Featured article by Calvin Paige, Independent Technology Author
There have been many technological advances over the last decade that have improved many areas of life, both professionally and personally.
With the invention of the internet in the 21st century, as well as the developments of mobile devices and computer software, the way we learn has been transformed. Long gone are the days of pen and paper; now the use of technology is engrained within modern learning methods.
Here is an explanation of seven of the biggest ways that technology has impacted modern education.
Accessibility
Due to the many advancements in technology, learning is no longer constricted to the classroom. Instead, the use of the internet and online platforms are now more favorable than the traditional four-walled learning environment.
Schools now encourage teachers and students to take part in different forms of learning, which can be achieved in both physical and virtual platforms. By using technology, it is now possible to extend education to the home, and students can take much more control in their own learning.
In recent years, there has been an increase in online degree programs. These have been generated by career options that have developed off the back of technological advancements. People are now able to develop their learning to the next level while they are already in a job, in order to improve their knowledge and subsequent chances of promotion.
For example, proactive professionals in the business industry are enrolling on MBA courses, including online MBA business intelligence programs, in order to become more effective and efficient employees, and to expand their learning to improve their overall performance at work. Before the advent of the internet, these forms of further education away from the school environment were not accessible and further education meant taking time away from the workplace.
Online Resources
Whereas traditional education was made up of physical resources such as textbooks, most of what is used in modern-day schools can be found online. Often, this also comes in the form of portable resources, such as e-books, which allow students to work on the go, without the inconvenience of carting hefty textbooks around with them.
Web-Based Research
In the past, research has involved going through the books that were available to you in order to find out additional information to help you develop your understanding of the subject. But technology has eradicated the long process of searching through a pile of books for a specific reference. Instead, advanced research is now a much easier task by using online search engines such as Google.
Communication
Communication is a crucial aspect of education, and failure to communicate properly can be damaging to learning outcomes. By using technology, communication is much easier for both students and teachers, and students can now access help while at home if necessary.
Teachers can also more effectively communicate with each other, which is particularly helpful to ensure that a nation’s curriculum is the same, no matter where in the country you are based to remove inconsistencies.
Personalized Learning
It has been increasingly recognized in recent years that not everybody learns using the same methods, and to ensure success rates across the board, different learning techniques are required. Each student, no matter what their age or learning capabilities, will require customized methods to enable them to achieve the best educational attainment possible.
Using technology, it is now possible for teachers to offer opportunities to suit different styles of learners through the same platform. This allows students to learn and develop at their own pace without feeling left behind or restricted by the others in their class.
Collaboration
Working together is an essential skill that we get taught at school, which is later transferable to professional working environments. Through the improvements made by the increasingly advanced cyber world, group study is now a lot easier to facilitate. Students don’t even need to physically be together in order to work on a group project and online platforms allow for students to work and chat about their learning.
There are also document sharing platforms that are available to facilitate both improved study groups, as well as the sharing of resources between teachers.
Fun Learning
Studies have shown that educators are much more likely to hold the attention of their students when their teaching is more interactive. Therefore, using technologies such as tablets, games can be used for an educational purpose.
Learning and education have benefited significantly through the developments in technology, which has allowed people to learn more and in a more convenient and personal manner.
