Technology has changed various aspects of our lives right from finance to healthcare. Education is not immune to the influence of technology and remains one of the major sectors influenced and altered by it. Technological tools play a critical role in modern education in terms of instruction, coursework, and interaction among students and teachers. Tech tools are making the teaching-learning process more accessible and engaging while preparing students for the world outside. This article discusses the role of tech in education in detail, outlining how it is modernising the traditional classroom.
Similarly, tools like digital and smart classrooms, online learning platforms, and open educational resources help students access digital textbooks and other learning materials at any time and from anywhere. Additionally, virtual learning is helping connect students to experts in different fields so that they can learn without any boundaries.
Schools have introduced smart classrooms, 3D modelling, and VR technologies to make the learning process fun and more engaging. Students can now get hands-on experience with concepts to better understand them. For instance, a physics class that uses VR tech can help students visualise the different laws of motion to make them clearer.
These tech tools have also empowered teachers to offer real-time feedback and support to students. Virtual classrooms and video conferencing tools also help teachers connect with students for one-on-one interactions to clear doubts and discuss the child’s progress with parents outside traditional PTM set-ups.
Using technology in education equips students with the essential skills and talents needed to thrive in this environment. Schools integrate technology in the curriculum to ensure that students have familiarity with digital tools and platforms which they can later use to progress their careers.
Similarly, assistive teaching tools help the learning process become more accessible to students with sensory, cognitive, and other disabilities. For instance, AI-based tech tools offer instant text-to-speech and speech-to-text translations, making learning more accessible to students with visual and hearing disabilities.
AI tools can also offer teachers insights into key problem areas of students to ensure they get targeted support from teachers. Apart from changing the way we learn, AI is also changing examination techniques. The introduction of AI in education now allows for adaptive testing where questions are based on the skills and proficiencies of the student rather than being standardised. All this helps create a personalised learning environment for students where they can grasp concepts better and learn at their own pace.
Reviewing the role of technology in modern education
Improve access to information
Technology adoption in modern education can help remove physical barriers to classroom learning. The internet provides students with a vast repository of knowledge right at their fingertips.Similarly, tools like digital and smart classrooms, online learning platforms, and open educational resources help students access digital textbooks and other learning materials at any time and from anywhere. Additionally, virtual learning is helping connect students to experts in different fields so that they can learn without any boundaries.
Create interactive and engaging learning experiences
Studies suggest that interactive learning experiences can boost student engagement and knowledge retention. The introduction of technology into education is helping teachers achieve these goals. The use of technology has helped support more interactive teaching and learning techniques in the classroom.Schools have introduced smart classrooms, 3D modelling, and VR technologies to make the learning process fun and more engaging. Students can now get hands-on experience with concepts to better understand them. For instance, a physics class that uses VR tech can help students visualise the different laws of motion to make them clearer.
Promote collaborative learning
Earlier, collaborating on group projects was a challenge since students had to use the time they had in class to plan and execute projects. However, technology has changed this completely. Integration of platforms like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom allow students to work together on projects, share ideas, and communicate more easily. They can now brainstorm ideas, coordinate actions, and plan the next steps from anywhere and anytime.These tech tools have also empowered teachers to offer real-time feedback and support to students. Virtual classrooms and video conferencing tools also help teachers connect with students for one-on-one interactions to clear doubts and discuss the child’s progress with parents outside traditional PTM set-ups.
Prepare students for a future on the workforce
The use of technology in the classroom familiarises students with the latest innovations. This, in turn, prepares them for a future career in the workforce. Today, the workforce is evolving at a rapid rate due to the integration of AI and ML technologies, big data, and cloud computing. This evolving employment field now requires knowledge of tech-based skills, even for non-tech jobs.Using technology in education equips students with the essential skills and talents needed to thrive in this environment. Schools integrate technology in the curriculum to ensure that students have familiarity with digital tools and platforms which they can later use to progress their careers.
Promote inclusivity and accessibility
Technology plays a critical role in upholding principles of inclusivity and accessibility in modern education. It helps teachers make learning spaces and opportunities equally available to all students. The availability of digital learning materials can make education more accessible for students who cannot afford costly textbooks. Schools have also introduced free Wi-Fi services to help these students access digital course materials in class. Online study materials also promote remote learning, allowing students to keep up with their coursework even if they cannot make it to school.Similarly, assistive teaching tools help the learning process become more accessible to students with sensory, cognitive, and other disabilities. For instance, AI-based tech tools offer instant text-to-speech and speech-to-text translations, making learning more accessible to students with visual and hearing disabilities.
Encourage personalised learning
The latest AI-based tech tools now have a wider and more impactful role in modern education. The integration of AI systems in the classroom allows for a more personalised approach to learning. These systems assess student data to understand each individual’s learning patterns and pace. They then use this information to curate customised learning strategies, course materials, and more to fit the unique needs of the student.AI tools can also offer teachers insights into key problem areas of students to ensure they get targeted support from teachers. Apart from changing the way we learn, AI is also changing examination techniques. The introduction of AI in education now allows for adaptive testing where questions are based on the skills and proficiencies of the student rather than being standardised. All this helps create a personalised learning environment for students where they can grasp concepts better and learn at their own pace.