A New Era of Learning-Courtesy of Education Technology
There has been a paradigm shift in the way we learn in the last five to ten years, especially since Covid. Thanks to the flexibility and adaptiveness of the human race, new technologies have begun to arise, even in the midst of a devastating pandemic.
With many states shutting down schools for over a year, startups, school systems, and entrepreneurs worked together to make the remote learning experience the best it could be under the circumstances. Challenges aside, students and teachers adapted as well, resulting in a huge transformation.
Covid, being the catalyst that it was, combined with technology that industries have been working on for years, has allowed us more opportunities, possibilities, and access to learning than ever before. We have officially entered a new era—one full of knowledge and hope–all thanks to education technology.
EdTech Has Made Learning Accessible
One of the primary ways education technology, or EdTech, has transformed the game of learning is by making education more accessible. For years, education (especially higher education) has had a high barrier to entry. College was only possible for a limited demographic of people, and often only through thousands of dollars in loans.
So what does it mean that someone can take classes, learn a skill, or get a certification at an affordable cost, or in some cases even for free?
It means that people of diverse ages, incomes, and backgrounds aren’t limited to what they can afford or how far they can travel. If they are dedicated to learning something new (and have a computer and an internet connection) they can find the resources to help them.
Purdue University makes the point, “Massive amounts of information…are available at one’s fingertips through the Internet, and opportunities for formal learning are available online worldwide through the Khan Academy, MOOCs, podcasts, traditional online degree programs, and more. Access to learning opportunities today is unprecedented in scope thanks to technology.”
Although not all online programs equate to a college degree, these learning opportunities are allowing people all over the world to pursue careers or fields of study that they would not have been able to access otherwise.
EdTech Has Made Learning Fun
Although it might be true that online learning lacks the palpability of a classroom, it is no less interesting or exciting. There are so many cutting-edge, interactive tools that not only aid in learning but keep the student or participant thoroughly engaged.
Seesaw, for example, is an interactive learning platform that teachers can use with their elementary students. Through their site, students can draw, send videos, submit voice recordings, and more–making homework and assignments much more fun and enriching. There is also an app that families can download, nurturing the connection between parents and teachers too.
Or take Kahoot, a game-based learning tool that allows students to select from multiple choice quizzes created by the user. With this app, teachers can turn any unit review into a live classroom game show.
There are endless examples of tools that can make learning more fun. Gone are the days of boring homework assignments and sleepy lectures. Learning and playing are beginning to become intertwined–the way that they should have been all along!
EdTech Has Created Better Learning Outcomes
It’s no secret we don’t all learn the same way. Arguably one of the most revolutionary things about EdTech is that it’s allowed students with disabilities or specific needs to access learning in a way that is most conducive for them.
For years, teachers have had to tailor their lessons to a wide variety of students, oftentimes with very little support. Students on the other hand have struggled to fit into the “box” of one-size-fits-all education, discouraged and constrained by rigid curriculum.
E-learning tools have been the saving grace of these challenges, opening up a whole world of assistive technology that is helping make learning more inclusive and equitable–in fact, this article by Chalkboard Education explains that having access to simple tools like voice typing, text enlargement, and captioned videos has helped bridge the gap for persons with disabilities.
But it doesn’t stop there, EdTech has researched and expanded its resources to help students with all sorts of challenges, including (but not limited to):
ADHD
Autism
Visual impairment
Mental health conditions
There has never been a more exciting time when it comes to education and learning. With these new tools and opportunities, we can all expect a brighter and more promising future.