While the outbreak of COVID-19 has taught us a lot about the benefits of using technology for educational purposes outside the classroom, it is important to remember that technology has also revolutionized learning at schools.
After all, modern classrooms look very little like their counterparts 100 or even 10 years ago. Perhaps the most visible change is the disappearance of chalkboards in favor of digital devices such as whiteboards and iPads.
The internet has also changed the way we access resources, although it is important to remember that this has been limited to certain areas of the globe. This is highlighted by statistics posted on education-related websites such as EducaLinkapp: 43% of Latin Americans still lack access to the internet.
But how has this new digital reality impacted learning in the more privileged areas of the world? Read on to find out.
1. Engagement
Most students have short attention spans. While some modern devices such as smartphones can be a distraction in the classroom, tech can also be used to create engagement. One of the main ways teachers are currently using technology to keep their students motivated is through gamification. This term refers to using video game-style apps that let students earn rewards and move up levels to promote learning and skill-building. The interactive nature of gamification can be particularly important when it comes to adding a bit of spark to dull subjects.
2. Collaboration
In the old days, student collaboration involved making posters or notes together, or even going to each other’s houses for study groups. Today, technology lets students save their work on devices and make it accessible to others. It also lets them work on the same projects simultaneously. For example, living in Hobart as an international student provides a unique opportunity for cultural collaboration, where students from various backgrounds can exchange ideas, traditions, and experiences. Students in this Tasmanian city benefit from this international melting pot, which enhances academic cooperation and fosters a broader global perspective. In addition, this new way of learning can make it easier for shy students, English as a second language students and students with disabilities to engage with their peers.
3. Differentiation
Not all students are made from the same mold – each student has a different learning style and learns at a different pace. They also have different interests and requirements. Technology makes it easier for teachers to treat each student as an individual.
For example, there are platforms that offer tests to determine each student’s current knowledge and skill level, allowing them to start learning from that particular point. They can then move through the program at their own pace. This way of teaching can also help teachers identify if a student is struggling in a certain area.
4. Readiness for the Future
Being familiar with technology puts students in good stead when it comes to continuing their journey in college and later the workplace. For example, teaching students how to use PowerPoint in High School is likely to make their life much easier down the line. This is particularly important since more and more professions are relying on automation when it comes to various processes. Plus, using technology in classrooms can spark students’ interest in professions such as coding and engineering.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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