Technology has changed the entire dynamic of education in recent years. The Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) defines educational technology (edtech) as “the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources.”
Traditional methods of classroom instruction may be boring and uninteresting to today’s tech-savvy students. But as the education system continues to move beyond whiteboards and textbooks to computerized learning, learning is becoming more engaging and effective.
Edtech takes many forms, from robots and virtual reality lessons to gamified classroom activities and 3D modeling – opening vast new worlds of learning possibilities. According to studies, approximately 65% of students are visual learners. Newer AV learning tools actively engage students’ auditory and visual senses, generating more interest, making learning easy to follow and creating an interactive classroom, with a student-centric approach.
The applicability of instructional technologies in the classroom focuses on how one learns, in addition to what one learns. Edtech enables courses and lessons to be customized, making it possible to cater to the unique learning needs and paces of each individual student, thereby leveling the playing field and fostering a sense of inclusivity for all types of learners. For fast-paced learners, it presents an opportunity for them to learn even faster; for those who need a more immersive experience, edtech brings with it more ways of learning. It also provides students with additional opportunities to communicate and collaborate.
Leveraging educational technologies and resources in the classroom also tends to increase students’ curiosity and may prompt students to want to know more about the topic. With the wealth of resources now available in the public domain, from gamified foreign language learning apps to YouTube videos in which instructors illustrate step-by-step problem-solving of mathematical equations, students have easy access to a plethora of information – and the ability to learn about absolutely anything that piques their interest.
Reducing the dependence on text materials and capturing students’ attention in ways that are often more fun and interesting have not only improved learning, but also teaching. Teachers now have a wider variety of resources at their fingertips, making it easier for them to find ways to reach all types of learners. AV tools also reduce curriculum preparation time, freeing teachers up to focus on classroom engagement and addressing individual student needs.
It’s important to note that these new tech-infused learning methods aren’t designed to take papers and whiteboards away from classrooms. Rather, edtech resources should be used as a complement in traditional classroom settings to enhance both learning and instruction.
ABHIPSA KANUNGO
Senior Specialist
Digital Commerce
Bristlecone
