Educational Technology: How Important Is It In Today's Education Industry?
Recent years have seen a great evolution in the technological world. With more and more people
getting into digital media, it is essential for teachers to use the latest tools available in their
work to engage students. To engage students in learning, one needs to be innovative and new
ideas should be introduced so that students get excited about what they are learning.
Why is EdTech important?
McKinsey data found that students in schools with sufficient technology devices performed
better than those without access to technology and high speed internet. EdTech enables teachers
to support hybrid learning, which creates an inclusive classroom environment that provides
access to learners, no matter their location or ability to physically be present in class.
Benefits of Technology in the Classrooom
Let’s take a look at the biggest benefits of technology in the classroom, starting with something
you really don’t want to miss: its powerful effect on student motivation.
Benefit #1: Makes Students More Engaged and Helps Them Retain Information
Picture a bored student. The cliché easily comes to mind because it is so common. He or she
gazes out the window, recalling that movie or TV show from last night. Now, take that same
young learner or teen and plug them into a tablet or other device and watch the involvement in
the learning process take flight. The interactivity excites, drawing the learner in. Not only do
students feel motivated and energized by technology in the classroom, but they also participate
in active learning, a most worthy educational goal.
Benefit #2: Accommodates Multiple Learning Styles
It is tempting to use a one-size-fits-all approach with students. It’s faster and easier, of course,
but it’s not that effective. That’s because students – like the rest of society – are individuals.
That is, they have different strengths and respond differently to various teaching approaches.
It’s useful to break learning styles into three broad categories and to see how technology can
benefit each group: Auditory learners, visual learners and tactile learners. Accommodating
multiple learning styles allows education to be delivered in a more personalized way. That
makes it a definite win for the students.
Benefit #3: Encourages Collaboration
Among the many advantages technology brings to the classroom is that it promotes working
together. Through the Internet, ideas and opinions can be shared just as easily as files and
images can be transported digitally.
Outside the classroom, students love to share their experiences on social media such as
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. So, it is only natural that bringing technology into
the classroom will lead to greater collaboration. Internet connectivity can join students from
one class, an entire school or country, or even other cities from around the world. Imagine the
excitement a kid from America would feel when collaborating on an assignment with someone
from Peru or Italy.
Benefit #4: Provides Instant Feedback for Teachers
When teachers can communicate and monitor students through EdTech, they obtain a lot of
feedback. This information exchange can be a two-way, interactive process. On the one hand,
teachers may write assessments, or give audio or visual files regarding student performances
directly to them. On the other, students can discuss questions or concerns directly with the
teacher in a similar manner.
Benefit #5: Prepares Students for the Future
When it comes right down to it, the education system is all about preparing young people for
the rest of their lives. A big part of their future will be the work world. Increasingly, this means
being comfortable with new technology. Schools and universities need to keep up to date with
trends. In fact, a nation’s competitiveness depends on having a population that is well informed
and capable.
Benefit #6: Education technology keeps hybrid classrooms connected.
The easiest area to see the benefits of education technology is in remote learning. Remote
learning— attending lectures or classes virtually with video or audio communication to
participate— requires the use of EdTech to keep the classroom engaged. Having a video call
set up for a class of students allows people to attend no matter where they're located, bringing
education to even more people.
Disadvantages of Technology in the Classroom
Though we generally see progress as a good thing, there are definite disadvantages of
technology in the classroomc such as distracting students, removing them from
opportunities for socialization or discouraging creativity. Last but not least it is money
challenging and leads to less facial time.
7 Benefits Of Educational Technology - eLearning Industry
Everything You Need to Know About Education Technology “EdTech” (owllabs.com)
5 Benefits of Technology in the Classroom - ViewSonic Library
The Pros and Cons of Technology in Education (celebree.com)
5 Disadvantages of Technology in the Classroom (And How to Overcome Them) - ViewSonic Library
