The age of information ushered in by technology has made way for many other innovations in education. As a result, the standards of education lie somewhere between the conventional teaching methods and more technology-driven learning approaches. This transition period has allowed students to take control of their learning process and made their lives easier.
The impact of the successful implementation of technology is already felt across the field of education. And the students are also reaping the benefits of it, as they continue their learning process. On that note, mentioned below are some ways the technology has improved students’ lives.
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Learning has no limits and is faster than ever
With the help of technology, it’s easier than ever to learn any information you want, that too faster. There are experts who believe that the dependence on technology is making us sloppy, but this isn’t true. If anything, technology has presented more opportunities for us to hone our critical thinking abilities.
Now imagine two people writing an academic paper, one of whom gets his/her facts quickly online and the other one gets his/her facts slowly, from the library. The individual who gets more information quickly will be able to move on with his/her writing, thereby saving their energy and efforts.
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Use of digital simulations and models
In case of traditional learning, it’s sometimes difficult for students to grasp a concept. This is when digital simulations and models can assist students to better understand various topics.
Plus, technology has also turned out to be helpful for teachers who sometimes find it tough to explain some ideas or topics within the boundaries of a physical classroom. With digital simulations, teachers are able to create their lessons in a more strategic manner by incorporating different types of activity models, text, and interactive controls for students.
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Technology improves student engagement
It’s no secret that education technology makes learning more interactive and collaborative. This helps students to engage with the course material better. Instead of memorising facts, they learn by embracing a practical approach. This could be by taking an interactive quiz in class or taking part in online group discussions. Alternatively, they could play educational games, or practice science experiments in a virtual lab or take a virtual field trip.
So, to make the learning process truly engaging, it has to be interactive. Working on a computer isn’t any different from solving math with a pencil and notebook. But using augmented reality to animate math challenges is a different ballgame altogether. For some students, interactivity is all about a better learning experience.
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Receive better access to resources
With a stable Internet connection, you can access information 24×7. You can find the most up-to-date version of any information. For students, this means access to everything from educational apps (like essay typer tools) and research materials and free courses from prestigious universities around the world. However, they may need instruction on how to check the credibility of the resources and direction on adding accurate citations when they use them.
Students can also enhance their knowledge by connecting with online groups and virtual communities in real-time. Or, they can collaborate on group projects with their classmates through different tools.
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Encourages self-paced learning
In a conventional classroom, students who were grappling with learning new concepts would easily fall behind their peers. With online learning, students can approach the materials at their own pace. Those who need more time or additional support can seek help from the professor, practice additional exercises on a topic.
Thanks to the always accessible nature of technology, students can get resources online whenever they need to. Also, teachers are able to see which students might need a little extra guidance.
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Fosters collaboration and communication
Technology helps provide innovative platforms where teachers and students can continue their interactions, and discussions related to the learning process. For example, teachers can discuss the course content, feedback, assignments, projects and assessment with the students through video conferencing, calls, text messages etc.
There are various platforms for the students to exchange and share ideas to better understand the concept. They can collaborate with each other and work together to enhance their learning experience.
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Promotes flexibility in learning
The education system requires flexibility for students to maintain their productivity. Today, any information is easy to obtain and there’s no need for students to stress over notes or paper submissions. They don’t feel pressurised when working on their academic papers as every resource is available with a click.
Students no longer need to be part of a traditional classroom setup and can pursue any course from the comfort of their homes. It offers a sense of control to the students to gain knowledge and insights as per their requirements connect with the teachers anytime.
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The use of smart devices develops job skills
Students today can use smart devices to stay on top of their assignment submissions. This proves to be a great practice for the tasks that employees are expected to know in most modern jobs.
Most organisations expect employees to complete tasks using the latest devices and systems. Students who have become well-versed with using smart devices while pursuing their education will enjoy a smoother transition into completing the tasks at work.
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Offers personalized learning opportunities
Every student has different learning abilities. Some students may need time to learn and some don’t. So it’s crucial for teachers to help individual students for their effective learning. For example, few students might understand any particular concept through visual representation and some may not.
There are various learning styles like physical, aural, visual, social etc that can help students to learn depending on their abilities. So teachers can utilise these learning styles and offer personalized guidance for every individual student.
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Presents a blend of education and entertainment
The use of technology in the domain of education has made learning more entertaining and fun for the students. If you want to attract their attention towards learning then engaging them is really important. This can only be done when there’s an element of fun in learning. This way, students also look forward to the lessons taught in class.
There are countless platforms and tools where teachers are able to engage their students for a substantial amount of time.
Parting thoughts,
Integrating new technologies has enabled students to take an active role in the learning process. It has enhanced and shaped the way students approach their education. As technologies evolve, the convenience of learning will also increase for students.