According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), many of the most in-demand jobs today were created in the past decade. Teachers can help students learn the skills they need to be successful in the future as technological advances drive globalization and digital transformation.
What is the role of technology in education? Online education is becoming crucial to learning and teaching, as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers can make online learning a powerful tool for education by integrating technology into their existing curriculums rather than using it as a crisis management tool.
Digital learning tools can be used in classrooms to increase student engagement, improve teacher lesson plans and facilitate personalized learning. It helps students develop 21st-century skills.
Video, AR, robots, and other technology tools like virtual classrooms can make classes more interactive and engaging. They can also help teachers collect data about student performance and foster collaboration.
It is important to remember that technology is an educational tool and not an end in its own right. Educational technology’s promise lies in how educators use it and support students’ needs.
Educational Technology Challenges
BuiltIn found that 92 percent of teachers know the importance of technology in education. Project Tomorrow reports that 59% of middle school students believe digital educational tools have improved their test scores and grades. According to the World Economic Forum, the market for educational technology is expected to grow to $342 billion in 2025.
Educational technology has its problems, especially when it comes down to implementation and usage. Despite increasing interest, Project Tomorrow found that less than 10% of schools have AR, AI, or other emerging technologies in their classrooms. Concerns include excessive screen time and the effectiveness of teachers who use the technology. There are also concerns about equity in technology.
The content issue is crucial, especially in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Online educational content is a critical issue that educators must be able to create and review. This will encourage students to think about a topic from multiple perspectives. This was not possible due to the urgency of the crisis. Access is another concern. Not all school districts have the resources to provide laptops for students, and home internet connections can sometimes be intermittent.
Some students excel in online education, but others struggle due to various factors, including a lack of support resources. A student who has worked in traditional face-to-face settings may need help in online education. These students might have used resources they don’t have at home to help them.
However, studies show that most students are confident in online education with the right resources. Teachers may need help teaching online, especially in areas where it is not the norm.
Despite all the concerns and challenges, it is essential to recognize the positives of technology in education. These include increased collaboration and communication and improved quality education. Engaging lessons that spark imagination and encourage students to search for knowledge.
Technology in Education: The Benefits
Technology can be used to help teachers improve student performance. Administrators should support teachers in gaining the skills necessary to enhance student learning using technology. Technology in the classroom should make teachers’ lives easier without taking up extra time.
Technology offers students easy-to-access information and accelerated learning. Students also have fun opportunities to put what they’ve learned into practice. Technology allows students to learn new topics and deepen their understanding of complex concepts, especially in STEM. Students can learn 21st-century technical skills that will be useful in their future careers by using technology inside and outside the classroom.
Children learn better when given directions. According to the World Economic Forum, technology can be used to help students acquire knowledge and learn through play. However, research suggests that children learn more effectively when guided by an adult such as a teacher.
Leaders and administrators need to assess where their faculty stand regarding their knowledge of online spaces. They can learn from this disruption and implement solutions for the future. Administrators could allow teachers to take a week off to consider how to offer courses not available online. Flexibility during difficult times is crucial, in addition to exploring possible solutions.
Here are some examples of technology’s importance in education and its benefits to students and teachers.
Increased collaboration and communication
Collaboration can be fostered by educational technology. Teachers can engage students in lessons, and students can communicate with one another. Students can work together through online classes and learning games. Students can collaborate and share their ideas. Technology also allows for one-on-one interactions with teachers. Students can ask classroom-related questions and seek additional help on difficult-to-understand subjects. Students can upload homework from home, and teachers can view and access completed assignments via their laptops.
Personalized Learning Opportunities
The internet allows students to access educational resources 24/7. Online classes can be conducted via a laptop or mobile device. Hybrid learning combines the ability to use technology anywhere and regular classroom sessions. Both scenarios allow for the customization of education plans to suit each student using technology. Teachers can design lessons based on students’ strengths and interests. Students can also learn at their own pace. Students can view videos within the lesson plan if they need to review class material to understand key concepts better. These online activities allow teachers to identify students struggling with particular subjects and provide additional support.
Engaging Content Drives Curiosity
Engaging and educational content can help teachers spark curiosity in children. This is a critical factor in academic success, according to research. Students learn more about math and reading through interest. Engaging content can be created using AR, podcasts, and videos. Students can interact with other students and include videos when they submit assignments.
Increased Productivity and Efficiency of Teachers
Teachers can use technology to increase productivity and implement digital tools that will expand learning opportunities for students. Teachers can also use technology to personalize their learning and improve teaching methods. Technology can benefit schools by reducing costs for instructional materials, improving educational program efficiency, and making the best use of teachers’ time.
Be a leader in enriching classrooms with technology
It is possible that educators need to become more familiar with specific technology used in education. This could be because they needed exposure to it as part of their professional training. Learning opportunities are available for teachers who want to make a change and learn how to use technology in education. American University’s School of Education Online provides a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and a Master of Arts degree in Education Policy and Management to equip educators with the necessary tools to be leaders. Graduate students have the skills needed to integrate technology into their education through courses such as Education Program & Policy Implementation and Teaching Science In Elementary School.