The use of technology in education is more widespread than ever before the inclusion of tools such as laptops and tablets in the classroom has brought significant shifts to the traditional learning environment.
These changes are not expected to stop any time soon. With the birth and implementation of new digital technologies, edtech is taking regular and substantial steps forward with every coming year.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this digital transformation has only accelerated. With many institutions having to adapt to new learning conditions, educational instruments such as digital education platforms, and online classes have drastically grown in usage.
This article will explore the most noteworthy ways in which digital technology has changed education in recent years.
More Simulations and Modeling in the Classroom
Advanced simulation and modeling software used to be reserved for researchers and technology companies. Nowadays, the availability of these solutions has grown to the point that educators can easily implement them into their own teaching.
These tools allow students to experience their learning material in a much more visual and interactive way. Teachers can now create dynamic classroom experiences portraying real-world situations and scenarios.
One of the simulation technologies that is already changing the future of education is Augmented Reality (AR). The AR experience allows virtual objects to be integrated into the real world, which enables learners to interact with virtual examples of concepts. This has been shown to help them learn and remember new information more easily.
Increased Availability of Online Learning Content
The traditional learning experience used to be confined to a classroom setting, with books and videos as the main learning tools. This has changed substantially with the spread of digital learning content on the internet.
Now anyone can access knowledge through online courses, blogs, and digital education platforms. This makes it easier for anyone to learn, regardless of age, income level, or location.
Teachers Becoming Guides and Coaches
With the increased use of technology in education, the role of teachers is also changing. While they are still present in the classroom, digital technologies are beginning to shift the function of educators at all learning levels.
Now students are encouraged and even expected to take more ownership and responsibility in their own learning. Rather than only providing information, teachers nowadays focus more on guiding learners on how to learn, interpret knowledge, and conduct their own research through the internet and smart devices.
More Personalization and Adaptability
Gen Z’s and millennials are already well-documented for expecting more personalized products and services. Therefore, it’s no surprise that these preferences extend into the world of education and that new generations of students increasingly expect individualized learning.
In the past, a teacher wouldn’t have had enough time to adapt their learning plan to each individual student. However, with the large number of digital learning tools available, students can learn in whichever way works best for them, without taking up extra time from their teachers.
Additional Opportunities for Collaboration
Although many schools and universities have switched to online classes, this does not necessarily imply that learning has become less collaborative. In contrast, students have more tools than ever before to connect and work together.
Learners can more easily cooperate on common projects or courses with the use of virtual classrooms and specialized collaboration software. It’s now much easier for students to share ideas and learn together both inside and outside the classroom.
