How Technology Has Helped to Improve Education

While we often hear the argument that social media and excessive screen time negatively affect students, the truth is that technology has had quite a positive impact in the field of education as well. When used properly, new technological advancements can make learning a better and more efficient experience both for students and teachers, by providing new teaching methods and offering brilliant tools to help students retain information and learn more effectively. To that end, here are just some ways technology has helped to make education better and more enjoyable for everyone involved:

Providing useful tools for teachers

Teachers tend to particularly enjoy technology, as it has offered a wide array of accessible and affordable tools to help enhance the students’ learning experience, as well as improve their professional development. Among the most common resources teachers use are materials they could present in the classroom and websites that allow students to practice any new subjects.

For example, teachers might use robot programs to help clarify STEM and programming concepts, utilize applications on tablets and computers to allow students to learn through fun games and educational videos, or even take online classes to improve their own teaching skills. Technology has truly made nearly all of history’s information available at our fingertips, thus helping to change education for the better.

Presenting project-based teaching opportunities

Instead of being forced to carry around large poster boards for each new project, students now have the opportunity to engage in inquiry-based and project-based learning thanks to technology. Online teaching software such as Google Classrooms and Microsoft Teams has allowed students to work as individuals or in groups and easily share projects and assignments, while providing teachers the opportunity to give feedback in real time.

Such projects have helped students develop critical thinking skills and utilize the vast available resources to research and learn more about any subject, helping them to propose real solutions rather than regurgitating facts. These technologies also gave students more freedom to choose how they wish to complete their projects, such as using websites, blogs, videos, and more, thus promoting creativity and enthusiasm.

Allowing students to learn more

Nearly every student retains information in a different way. But in a traditional classroom, a teacher often presents the material to students which they engage with in a similar manner, and go through at the same pace. This doesn’t leave much room for creativity, inclusivity, and different learning methods, meaning that the students who don’t thrive in such a setting won’t be able to learn quite as well as their peers.

On the other hand, technology has offered a more flexible and freer learning experience. For instance, some students might use beneficial VCE resources to collect and swap study notes, and learn more efficiently. Others might utilize games and YouTube videos to retain information, all of which could be more engaging ways of motivating students to learn.

Offering digital models and simulations

It can often be difficult for students to understand new concepts in a traditional learning environment, especially if they are more abstract in nature. Technology has been beneficial in this aspect as well, by offering digital models and simulations to help students understand different disciplines better, and get more acquainted with the modern world.

Similarly, these technologies also proved to be quite helpful for teachers when it comes to explaining new concepts. Even within the boundaries of a traditional classroom, teachers can prepare their lessons more strategically by offering activity and 3D models, as well as interactive controls to their students.

Prioritizing a personalized learning approach

Technology has provided us with non-stop access to endless educational resources. Classes can now be held either entirely online using a computer or smart device, or by utilizing a hybrid learning approach that combines in-person with remote learning. In both of these settings, tailoring lesson plans to each individual is not only possible, but a popular practice as well.

Teachers now have the opportunity to create lessons based on their students’ strengths and interests, helping each student to learn at their own pace, and in a manner that suits them the most. What’s more, the data collected through these online practices could also allow teachers to see which students might struggle with their material, thus being able to offer additional support and assistance when needed.

Evidently, technology is a powerful tool that can help to improve education in a number of different ways. Both students and teachers can now benefit from available online resources, reiterating the fact that education truly is for everyone.