The way we educate has been forever altered by technological advancements; an example of this change is how students used to carry heavy textbooks to school, along with a notebook and pen/pencil to take notes from their instructors on the chalkboard. Many students no longer carry heavy backpacks to class; instead, many now walk into class with either a laptop or phone.
Sometimes when you attend classes today, you aren’t even in a classroom; you could be in your bedroom, a coffee shop, or anywhere where you can connect to the internet. The influence of technology in the educational field has been significant and continues to grow year after year.
One of the greatest transformations has been the accessibility of information. In the past, when you wanted to research a subject, you went to a library and read numerous books to find the answer to your question. Now you can go online and instantly obtain millions of documents about your chosen subject. No matter what the subject is — whether it is history, science, business, or the arts — information is absolutely everywhere. The downside to having all of this easily accessible knowledge is that there are numerous ways to get distracted by all sorts of different things on the internet. You might start researching information for your homework and end up watching funny cat videos. Technology does have a teaching function; however, it also presents an opportunity for you to exercise self-control.
Technology has taken many restrictions away from the educational system. You can now learn from any location rather than having to sit in a classroom. With the help of the internet, an individual from a small town may learn of a university located half way around the world. This allows for a greater quantity and diversity of options in how an individual can obtain an education; plus it expands access to education. In addition, technology has allowed learners to complete their education while working, traveling or raising a family.
The other area of impact that technology has had is interactive learning. Instead of just reading from text books, most students can watch video lectures, take part in on-line discussions and even use learning applications. These tools not only make the content more engaging but they also provide a clearer picture of the concept being taught. Using animations to learn scientific principles is generally easier than reading long paragraph describing those principles. When students are actively engaged in their learning, they are usually more motivated to continue and will understand the material much quicker.
Technology has also enabled teachers to offer personalized learning experiences to their students based on each student’s unique learning ability. Every student learns based on their own individual pace; some students learn quickly while others take more time; therefore, digital technology allows every student to have the ability to review each lesson, to have additional practice and to learn at their own pace. Using technology, teachers can digitally track each student’s progress, as well as provide assistance when necessary. No student needs to feel that they are lost, even though they are learning at a different pace than their classmates.
Due to advancements in technology, communication between teachers and students alike has greatly improved. Both groups are now able to communicate via e-mail, instant messages and through virtual classrooms. Group project are done more easily as students are able to collaborate on a project by sharing e-documents and meeting through Online interactive meetings. As students learn together through digital tools, they learn team-building skills, which will help them in the work place once they graduate. Instead of saying, “We couldn’t get together.” Everyone is now able to participate in an online venue.
Another major impact technology has had on education is access to an endless amount of learning resources. The internet is full of e-books, tutorials, videos and classes. Students are no longer just limited to one textbook. Whether an individual wants to learn coding, design, business, or different languages, there are a multitude of resources available on the internet. As a result, education has become more open to and self-directed by the student.
Sadly, with advancing technology come challenges. One of the major challenges facing students today is distraction. Cell phones and social media can easily distract students from studying. A student may sit down with their laptop to do homework, but instead of completing the assignment, they may end up spending 2 hours chatting with their friends. Technology is inspiring, yet students need to use it the correct way.
Additionally, there are also challenges with access to technology. There are numerous children and families that do not have quality Internet connectivity or adequate devices to use for learning. While technology is assisting many to improve their education, there are some students who are falling through the cracks and missing out on quality education because of their lack of access. We must attempt to bridge the digital divide so that students receive an equal education, regardless of their socio-economic status.
The risk of becoming overly dependent on technology is that students may cease to think critically and only seek to find solutions. The goal of schooling is to develop the mind, not to supplant it. Technology is meant to be a tool; it is intended to assist with learning, but will not take the place of an individual’s ability to think critically.
On the other hand, when used appropriately, technology has a significantly positive effect on education. Students acquire new skills in the digital realm, their creativity is enhanced, and they are better prepared for their future careers. School becomes a more intelligent place, student learning is more adaptable and fluid, and students’ use of contemporary tools builds confidence and independence.
The technology will continue to be part of education as it advances in the coming years. Technology will continue to change how students learn through online educational programs and through the introduction of Artificial Intelligence and intelligent systems that are utilized to participate in learning processes. The most important commonality between education and technology, however, is that learning occurs best when a student’s curiosity is matched by the amount of work he or she puts into it. Technology only supports the journey.
In summary, technology can be a fast track for education. It can take the student to faraway places, yet he or she still must choose the right path. If educated appropriately, technology will not just alter education; it will create more interconnectedness, greater usefulness, and greater preparedness for life beyond school.
