Improving the education system is always a hot topic especially after review of test scores and how they
relates to performance between other states and even countries. Use of technology in enabling education is constantly in the minds of parents and academicians Chalkboards and notebooks were the primary tools used for a very long time. Everyone had a simple and common way of teaching where students always had to learn using one simple method which was to, “read an article and explain what you understand.” Nowadays, teachers, parents, and students are realizing that integrating technology into the curriculum can greatly improve a child’s understanding of materials provided to them.
Every learner has his or her own style of learning, therefore, using traditional methods of education is not sufficient enough to accommodate those individual learning needs. With technology and innovation, learning a new language or solving a math/science problem can be highly personalized for learners based on how they learn and comprehend the material best. With this personalized learning experience, we can improve a student’s comprehension abilities and decrease the learning time. Additionally, these modern educational practices have helped in building a connected learning environment by providing them with the skills they need to succeed in the modern workforce.
Technology – A Tool To Decrease Gaps & Improve Learning
According to research by Alliance for Excellent Education and the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education (SCOPE), technology can boost the engagement and achievement ratios of students especially when implemented properly. More specifically, this research identified that when students and learners are given access to the appropriate technology, all students regardless of their background can improve their learning and technological readiness.
Technology is such a powerful tool because it transforms the learning process by offering learners real time information and offers the ultimate collaborative platform to visualize their own progress. Many schools are leveraging trending technologies in their classrooms to connect with students of all learning styles. Parental involvement is another factor in a student’s achievement. Nowadays, parents are facing serious difficulties trying to find enough time to help with their child’s education. With the advent of technology, parents can effectively manage their kids’ learning process in a more rewarding and engaging way.
Technological Sources For Fun, Interactive & Effective Learning
These last few years have seen numerous technological sources that have the capability to enhance the skills of young learners and their learning processes. In fact, education has become more personalized
to cater to the needs of every child because each child learns differently. This personalization has come from the increase in technology that is used both at home and at school. Here are some important technological sources that offer a more interactive way of learning:
1. iPads, Tablets & Smartphones
Leveraging portable devices in schools is an incredibly important medium of education because it offers
the opportunity to enhance the interaction with their classmates and instructors by encouraging collaboration. Tablets and ipads are seamless tools for students,particularly young readers since they offer more interactive, rich, and engaging learning content.
However, it has to be acknowledged that thereis resistance toward extensive use of these devices in schools. The main reason for this is that it is a major contributor to distraction. However, like with
anything else, these devices need to be used appropriately. Controlled use of school provided devices for classroom use and for specific learning purposes help in mitigating any concerns around their use. The reason these devices need to be better managed is because the attention span of a student in today’s society is very different from what it was even 10 years ago. We have all noticed the shift and part of it is due to the amount of information we have access to now. Thinking of these less as distraction tools and more as learning tools reshapes how our children learn.
2. Online Resources
Online resources have revolutionized education, not only because they are convenient and more accessible, but because they make the entire process of teaching and learning more interesting and memorable. There are vast resources available for every type of student to assist them with fulfilling their learning needs. With the use of online resources parent and teachers can use it to better explain the meaning of a subject. Students can find the answers to their problems and have those answers broken down in a simplistic way.
Teachers are no longer the primary source of education as students have shifted to being more independent in their learning making the teacher more of a guide. Schools are starting to change the way their learning spaces operate to accommodate this new style of education.
3. Multimedia
With a multimedia learning system, we can provide every student the tools they need to understand the material. There are multiple types of learning styles and therefore there has to be multiple methods of teaching to support those learning styles. Rather than simply lecturing, teachers now use more visuals, kinaesthetics, and auditory examples to explain a subject. This has led to a more immersive and engaging learning experience.
4. Online Learning
Almost every school has an online education system. Students are no longer confined to just interacting and learning in their classroom but can communicate easily with others outside of the classroom and school. You can collaborate with other students in a school on a project or meet with a small study group without actually being in the same room. Those who are unable to attend a physical school can take courses online and receive a degree. It is truly amazing that technology has given people of all ages and backgrounds the ability to get an education.
This type of learning has also had a significant impact on at-risk students as well as students with learning disabilities. Many improvements needs to made to address the needs of these students.
Educational Technology has created a new type of anywhere and anytime education with the worldwide reach of the internet and the unleashed universality of handheld devices. It has given limitless opportunities to young learners by transforming their reading or learning experiences into a much higher level. As a parent or a teacher, it is best to embrace it and look forward to a whole new world of education.