Over the years, technology has evolved significantly and seeped into various sectors. For instance, essay writers now use digital editing tools and software to practice their craft. The educational sector hasn’t been left out either. Today, more and more schools are ditching traditional methods of teaching for a more digital experience.
While this is undoubtedly a great trend, it begs the question: why is technology becoming more important in education? Why are teachers and students alike opting for a technology-based learning experience instead of sticking to the traditional marker-and-whiteboard method?
Well, in this article, we’ll take a closer look at the growing importance of technology in education and how these tools are revolutionizing the classroom experience.
Why Do Students Need Technology in the Classroom?
Contrary to popular opinion, educational technology is not another avenue for teens and children to spend hours on smartphones or tablets. Rather, it broadens student’s learning opportunities and helps teachers interact with students even better. Here are further reasons why students need technology in the classroom:
It makes it easier to access learning resources
Sometimes, after a seemingly easy lesson, students might feel overwhelmed or confused about a concept. Visiting a library to get more information doesn’t always work because of the numerous protocols involved in reading and borrowing from a physical library.
However, technology provides students with easy access to numerous online learning resources. This way, they can research by themselves and become independent thinkers. This increased access to learning resources also helps to ensure that students don’t lag in class. When students can get access to all the simplified resources they need, the learning gap is bridged with a level ground for everyone.
Improves the overall learning experience
Studies have shown that the average teenager has an attention span of about ten to twenty minutes. Since most classes typically hold for an hour or more, you’ll find many students drifting off or falling asleep while learning.
However, technology can improve the learning experience and make it more interesting for students. Teachers can now develop creative and original lesson plans using technological tools such as artificial intelligence and drones. Imagine going on a virtual field trip using a drone and educational bot. Sounds more interesting than a traditional Geography lesson, doesn’t it? Well, that’s exactly how technology can liven and reshape the classroom experience.
Increases their personal learning opportunities
Using technology for education can help students learn and assimilate concepts on a personal, one-on-one basis instead of the collective learning experience we’re all used to. Since technology enables students to research complex concepts and subjects on their own, they get to access more personal learning opportunities and learn at their own pace without relying on their teachers and peers for support.
How technology is breaking barriers in the educational system
Since the introduction of education technology, tech tools have been slowly but steadily breaking down barriers in the educational system. For starters, the cost of education has significantly reduced thanks to the availability of online degrees and courses. Students can now get a degree from the comfort of their homes instead of commuting daily to class.
Similarly, they can now access ebooks, journals, and reports online without having to buy physical textbooks for their studies.
Another way technology is revolutionizing the educational system is by increasing teachers’ productivity and efficiency. For instance, teachers can implement helpful digital tools that can help them assess assignments faster and better. This way, less time will be spent on grading assignments and tests.
Educational technology challenge
Although technology has been increasingly helpful in classrooms, there are still some educational technology challenges that can’t be overlooked. For instance, while some students thrive in online education, others are more comfortable in the traditional classroom setting and may lag behind when it comes to virtual learning.
There’s also the issue of privilege and poverty. Educational technology is great, but just how many students and teachers can afford it? Less privileged students who don’t have access to personal laptops or the internet, for instance, will definitely have a hard time in a tech-centric classroom.
Finally, a lot of experts and parents have raised concerns about excessive screen time for students. The average teenager already spends hours on their smartphones, computers, and video games. Using education technology will increase their daily screen time, and this could lead to health issues such as back problems and poor eyesight.
Final Thoughts
Technology has been very beneficial in today’s classroom. Not only does it give students increased access to learning opportunities, but it also improves the overall learning experience for both teachers and students alike. However, to harness the full potential of educational technology, we need to collectively eradicate financial barriers and put in more equitable measures for students.