Technology has transformed the education system and enabled new innovative ways of teaching, learning, communicating, and working collaboratively. Here are four key ways that tech has changed education:
1. Distance learning
Distance learning has been around for many years, but it continues to evolve and adapt with the introduction of advanced technology. There is an impressive variety of online courses and qualifications to choose from. For instance, you can enroll in a 100% Online Educational Technology Certificate and earn this specialist qualification from the comfort of your home at your preferred pace.
Here are some of the top benefits that distance learning offers students:
- Flexible – Online courses give students the freedom to choose their learning schedule and fit studying around their lifestyle and commitments.
- Affordable – Online courses are generally much cheaper than classroom-based courses, plus there are no commuting costs involved.
- Accessible – Course materials are accessible 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Greater choice – Distance learners have a wider range of course options and are not restricted by geographical location.
2. Interactive classrooms
Bookwidgets.com explains how “interactive teaching is all about teaching students in a way that actively involves them in their learning process.” An example of interactive teaching could be group brainstorming, working in pairs, or question and answer sessions. Interactive teaching is considered more effective than traditional teaching methods because the majority of students struggle to learn a new concept without applying it practically.
New technology has made it easier for teachers to create fun interactive classrooms that encourage students to get involved. Teachers can integrate electronic devices like laptops, tablets, and interactive whiteboards to liven up their lessons and create a more engaging learning environment.
3. Online collaboration tools
Digital collaboration tools have made it possible for students to communicate online and work on group projects from anywhere without the need to meet up in person. This is particularly useful for distance learners or blended learning models.
According to teachthought.com, some of the best collaboration tools for students are Diigo, FlipGrid, Padlet, Skype, and Zoom. Many of these platforms and apps are free to use and easy to download.
4. Accessible learning materials
Technology has made learning materials much more accessible. For example, students can research thousands of topics from their laptops using the internet without the need to step foot in a library. Most course material is also now stored online so that students can access it easily 24/7.
Cloud-based storage solutions like Google Drive also allow students to store coursework securely and work on group projects simultaneously from anywhere. This has made learning much more efficient compared to traditional methods.
Bottom line
Technology has impacted the education system in a significant way and continues to affect how educators and students interact, teach, and learn.
The increasing use of the internet and smart devices like mobile phones, laptops, and tablets has created a more flexible, accessible, and collaborative learning environment. These advancements have benefited teachers, students, and the educational sector as a whole.
