Importance Of Technology In Education

Technology in education

The International Society for Technology in Education reports that the last ten years saw the creation of many of the high-demand jobs of today (ISTE). Teachers can aid kids in developing the abilities they'll need to succeed in their future occupations as technological advancements fuel globalization and digital transformation.
How significant is technology in the classroom? The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly illuminating the importance of online education as a component of teaching and learning. Teachers can use online learning as a potent teaching tool by incorporating it into current curricula rather than using it only as a crisis-management tool.
Digital learning tools used effectively in the classroom can boost student engagement, assist teachers in creating better lesson plans, and promote individualized instruction. Additionally, it aids pupils in developing crucial 21st-century abilities.
Virtual learning environments, video, augmented reality (AR), robots, and other technological tools can not only make classes more engaging but also more inclusive learning environments that encourage collaboration and inquisitiveness as well as give teachers the ability to gather data on student performance.
However, it's crucial to remember that technology is a tool and not an aim in itself in education. The potential of educational technology depends on how educators use it and how it can be used to best meet the needs of their pupils.

Educational Technology Challenges

According to Built-in, 92 percent of teachers know how technology affects education. 59 percent of middle school pupils, according to Project Tomorrow, feel that using digital educational tools has improved their grades and test results. According to the World Economic Forum, the market for educational technology is expected to reach $342 billion by 2025 as a result of the growing popularity of these tools.
However, implementing and using instructional technology is not without its difficulties. For instance, Project Tomorrow reports that despite increased interest in the usage of augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technology, less than 10% of schools report having these tools in their classrooms. Excessive screen time, how well teachers use technology, and fears about technology equity are other issues.
The content issue has come to light as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Teachers must be allowed to create and comment on online educational content, particularly to encourage pupils to view a subject from various angles. There wasn't enough time for this because of the emergency measures made throughout this crisis. Access is also a problem; for instance, not all school districts have the funding to give students laptops, and internet connectivity in homes can be spotty.

Additionally, while some students excel in online learning environments, others struggle for a variety of reasons, such as a lack of support services. For instance, a student who previously struggled in face-to-face settings would struggle much more now. These students might have made use of materials that are no longer available to them at home.
However, studies have shown that when students have the means, they often show confidence in adopting online education. For teachers, however, online learning may present difficulties, particularly in regions where it is not yet the norm.
Despite the difficulties and worries, it's critical to recognize the advantages of technology in education, such as improved collaboration and communication, higher educational standards, and engaging lessons that encourage students' curiosity and imagination.

The Benefits of Technology in Education

Technology can assist teachers in enhancing student performance, a goal that they have. Administrators should assist instructors in acquiring the skills necessary to improve student learning through technology to lessen the difficulties. The use of technology in the classroom should also facilitate teachers' tasks without adding to their daily workload.

Technology offers students quick access to knowledge, rapid learning, and enjoyable opportunities to put what they have learned into practice. Particularly in STEM, it allows students to go deeper into challenging ideas and explore new disciplines. Students can acquire the 21st-century technical skills required for future careers through the use of technology both inside and outside the classroom.

Children learn better with guidance, though. According to the World Economic Forum, while technology can aid young kids in learning and information acquisition through play, for instance, data suggests that learning is most successful when it is guided by an adult, such as a teacher.

Leaders and administrators should assess how well-versed their faculty is in online environments. They can put up ideas now for the future based on the lessons learned during this turbulent moment. Administrators may, for instance, give teachers a week or two to carefully consider how to teach courses that weren't previously offered online. Flexibility is crucial in these difficult times, along with looking at potential alternatives.
Examples of the value of technology in education and its advantages for both students and teachers are provided below.

Increased Collaboration and Communication

Collaboration can be encouraged via educational technologies. Students can interact with one another throughout lessons in addition to engaging with teachers. Students have the opportunity to collaborate to solve challenges through online classes and educational activities. Students can encourage one another and share ideas through collaborative activities. Technology also makes it possible for students to interact directly with teachers. Students can seek more assistance on concepts that are challenging to understand as well as express questions about the classroom. Students can upload their schoolwork at home, and teachers can use laptops to access and view completed assignments.

Personalized Learning Opportunities

24/7 access to instructional information is made possible by technology. Using a laptop or mobile device, classes can be taken totally online. Learning that is hybrid combines regular in-person classroom sessions with the use of technology from any location. Both possibilities allow for the customization of learning programs for individual learners using technology. Teachers can develop lessons using their students' interests and skills. Students can learn at their own pace, which is an additional advantage. Students can watch the lesson plan videos when they need to revisit the content covered in class to comprehend key ideas better. Teachers can identify which students struggled with particular courses and provide additional guidance and assistance thanks to the data collected by these online activities.

Curiosity Driven by Engaging Content

Teachers can encourage children's curiosity and inquisitiveness through entertaining and instructive content, which, according to research, is linked to academic performance. Curious students learn math and reading subjects more effectively. AR, videos, and podcasts may all be used to create compelling content. Students can engage with peers from around the world or add films to their assignments, for instance.

Improved Teacher Productivity and Efficiency

Teachers may use technology to boost productivity, apply practical digital tools to promote student learning opportunities and boost engagement and support from students. Additionally, it gives teachers the ability to customize learning and enhance their teaching strategies. By lowering the cost of physical teaching materials, improving the effectiveness of educational programs, and making the most use of instructor time, technology can assist schools.

Become a Leader in Enriching Classrooms

Some of the technology used in education may not have been introduced to educators who are unfamiliar with it during their professional development or as part of their career preparation. Teachers can benefit from learning opportunities to develop their competencies as they transition to using technology in the classroom and acquire the necessary skills. The Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Arts in Education Policy and Leadership programs offered by American University's School of Education Online is designed to give educators the necessary skills to take on leadership roles in the future of education. Graduate students who take classes like Education Program and Policy Implementation and Teaching Science in Elementary School have the necessary skills to integrate technology into educational settings.