The debate on the relationship between technology and academia has been ongoing for decades. According to experts, technology is here to make work easier, and its proliferation in all areas of life is inevitable. Researchers have shown that more than 80% of students consider technology useful for improving efficiency and grades. Most educators agree with these findings, indicating that EdTech enhances pedagogy and allows students to spend more time studying by improving access.
The earlier we find ways to integrate technology into education, the more likely we will enjoy the many benefits. That said, some educators still worry that technology may have a few adverse effects when not properly managed. This article dives into the debate, exploring the pros and cons of technology in academia while looking at possible solutions to the challenges experienced.
One of the main roles of teachers is to improve learning and create environments where students are motivated to study and innovate. Technology helps educators achieve this objective, enhancing access and affordability while creating tools to enhance effectiveness. Here are some reasons why the education sector should speed up the process of integrating EdTech.
Improves Collaboration
One of the main benefits of technology in academia is that it offers opportunities for communication and collaboration. According to experts, technology allows students to engage with teachers during lessons. Students can also communicate with their peers during and after lectures. Technology also supports communication and collaboration during online classes. This means that students can easily work together on projects and deliver better results. Evidence shows that this collaborative approach to learning is more effective and convenient.
Teachers can use tech tools to encourage students to share thoughts and ideas by working on group projects. Students can also use tech to communicate with instructors and ask classroom-related questions, seeking clarification on concepts and getting speedy and effective feedback. Teachers can also converse with parents about student needs and progress. In any case, evidence shows that parental involvement in education is an important factor in academic success.
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Offers Personalized Learning Opportunities
Learning takes many forms, from crowded lecture halls to one-on-one interactions between professors and students. According to research, personalized learning remains one of the most effective forms of instruction. It implies an approach to education where the planning, teaching, and evaluation occur based on the unique needs and abilities of the student. Unlike the generalized approach, instructors provide uniform lesson planning and instruction.
Thanks to technological evolution, teachers can today develop and deliver student-focused lessons. Students have also become more active in their learning, getting more involved in research and instructional design. Technology allows students to access information and resources around the clock. Classes can happen online or during in-person sessions. Whatever the case, students use technology to tailor their learning to their unique needs and interests. Teachers use tech to evaluate students and review class material according to the unique needs of learners. These online activities can generate enough data to allow instructors to see which students are struggling and need additional interventions.
Triggers Motivation to Learn
Another benefit of technology in academia is that it fosters curiosity to learn, driven by engaging content. Experts indicate that motivation is an important precondition that activates and sustains positive behavior when working towards a specific goal. According to studies, motivated students tend to be more engaged during sessions, persist longer when working on tasks, and have improved learning outcomes. Understand that motivation differs from general cognitive functions and helps explain achievement gains.
Evidence shows that students are more motivated to work on tasks when engaged with tech. In this sense, the tools used in the classroom make lessons interesting and make students willing to persist longer on even more challenging tasks. Students who use tech develop competence and solve problems with more ease.
Improved Teacher Efficiency and Productivity
One of the best things about technology in education is that it makes teachers’ work easier. Teachers can access numerous tools to expand student learning opportunities, design lesson plans, and research industry best practices. Innovative teachers can use tech to improve their instructional approaches and personalize sessions.
For schools, properly integrating education technology reduces the cost of procuring instructional materials and improves the efficiency of existing educational programs. In other words, technology can play an important role in addressing problems relating to understaffing. Students don’t have to stress about assignments as they can easily get affordable help from a reliable website like SameDayEssay - essay writing service.
Improves Access
Technology comes with many benefits, and one of the most notable is its ability to improve access to quality education. According to research, many students now rely on tech for distance learning, accessing quality instruction from miles away without leaving the comfort of their homes. Digital tools allow students to work on various subjects, conduct research, collaborate with peers, and share information. These functionalities would not be possible without access to technological innovation.
One way technology improves access to education is through digital libraries. Students can now access various academic and research journals allowing them to work on tasks faster and share knowledge more effectively. Websites, e-books, and multimedia content are all rich sources of information students can benefit from. Technology also provides online platforms and learning management systems that provide centralized locations for students and teachers to share and access information.
While education technology benefits teachers, students, and administrators, some inherent challenges exist. Most of the challenges of education technology relate to its integration. According to research, while there is growing interest in artificial intelligence and other emerging technology, less than 10 percent have the tools to fully benefit from the innovation. Students and schools need to invest in the tools and training required to completely leverage the potential of education technology.
