In today’s world education is becoming more global in terms of information getting disseminated, but it is more technologically oriented. Students now are often above the expectations set so technology encourages them to research and be more responsible.
The education is now also based on virtual methods, such as distance learning and learning management systems (LMSs) like Google Classroom. Although educators are having different opinions regarding the impact of modern education due to accessibility and technical difficulties that could become barriers for some students. But the use of technology in education has become a vital part for many students that cannot be denied.
Benefits of Technology in Education
We all use technology in some form or another in our daily activities. Over time, it has become more important in our lives. It has changed the way we consume and process information.
The influence of technology can be seen in every area of our lives; however, the impact of technology on education has been the most noticeable in recent years. Schools are incorporating more and more technology into the classroom to keep up with technological advances in hopes of preparing students for the rapidly changing world of technology.
Students are becoming more responsible and more productive
Modern classrooms are equipped with technologies that allow students to explore and make independent decisions. Students can find information that matches their objectives with the help of various research and search engines and learn how to process it correctly.
Educational Content can be accessed from everywhere
Accessing school content has become easier and for this, we should thanks to cloud services, virtual classrooms, mobile apps, and social media sharing. College students can now easily attend virtual meetings, participate in remote guest lectures, and access content from other parts of the world. Today’s students are not restricted to brick-and-mortar classrooms.
Putting students’ knowledge into action
One of the most significant benefits of using technology in education is putting students’ knowledge and skills into action. Students earn beneficial knowledge through online classes and interactions with their teachers and other peer students. However, it is very important to put these new skills into practice and action.
Technology enables students to use their knowledge in practice through different applications. The incorporation of technology into the classroom helps teachers to easily assign various tasks and assignments that allow students to put their knowledge and experience into action and develop the ability to apply their knowledge to create a solution to a situation, problem, or event.
Sharpening students’ critical thinking
Technology does have an impact on students’ critical thinking skills depending on the type of technology used and the context in which it is used.
Technologies can make activities and the learning process more engaging and can engage multiple senses and can increase students’ investment in the material.
Appropriate classroom technology boosts students’ academic achievement, self-confidence, motivation in class, and attendance. Technology facilitates students’ transition from sitting attentively and listening to more hands-on learning. In addition, technology influences critical thinking by assisting students in applying what they’ve learned to real-life situations and developing problem-solving skills, both of which are essential components of critical thinking.
Increased collaboration
Collaboration can be aided by educational technology. Teachers can communicate with students during lessons, but students can also interact with one another. Students collaborate to solve problems through online classes and educational games.
Students can share their ideas and thoughts and encourage one another in collaborative activities. Simultaneously, technology allows for one-on-one interaction with teachers. Students can ask questions about the classroom and receive additional assistance with the difficult-to-understand subject matter. Students can upload homework from home, and teachers can access and view submitted assignments on their devices.
Instructional technology enhances student motivation and engagement in learning. More specifically, technology engages students behaviorally, emotionally, and cognitively. Whether technology is used in class or after school, students have more opportunities to communicate with instructors, collaborate with peers, and participate in the learning process.
Web-conferencing software, blogs, wikis, social networking sites, and digital games are specific examples of technology that have been shown to improve student engagement and communication.
Better communication
Students can use technology to connect with people in their classrooms and around the world. Learning how to collaborate on projects using digital tools prepares students for almost any career.
Connecting with students across the globe promotes cultural learning and teaches how to collaborate with people who are different from them. While the internet can be an unpleasant place full of hate at times, it can provide a tremendous sense of community and support when used wisely.
Classroom websites can benefit students of all ages. They frequently foster student connections and provide a space for them to collaborate on team projects. They also help learners by instilling a sense of belonging and community in them.
Personalized-learning-opportunities
It has become difficult and critical to expand your skill set with hectic schedules and demanding lifestyles. This is where technology comes in. Education is more convenient than ever, with virtual lessons gradually replacing traditional lectures.
Students can plan their time and learn at a convenient time for them. They can also pursue subjects and courses outside of their course curriculum to broaden their knowledge.
Technology enables continuous access to information and knowledge. Classes can be completed entirely online using a laptop or mobile device. Hybrid learning combines the use of technology from anywhere with regular in-person classroom sessions. It is possible to use technology to tailor learning plans for each student in both scenarios. Lessons can be designed based on student interests and strengths.
Another advantage is that students can learn at their own pace. Students can rewatch videos in the lesson plan when they need to review class material to better understand key concepts. In addition, teachers can use the data generated by these online activities to see which students struggled with certain subjects and offer extra help and support.
The Impact of Technology on Student Learning
The use of technology has helped students and teachers create practical and easily-accessible teaching and learning environments.
A very important technological impact on education is increased interactivity and class engagement. In addition, better overall comprehension, practical learning, time management, and combined learning methodologies are just some of the impacts that technology has had on student learning.
Enriching the classroom with technology
Choosing the right technology to incorporate into the classroom can be challenging. However, defining your learning objectives can assist you in determining which tools will be most beneficial.
Not all schools can afford a one-to-one device ratio in the classroom. In situations where there are many more students than teachers, digital tools can assist in providing personalized guidance to each student. While teachers meet in private with other students, personalized digital applications can guarantee that the rest of the students are using their devices to work on their particular areas of improvement.
Better comprehension
Through the use of technology, every student has the world in their hands. With just a few clicks, students can easily access all the information and materials they need to comprehend different topics better and succeed in the process.
In certain situations, every student can face problems dealing with specific topics, and thanks to technology, this is no longer a problem since they can quickly look it up in different search engines or even ask for more explanation from their instructors. Thanks to the use of technology, instructors are always an email away, making it easier for students to connect with them and get all the necessary help.
Interactivity and class engagement
When technology is seamlessly and carefully incorporated into the classroom, students not only become more engaged but also begin to take more control over the learning process.
Effective technology integration alters the dynamics of the classroom, stimulating student-centered project-based learning. When using technology during the learning process, students can engage with their teachers and other students quickly and easily without wasting class time through chat rooms and other available applications.
Exploring complex matters
As mentioned previously, during the learning process, students will inevitably face obstacles and different difficulties. In addition, they may be required to explore matters that are complex and challenging for them.
However, the incorporation of technology into the learning process has made it easy for students as well as teachers to access all the materials and sources that would help to explore and solve complex matters they may encounter during the learning and teaching process.
Time-saving: effective learning
Both teachers and students make the most of what technology has to offer. One of the most significant advantages of using technology in the classroom is that it saves a lot of time.
Several apps are available to assist teachers in taking attendance so that the task does not consume too much of their time. Even if the teacher is busy getting ready for class, students can sign their names on a tablet as they walk in.
In addition, the use of technology can eliminate numerous different problems; for instance, when students can access their assignments online, photocopying and stapling are no longer required.
Furthermore, with technological platforms that instantly interpret test answers on a large scale, grading is a piece of cake. Many apps provide teachers with status reports, allowing them to view each student’s progress. These reports also highlight opportunities for improvement, allowing teachers to identify learning difficulties earlier in the school year. Technology not only makes grading more accessible for teachers, but it also helps students get the help and attention they require.
Combined learning methodologies
Technology allows teachers to adapt every style of learning. Whether students learn best through lectures, reading, illustrations, or recordings, technology can accommodate every type of learning that students use and prefer.
Students can learn at their convenience by using online videos, audiobooks, interactive online games, and other resources. And, because online material is typically updated, teachers and students can always get the most up-to-date information. In addition, teachers can combine different learning methodologies while using technology to best fit everybody’s needs.
Aspects to Consider
Modern students have become highly dependent on the use of technology. The education completely halts as students are unsure how to continue whenever they encounter glitches or the technology becomes temporarily unavailable. The solution to this is to promote a healthy balance between modern technology and traditional elements of education, such as visiting libraries in person and reading books in print. This allows students to be less dependent on the Internet, social media, phone apps, and virtual meetings.
A digital divide is always present as there has been an increased use of technology in modern education. Although technology can open doors, accessibility, and technical gaps can also hamper the objective of learners. Technology has a mostly positive impact on education, but there are also major accessibility issues. The knowledge gap and technology accessibility issues must be kept in mind. These issues are relevant to college students in remote areas and educators who may not implement all the innovations.
Technology is efficient when people possess specific knowledge or have relevant training. While the Internet can provide resources, it is essential to offer proper training. This is an aspect that cannot be ignored as technology is approached since it is also a process of learning.
Conclusion
While education technology is generally viewed as a threat, and it does have limitations, incorporating it into your classroom practices provides students with a new way to better interact and engage with course material. Thanks to the use of technology tools, education is no longer restricted to the four walls of your classroom. The internet and social media do not have to be a source of distraction. After finding out how technology helps students learn, as a teacher, you can integrate it into lesson plans and help both yourself and students to create improved learning outcomes.