Digital technology has been saturating the daily living of many people across the world as it paves the way for easy ordering of grocery items, booking a cab and so many more. Meanwhile, while everyone is trying to keep abreast to these changes, companies like https://essayzoo.org/ claim that most of the education sector has not yet fully realized its impact. It was once told that the education is the passport to the future; however, how will it happen if its methods remain the same. Schools and universities should carefully consider the benefits of technology in preparing its students in a real world setting how to use smartphones in education, different gadgets and other digitalization. In this article, we will get to know some of the breakthrough projects where educators and technology go hand-in-hand in achieving better learning outcomes.
Digital Technology in Education
What is Digital education system? It is a learning system that employs Internet-based learning and effective utilization of information technology on teaching students. It is also called Smart Teaching Technique as it helps both the educators and students efficiently perform their respective tasks (Educba, 2019). While there are different types of teaching that are already established such as lectures, coaching, classroom activities, group discussions and hybrid styles, digital technology aims not to replace the teachers rather it would only provide supplement learning resources. The use of Powerpoint presentations during discussions is an example.
Likewise, there are other digital educational materials such as electronic textbooks, animated videos, educational games, online courses, online journals and webinars that have made learning more fun and interactive. For instance, a topic like the cardiac cycle is effectively taught through video presentation. Moreover, it makes research work easier with readily available and accessible data.
On the other hand, it can also be advantageous to the teachers as class records are simply retrieved with just a few clicks. Furthermore, paperless submissions and examinations facilitate faster evaluation of students. Additionally, test structures like multiple choice types allow general assessment of student’s understanding depending on its level of difficulty. On the other note, digital technology is environmental as it reduces paper use.
Educational Software
The acquisition of computers, laptops and tablets does not automatically equate to the administration of digital learning. An example of this is the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project wherein 3 million laptops were distributed worldwide last 2016. The project showed no improvement on mathematics and language learning as well as there was no change on children’s reading habits (UNICEF, 2017). Hence, digital learning is possible only with well-trained teachers and use of software that are relevant to the school curricula (UNICEF, 2017).
Nowadays, several software has been developed that assisted students in doing their homework and writing tasks (eg, Smart Essay Writer). Also, there are computer programs that simulate science experiments and teach methods and strategies for better learning outcomes.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that stakeholders have largely profited from investing in these software and scholarly websites (Moneyminiblog, 2018)
Dissemination of Information
Today, most of the young people are very opinionated as proven on their social media platforms wherein they can post, comment and react among others. Indeed, as time evolves and so is the nature of the students. Thus, to cater them more effectively, it is necessary to hear out their ideas and suggestions to come up with student-oriented education techniques. For this purpose, an electronic portal and forum may be utilized.
On the other hand, the enhancement of digital skills among students empowers them to be a credible source of information. In this age where fake news has widely spread, reliable dissemination of information can be done through active participation of the education sector.
Innovations in Teaching
We are on the era of the foretold technologies of tomorrow with the rise of virtual reality and artificial intelligence. These innovations have made learning collaborative and dynamic. Virtual reality enables students to witness what they can only read on textbooks. For example is Unimersiv, an application where pupils are brought back to ancient Greek times. Meanwhile, the use of artificial intelligence has helped students in their paperworks and the advisors on their teaching content (Newman, 2017).
Moreover, digital technology allows learning beyond the delimitation of a classroom setting. Digital learning makes novel teaching techniques like personalized learning and gamification more tangible. Gamification utilizes gaming technology that can engange and excite students’ participation (Newman, 2017). Personalized learning champions the needs of each students at a pace convenient to them. This method has increased students’ motivation and productivity. Likewise, it would be of great help to working students as they can learn anytime. With Internet connectivity, face-to-face tutoring can also reach out marginalized communities. This effort is presently seen in some areas of Africa conducted by various non-government organizations (UNICEF, 2017).
Smartphones in Education
Years ago, mobile phones are merely seen as a distraction. However, the table has turned now. Smartphone apps are great boons on students’ learning. From taking down notes (eg. Evernote) up to learning a new language (eg. Memrise), there is an app for almost everything that comes to your mind.
Topuniversities.com (2016) listed some of the most helpful apps for students. It included apps for lecture (eg. Office Lens), revision (eg. Revision App), exam preparation (eg. BenchPrep), planning (eg. Timetable), bibliography (eg. EasyBib), safety (eg. React Mobile), alarm (eg. Alarmy). Moreover, some applications, such as mobile dictionaries, allows offline access. Thus, learning becomes handy and uncomplicated.
Conclusion
Digital technology offers novel projects for the betterment of learning outcomes among students. Some of these are paperless outputs, educational software, enhanced dissemination of information, innovative techniques and smartphone applications. Digital technology would complement the current educational system.
