Technology has already set its feet in the world of education. Today, many students across the globe rely on online education. Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has made all of us understand how technology can be a vital part of learning. By incorporating technology in the curriculum, we are not only dealing with a situation of crises in the world but are also harnessing online learning as a powerful educational tool.
In this article, I am sharing 10 factors that state why students need a technology augmented education system even after the pandemic.
#1 Technology integrates different learning styles
We know that every child is different and so are their learning styles. Technology helps us in embracing this difference as it allows students to study as they want. For instance, some students prefer reading textbooks and making notes while others can understand a concept in a better way through an infographic. Technology enables us to integrate different learning styles using different kinds of media such as animation, video, audio, and graphics which makes learning easier and intriguing for students.
#2 Technology makes students more responsible
Integration of technology in education puts students in the driver’s seat. They are in charge of their studies now. For instance, in a certain scenario where the teacher has prepared all the lessons for the students now, the student must start studying them and ask the teacher if any query arises. Technology provides flexibility. It gives students a chance to study as per their schedule, terms, and convenience.
#3 It is easy to access the learning resources
With the help of learning management systems (LMS), teachers can compile all the learning resources in one place and students can access these resources at any time they want. Consider the case of video-based learning. Students can access the lessons at any time using their laptops, tablets, or even smartphones. They can check the notes, assignments, and lesson plans from anywhere.
#4 Technology makes learning more effective
Technology allows the teachers to add several elements to the learning process. This includes gamification, storytelling, self-assessment quizzes, and more. It also allows the students and teachers to track the learning progress. This way students can understand how much syllabus they have covered for a semester and how much is to be done. They can also check their past performances and decide whether they should change their learning pattern.
#5 Technology makes students future-ready
Today, the knowledge of computers and technology is a must to survive in your professional career. Introducing technology in the classroom allows students to get accustomed to technology which would, in turn, help them in the future. Technology in education teaches students how to use electronic calendars, electronic whiteboards, software programs, teleconferencing tools, project management systems, and so on.
#6 Students can easily collaborate online
Technology allows students to collaborate and communicate even more. Students can work together on group projects and collaborate through video conferencing, social media, and email. They can use tools to track their progress in an assignment. Technology also allows students to interact with teachers during the class or on a one-on-one basis. So, students can ask all their queries from the teachers without hesitation. Students can also download assignment questions and upload the answers making the process easier and quicker.
#7 Technology enables personalized learning
There can be two scenarios in technology augmented learning. First, the learning takes place completely via an online medium. Second, the learning takes place in a hybrid environment where certain parts of the course are taught in the classroom and certain topics are covered online. Technology enables a personalized learning environment for the students in both cases. Students can access the study material at any time and can study at their own pace. Students can watch the video lessons as many times until a concept is clear to them. Moreover, teachers can also track students’ progress and guide them accordingly.
#8 Technology enables curiosity-driven learning
When I was in school, online learning was not quite popular. I remember we all used to get excited whenever a teacher would bring in a model of a solar system or an illustrative chart to explain Science concepts. Can you guess why? Because illustrations ignited our curiosity. Reading a concept from a textbook and experiencing it in front of you are two different things. Today, technology in education is bringing back the curiosities of the students. With the incorporation of augmented reality, virtual reality, and game-based learning, technology makes students eager to learn a concept.
#9 Technology makes students better digital citizens
By incorporating technology in education, students can learn how to be safe in the digital world. Students can learn how to use the online medium to communicate with people they know and how it could be dangerous to share their information online. They will understand which sources to trust and how to be responsible while being online.
#10 Technology increases teacher’s efficiency and productivity
Teachers can now use technology to be more productive. They can use tools that can automate their monotonous tasks and pay more attention to the issues of the students. They can understand the pain points of the students or the areas where students are facing difficulties and can alter their lesson plans accordingly. They can connect with parents and students on a one-on-one basis and provide their guidance. Technology can change the role of teachers from someone who teaches a concept to someone who mentors, encourages, and provides advice to students.
To Summarise
While many people think that incorporating technology might eradicate the need for teachers, the above ten factors state that technology is a tool in education and not the end of it. We discussed how technology:
- Embraces how every student learns differently
- Makes students in charge of their learning
- Provides easy access to learning materials
- Allows students to learn more effectively
- Prepares students for the tech-savvy future
- Allows students to collaborate online
- Enables personalized learning
- Ignites students’ curiosities
- Makes students responsible for online
- Increases the efficiency of teachers
Indeed technology provides numerous advantages to the learners and the teachers, altering the way we perceive education. What do you think? Is technology really a boon for our students?
Author Bio
Emily James is an academic writer who provides essay help to high school and college students. She holds university degrees in English studies and Teacher Training. She has designed dissertation writing courses and provides dissertation help in the UK. She writes blogs on education, digital marketing, and learning methodologies
