So the role of technology in education is a fundamental part in maintaining the growth and progression of today’s economy. Educational technology is a systematic approach to the processes and resources of teaching. It utilizes technology to improve the performance of students. Technology has opened the doors of education to many who might otherwise be unable to attend a traditional school. With the development of online educational programs, the interactions between teachers and students have undergone a fundamental shift. because this interaction is online, class time is no longer students’ only opportunity to ask their teachers questions and request information. Instead, they can take advantage of emails, instant messaging, and texting to ask their professors questions anytime, rather than having to wait for the next class, when the question is no longer fresh in their mind.
In the past, a rigid classroom structure defined the world of academia. Each student had the same experience, no matter their differing needs or abilities. While some students could function well in this environment, others had unmet needs. Technology improves a school’s abilities to meet the needs of all types of students. Now, students with hearing, speaking or seeing impairments, or those who are largely housebound, can still receive a quality education. Technological advancements can also meet the needs of students with intellectual, social, or developmental disabilities. No matter what a student’s unique needs may be, technology affects education for the better by improving our ability to create learning environments that work for everyone. Learning used to take place exclusively in a classroom setting. Educational tools were either books or officially produced videos. One of the ways the internet has changed education is by allowing anyone to share their knowledge with the world by publishing an educational blog, ebook or YouTube video.
There can be varying levels of comfort based on the amount of exposure each person has to computers, electronic whiteboards, and other items, an introduction of new tech is an investment that can offer ongoing dividends. These advantages and disadvantages of technology in education indicate that students and teachers can be more effective in their roles with its presence. Due to the global pandemic, the education sector has relied upon technology in ways that it has never done before. With educators and students working from home, technology became a vital way to ensure learning can continue remotely. Communicating via Zoom or Microsoft Teams became the norm, and digital platforms became an important tool to distribute resources.
Students learn in different ways and at different paces. Technology in education encourages individual learning whereby individuals can learn at their own speed. Learners using digital tools can often press pause to reflect on difficult topics or skip ahead if they are finding it a breeze. Technology encourages collaboration between students. Working with technology promotes key problem-solving skills as students learn to overcome digital challenges. Moreover, more technologically confident students can enjoy the opportunity to support others. Through shared learning platforms, they can share information together and engage with each other’s work.