The International Society for Technology in Education reports that the last ten years saw the creation of many of the high-demand jobs of today (ISTE). Teachers can assist students in developing the skills they will need to be successful in their future employment as globalization and digital transformation are driven by technological advancements.
How significant is technology in the classroom? The COVID-19 pandemic aptly illustrates why online education needs to be an important component of teaching and learning. Teachers can use online learning as a potent teaching tool by incorporating it into current curricula rather than using it only as a crisis-management tool.
Digital learning tools used effectively in the classroom can boost student engagement, assist teachers in creating better lesson plans, and promote individualized instruction. Additionally, it aids pupils in developing crucial 21st-century abilities.
Virtual classrooms, videos, augmented reality (AR), robots, and other technological tools can not only make the classroom more engaging but also more inclusive learning environments that encourage collaboration and inquisitiveness as well as give teachers the ability to gather data on student performance.
However, it’s crucial to remember that technology is a tool and not an aim in itself in education. The potential of educational technology depends on how educators use it and how it can be used to best meet the needs of their pupils.
Technology’s Role in Education
Technology is being used in education increasingly frequently as the twenty-first century goes on. This is due to several factors. First, technology is becoming more and more accessible and affordable. For their kids, more and more schools can buy computers, tablets, and other gadgets.
In addition, more people are having access to high-speed Internet, which makes it simpler for kids to access online materials. Educators are also discovering additional methods to incorporate technology into their lessons as they become more accustomed to using it in the classroom. As a result, technology use in education will likely keep growing in the years to come.
Technology’s benefits for education
In the past century, only younger students and teachers have benefited from the Use of Technology in the classroom. In other words, students now have the chance to make the learning process much simpler and more engaging thanks to the unexpected introduction of a variety of devices and the Internet. Among the main advantages of technology in education are:
1. Collaboration and communication are improved
Collaboration can be encouraged via educational technologies. Students can interact with one another throughout lessons in addition to engaging with teachers. Students have the opportunity to collaborate to solve challenges through online classes and educational activities. Students can encourage one another and share ideas through collaborative activities. Technology also makes it possible for students to interact directly with teachers. Students can express questions about the course and look for more clarification on the complex subjects. Students can upload their schoolwork at home, and teachers can use laptops to access and view completed assignments.
2. Decreases the cost of Education
Technology has made resources more available, which has led to lower tuition costs, a decrease in the demand for books and their cost, as well as a decrease in the demand for school supplies. E-books have made life simpler for low-income families and allowed pupils to approach learning on an equal footing with their peers, free from parental pressure for great performance resulting from significant financial investments in their education.
The fact that e-books indirectly help to reduce deforestation, one of the greatest environmental problems, is yet another advantageous result of using them in education.
3. Incorporates different Learning Styles
Since every student in your class is unique, it might be challenging to customize your lesson plan for each one of them. Thankfully, educational technology allows you to modify your lessons. For instance, Ryan Greene, a Walden University alumnus with a degree in Instructional Design and Technology, decided to pursue his bachelor’s degree online. He is now using his understanding of technology integration to enhance his classroom. Children who wish to sketch throughout the session can now make an infographic to show their abilities and comprehension of the subject matter, which they might not have seen or been graded on before, according to Greene.
His instructional design degree has helped him refine his teaching methods and give pupils a more individualized learning experience that may serve them well in the future.
4. Increased effectiveness and productivity of teachers
Teachers may use technology to boost productivity, apply practical digital tools to promote student learning opportunities and boost engagement and support from students. Additionally, it gives teachers the ability to customize learning and enhance their teaching strategies. By lowering the cost of physical teaching materials, improving the effectiveness of educational programs, and making the most use of instructor time, technology can assist schools.
5. Options for Personalized Learning
24/7 access to instructional information is made possible by technology. Using a laptop or mobile device, classes can be taken online. Learning that is hybrid combines regular in-person classroom sessions with the use of technology from any location. Both possibilities allow for the customization of learning programs for individual learners using technology. Lessons can be developed by teachers using the interests and skills of their students. Students can learn at their own pace, which is an additional advantage. Students can watch the lesson plan videos when they need to revisit the content covered in class to comprehend key ideas better. Teachers can identify which students struggled with particular courses and provide additional guidance and assistance thanks to the data collected by these online activities.
Drawbacks To Using Technology in Education
Technology has undoubtedly altered the way we live and work. But the classroom is also feeling the effects of it. Utilizing technology in the classroom has many benefits, but there are also some possible downsides. For instance, if they have access to answers online, students can be encouraged to cheat. If they use social media or other online platforms, they can also be more vulnerable to cyberbullying.
Additionally, there is always a chance that technical issues can arise, disrupting the lecture and frustrating the pupils. However, with careful preparation and teacher oversight, these disadvantages can be lessened. In the end, if technology is used intelligently in education, it may be a good thing.
Conclusion: Schools should continue to use technology.
It’s no secret that technology is taking over the globe in a big way. Being comfortable utilizing technology will be a huge benefit in the years to come, from how we interact to how we do business. We must therefore continue to use technology in our institutions, as it is crucial.
