Technology has made a great contribution to education and changed the learning process. Teachers and students are no longer looking at books as tools for learning. It is now about Chromebooks, digital whiteboards, videos and everything inspired by technology which is the Flipped classroom method. Chromebooks and iPads are becoming important in today’s education. Technology has transformed education in many ways.
“Technology can become the wings that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before” – George Couros.
Here are the most radical ways how technology has changed learning
Accessibility
Technology has made education more accessible than the way it was a few years back. The use of online courses is increasing day by day. Students can access online coursed offered by various institutions across the globe. Learning materials are electronically sent to students. Teachers don’t see the need to fight traffic, find parking spaces, or miss important family time. Therefore, it is now easy for anyone to access educational courses online. Online programs are a more affordable option than traditional colleges.
Flexibility
Educational materials are now available everywhere. So, it has become easy for students to learn at their own pace. This gives students the opportunity to plan their study time. Most institutions are now using videos for education. Teachers are finding it easier to record presentations online. This way, students can access the videos anytime. With videos, teachers no longer have to repeat a topic. Students can replay the videos any number of times to help them understand better. Furthermore, students also reported that online courses are easier to concentrate. They are least likely to get distracted by other students or any other activity. Educational videos are an invaluable asset in today’s world.
Online tests and assessments
Institutions have now digitalised their test and assessment process. Teachers are now assessing their students online and measuring the performance. This eliminates the need for the students to attend physical assessment sessions. Thus, saving time, money and lot of other resources. This has mainly helped students who pursue distance courses. Technology can enhance assessment by providing teachers to design flexible assessment criteria. Online tests also help in real-time feedback. They allow teachers to determine how well a class is understanding a lesson. Teachers can even drill down to individual student’s understanding.
E-books
Accessing new content has become easy with the use of eBooks. When students need certain information, they can get it by downloading an eBook. Ebooks are interactive and sometimes contain audio, video and animations. Interactive elements can enhance the content.
It is very simple to buy and download ebooks through the Internet. The best part is students don’t necessarily have to have access to the internet to read the eBook. eBooks take up less space allowing them to store thousands of ebooks on a computer or any reading device. They are portable and you can carry them on CD, laptop, notebook or any ebook reader. eBooks can be accessed from everywhere, on the train, bus, aeroplane, and while standing in line.
Collaborative learning
Technology enables students to collaborate increasing both their verbal and written communication skills. Students can use technology to meet, collaborate and create content. They can create groups on social forums and interact with each other. This encourages children to improve social and interpersonal skills. It helps them to understand topics through discussion and team learning effort.
Technology also aids students to research on complicated subjects, share ideas and skills. Therefore, students can engage with other students in problem-solving activities. Laptops and mobile devices are being used for distant collaboration and online learning.
Improved Student-Teacher Interaction
The need for physical meetings between teachers and students remains essential. Although, technology has changed the means in which they remain in touch. Technology is providing greater accessibility to instructors for an impromptu after class discussions. Teachers and students are now using emails, social media to keep in touch. They no longer have to rely on actual meetings to interact with each other.
In addition, technology has made it easier for teachers to personalise student interaction. Teachers can use social forums to post important announcements and clarify any confusion. Students can use it to ask questions, clear doubts or share relevant content. Consequently making the teacher-student relationship more transparent. And also making teachers available to students on a regular basis.
Conclusion
As a result, technology can give teachers and students new opportunities for learning and ways to collaborate. Technology is clearly a very powerful tool for education in today’s generation. Therefore, most of the schools have already embraced the use of technology. The use of technology in the classroom is hard to neglect. So, we might as well leverage the best of what technology has to offer. It is time to flip your classrooms and evolve!