The world is constantly evolving, and with it is technology. Move your face from left to right, from a sundial to a smartwatch; you’ll realize how far we have come. In modern times, there is no work done without technology. Be it driving your kids to school or paying for a simple pack of chips. However, we don’t even notice this anymore because we’re so addicted to using technology to ease our work that we don’t realize how much of an impact it has had on us.

This impact has been increasing day by day ever since the Covid-19 pandemic hit globally. Schools, colleges, workplaces and restaurants etc., were all shut down due to the spreading virus and were forced to switch towards online amenities so that the world didn’t come to a sudden halt.

People started working remotely, and education classes went online. The entire period of the pandemic highlights how important the role of technology plays in our lives. As much as technology is spoken about negatively, considering safety and privacy issues, we can’t ignore the fact that it has made our lives ten times easier. A basic example to explain the sentence; back in the day, we had to read six thousand paged books to complete a story; not to mention, visually impaired people did not have the facility to read; but now, with the introduction of audiobooks, everyone can read/listen and understand a story. That’s how technology fills up the gaps in our era.

“We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.”

David Warlick

The examples of technology being practical these days are countless; however, when we talk about the technology used in education, it benefits a whole new level. You might be wondering, how does it help? Well, here is everything you need to know!

How Technology is Revolutionizing Education

 

1) Distance Learning and Collaboration Tools

Two apps you have most definitely heard of during two years are ‘Zoom‘ and ‘Google Classroom‘. These apps are online platforms that allow many people to communicate remotely through the internet. After the sudden outbreak of Covid-19, schools went completely remote where students and teachers would connect on either of these platforms and conduct classes while being home. This was the safest way to continue with school with a deadly virus on the loose.

 

Both these apps are excellent examples of how technology saved the days. Without this facility, conducting classes would not have been possible, and students would have fallen back on a whole year of academic education which would be a considerable loss worldwide.

2) Open Education Resources

Similarly, there are a lot of online resources through which a student can study and gain knowledge. Before the internet, students had to go through hefty books to gather content about their specific course; but now, with just one click, you can get a hold of all the books, researches, methods etc. regarding the topic of their choice. An example of this facility is the Open Education Resources site, where countless research material and syllabus content is available for free for students.

 

This also aids the audience who cannot afford expensive research books. This is how technology eases their hassles, giving them the same knowledge that expensive books hold.

Open source Educational Resources
Virtual Reality Learning Labs in action

3) Virtual Learning in 3-D

Before digging into the beneficial part, you might be wondering what 3-D learning is in the first place. Suppose we’re talking about art students; to build their portfolio, they need to have a keen and thorough observation about different artists and their perspectives.

 

Now there is an art gallery on the other side of the world that deeply relates to the topic of these students, but they can’t just travel due to boundaries and restrictions. That’s where technology steps in again. Introducing 3-D art galleries, museums, exhibit halls, making it easier for people to access and experience adventures and perspectives of the whole world from the comfort of your school.

This way of teaching has proved to be engaging for students due to visual portrayals of the content. Each individual gets to experience what they learn. Virtual learning focuses on minute details, all of which contribute to a better apprehension of the task and a good grasp of the subject.

4) Situational Awareness Security

Speaking of using technology in the school premises, it not only aids in helping students to study but also helps keep them safe. Many advanced security devices have been introduced to save lives during an emergency. An example of a device can be a panic button. Whether there is a health emergency or an active assailant in the building, a panic button can instantly save precious time and report the authorities.

Previously, our school used a text based notification system. This was much better than nothing, but most of the time an alarm would sound and as a teacher I would know there was a problem but I wouldn’t know where the problem was relative to where I was with my students.  We recently switched to Active Defender.  This technology supplies a live multi-story map that appears on my smart board and on my mobile phone.  I connected to everyone within the school community and their reporting and status can always allow me to know where to go and what to ensure a safe outcome.

Moreover, during times when even the authorities would come after a while, the internet can be of use and help control the issue before it gets serious. In an instance where a student gets unconscious or has a fatal allergy attack, the management at school can quickly search up available remedies to temporarily hold the situation from getting worse. This proves that technology has a lot of ways to come in handy in an educational environment; it not only promotes effective studying methods through advanced techniques but also ensures security to keep the environment peaceful.

Final Words Concerning Technology in Education

Technology is a frequently evolving tool that is changing the world with its unceasing advancement. Even when we consider its disadvantages, we can’t ignore the mere fact that it can help students gain the technical expertise needed to keep up with today’s research. The right gadgets given to students can result in successful critical thinking and instill creativity through STEM programs.

 

Sometimes schools have a hard time contemplating what devices are appropriate for different grade levels. If technology gadgets are beneficial for the program being taught, you can permit a device based on how appropriate it is to the subject. For example, it should have the correct grade-level content, manageability options, security features, assessment requirements etc.

Through the cutting-edge technologies and their implementation in education systems nowadays, excessive career opportunities are being generated, specifically in the IT department. Therefore, all in all, it is a good thing and is highly beneficial for the upcoming generation in terms of learning.