Technology is playing an increasing role for students at all levels of learning. Most schools incorporate at least one technology in learning, solidifying its role in a dynamic educational environment. Integrating technology into the course material has benefited the learning process by making it more fun and engaging for students. Today, massive amounts of information are available through the internet, and opportunities for formal online learning are accessible worldwide.
Want to know how technology helps students learn? When used appropriately, technology can transform from a distraction to an effective learning tool with many positive effects on student achievement. Technology has also impacted the roles of teachers and students. Read on to discover how tech has impacted the way students learn in modern classrooms.
The kinds of technology that impact student learning
Portable computers
Students use portable computers, such as laptops and tablets, to personalize their learning experience and engage with other people outside the classroom. The devices promote literacy, numeracy, and design, among others. Learning management systems.
Smart boards
Smart boards project a computer’s interface to the surface, allowing teachers to interact with a computer using the board. The technological impact of the innovation includes supporting interactive learning and promoting student-teacher engagement.
Gaming software
Video games provide students with a sense of achievement and engage their creativity. Many aspects of educational games, such as level progress, experience points, and customization, give learners a sense of accomplishment.
Multimedia applications
Not every subject matter needs to be taught through notes and essays. Multimedia creation apps allow students to create all kinds of educational media, such as podcasts, presentations, photo collages, and videos. It’s a great way to retain information.
Assistive peripherals
The impact of technology on education is especially noticeable in the capacity it creates for students affected by conditions such as hearing impairment, physical impairments, communication impediments, and vision issues. Assistive peripherals accommodate these conditions, aiding student learning.
Conferencing applications and social media platforms
The technologies allow students to connect with teachers even when they are far from school. They also support interactions between students from local and international schools, which is invaluable in learning development.
Can students have too much tech? Get expert advice from a professional writer
Since the pandemic, most schools have adopted technology to reach out to more students and teach them digitally. However, as much as technology has many benefits, it has made students and teachers technologically dependent, leading to some adverse consequences. There are calls to re-examine technology influence on student learning, particularly for students in younger grades.
When students are overly dependent on technology, it can become addictive, inhibit the formation of good habits, dull their senses, and limit creativity. Lauren Bradshaw, a professional writer that works for an article review writing service says: “When technology removes students from opportunities for socialization, it’s no longer favorable in learning.
Also, keeping students on track while on computers is always a problem, irrespective of their age. Easy access to the internet while in class is a powerful temptation that increases the risk of distraction. Too much access to technology exposes students to the risk of abuse through online bullying.
Top 5 benefits of technology in education
1. Puts knowledge into action
Students learn new things through online classes and interactions with teachers and peers. Technology enables students to apply the knowledge and skills learned in class through different applications. Also, technology helps teachers easily assign tasks and assignments that challenge students to create solutions to problems, situations, or events.
2. Improves communication
Technology makes communication easier, allowing students to connect with other people in class and around the world. The connection promotes collaboration in learning projects and cultural learning. For example, classroom websites containing students’ work, assignments, and classroom updates promote communication and simulate online forums.
3. Sharpens student’s critical thinking
The use of technology in the classroom can impact the critical thinking skills of students depending on the context and type of technology. It allows students to engage multiple senses. Incorporating appropriate classroom technology can boost students’ attendance, academic achievement, motivation in learning, and self-confidence.
4. Creates an inclusive environment
Educational technology supports collaboration between students and teachers as well as cooperation among students. For example, students can collaborate in solving tasks through online classes and games. Technology also facilitates sharing of ideas and encouragement. Students can also ask questions and get additional assistance with difficult subject matters.
5. Provides personalized learning opportunities
With hectic schedules and demanding lifestyles, it can be difficult for students to expand their skill set. However, technology has made learning more convenient than ever, with online learning gradually replacing traditional lectures. Also, it’s easy to access knowledge and information, allowing personalized learning based on student strengths and interests.
The impact of technology on student learning
Enriches learning
Identifying the appropriate technologies for learning can help students and teachers to reach their learning and teaching objectives. In situations where the number of students exceeds the number of teachers, digital tools can support personalized guidance to students. It is also easier for teachers to distribute learning materials and monitor the progress made by students.
Comprehension
Technology allows students to access any information they need to comprehend a topic in just a few clicks. Even when students don’t know how to use technology to complete a task, they can quickly look it up or ask instructors for an explanation. With technology, seeking further instructions or guidance from your teacher is easy since they are always an email away.
Engagement
When technology is seamlessly incorporated into learning, students become more engaged and involved in the learning process. Technology stimulates project-based and student-centered learning. Students can engage quickly and easily with teachers and other students through chat rooms and class websites.
Exploring complex matters
The impact of technology on education is also evident in the way it helps students overcome obstacles and explore complex challenges. Technology has made it easy to access relevant materials that help students and teachers in solving complex matters that they face during the learning and teaching process.
Remote learning opportunities
Thanks to technology, classes are no longer confined by walls. Educational instructions can be provided by any expert in a field, who can teach students across the world using technology. For example, students in rural U.S. can learn about Africa online by following expeditions by scientists in the region. They can also talk live with professionals through video conferencing. Thus, the benefits of using technology go beyond the classroom setting.
Efficiency
The use of technology in learning saves time. For example, some apps help students to find research sources, detect grammatical errors, and highlight plagiarism in assignments. Teachers also save time by using technology to interpret test scores, monitor attendance, and distribute tasks. That way, technology helps students get more time and attention from teachers.
Combined learning methods
Technology enables teachers to adapt to every style of learning. Whether students prefer illustrations, lectures, recordings, or reading, technology can help teachers to accommodate different learning methods that fit students’ needs. Students can learn at their convenience and get the most up-to-date information.
Will technology prevail over traditional learning methods?
Fundamentally, it’s impossible for technology to completely replace traditional learning methods. Technology cannot entirely eliminate the professors and teachers or recreate the true campus experience. Technology will continue to enhance traditional learning to become more accessible, effective, and collaborative.
Technology may also affect traditional learning by allowing professors to issue frequent tests and realize areas of improvement as well as allow students to multitask learning and other responsibilities. Technology will make learning easier to recall, more fun, and more interactive. Thus, combining technology and traditional learning methods can propel student learning to higher levels.
Technology is an integral part of student learning
Technology has many benefits for students. It’s time that all students and teachers embraced technology as a valuable tool for simplifying the learning process and preparing students for the modern workplace. Still, resources wired to technology should be supplemented with training and student mentorship programs to prevent the adverse effects of too much technology.
