Technology in Education

Technology in Education

Do you want to learn data science? Go to Udemy. What about learning C++? Well, YouTube is where you go. Want to learn how to use a newly installed app on your computer? YouTube. Knowledge has been democratized to such an extent that anyone anywhere with a smartphone or a laptop can learn anything. Free content is flying everywhere in bits and bytes.

And how has it become possible? Technology, cheap Internet and of course a few enterprising teachers who want to make a difference.

In the past few years, there has been a major shift in the way education is imparted. Technology has greatly expanded access to education. It has greatly influenced the way we approach learning. Gone are the days when knowledge was the prerogative of the elite only. Nowadays, massive amounts of information (books, audio, images, videos) are available at one’s fingertips through the Internet, and opportunities for formal learning are available online worldwide.

Access to learning opportunities today is unprecedented in scope. Technology allows 24/7 access to educational resources. Classes can take place entirely online via the use of a laptop or mobile device. Hybrid versions of learning combine the use of technology from anywhere with regular in-person classroom sessions. In both scenarios, the use of technology to tailor learning plans for each student is possible. Technology that is made use of in the classroom is very beneficial in helping the students understand and absorb what they are being taught. Today, technology has been incorporated into a good number of curricula even those that do not belong to the technology and computer classes.

Online education is now accredited and has changed the way we view education. The effective use of digital learning tools in classrooms can increase student engagement, help teachers improve their lesson plans, and facilitate personalized learning. It also helps students build essential 21st-century skills. During the pandemic, online education is the only source of education for people all over the world. While some believe that the unplanned and rapid move to online learning – with no training, insufficient bandwidth, and little preparation – will result in a poor user experience that is unconducive to sustained growth, others believe that a new hybrid model of education will emerge, with significant benefits. In both the ways it has its own rights. In this uncertain environment, it’s important that learning continues, even if it can’t happen in person. Online education has been beneficial to many people. People in the rural areas are also getting opportunities to learn due to this technology.

Technology has come a far way during these years and no doubt, it has really helped in growing the education sector. Without technology, education wouldn’t have been this easy. We still would have been struggling through the old methods of education. Finding information would mean multiple trips to the library and the bookstore. But, we are lucky that now we don’t need to.

-By Mrs. Sunija Vincent

English Educator