lessons learned during this disruptive period. For instance, administrators could give teachers a week or two to consider carefully how to teach previously unavailable courses online. Along with a search for solutions, it is critical to maintain flexibility during these trying times.

The following examples demonstrate the critical role of technology in education and the benefits it provides to students and teachers.

 

Increased Collaboration and Communication

Collaboration can be facilitated through educational technology. Not only can teachers interact with students during lessons, but students can communicate with one another as well. Students collaborate to solve problems through online lessons and learning games. Students can share their thoughts and ideas and offer support to one another through collaborative activities. Simultaneously, technology enables one-on-one interaction between students and teachers. Students can ask questions about the classroom and seek additional assistance with difficult-to-understand subject matter. Students can upload their homework at home, and teachers can use their laptops to access and view completed assignments.

 

Personalized Learning Opportunities

24/7 access to educational resources is made possible by technology. Classes are entirely online and can be accessed via a laptop or mobile device. Hybrid learning models combine remote access to technology with traditional in-person classroom sessions. In both scenarios, technology can be used to create personalized learning plans for each student. Teachers can design lessons around the interests and strengths of their students. Additionally, students can progress at their own pace. When students need to review class material in order to gain a better understanding of critical concepts, they can refer to the lesson plan's videos. Teachers can use the data generated by these online activities to determine which students struggled with particular subjects and provide additional assistance and support.

 

Curiosity Driven by Engaging Content

Through engaging and educational content, teachers can arouse children's curiosity and increase their curiosity, which has been linked to academic success in research. Curiosity aids students in developing a better grasp of math and reading concepts. Engaging content can be created through the use of augmented reality, videos, or podcasts. For instance, students can include videos or interact with students from all over the world when submitting assignments.

 

Increased Productivity and Efficiency of Teachers

Teachers can use technology to boost their productivity, implement useful digital tools that expand students' learning opportunities, and boost student support and engagement. Additionally, it enables teachers to enhance their instructional methods and personalize the learning experience. Schools can benefit from technology by lowering the cost of physical instructional materials, increasing the efficiency of educational programs, and maximizing teacher time.

 

Become a Leader in Using Technology to Enrich Classrooms

Educators who are unfamiliar with some of the technology used in education may have missed out on exposure to the tools during their career preparation or professional development. Teachers seeking to make the transition and acquire the skills necessary to integrate technology into education can take advantage of professional development opportunities.