Just a couple of decades ago, writing a research paper required a trip to the library, where you had to carry every heavy encyclopedia available to a desk and write down as much information as possible before the library closed. These days, all kids have to do is get on the internet, do a quick search (that doesn’t even have to be very specific) and choose a few (credible) resources. Technology has saved students a lot of time and effort.
Over the years, the development of technology has not only changed the way students complete assignments but the way people learn in general. You don’t necessarily have to go back to school to become an expert in a certain subject—you can read up on it or take a course online and become certified. As it has developed, technology has had a major impact on the way we learn. Here are just five of the ways technology is changing how we learn.
1. It is changing the way we pay to learn.
One of the biggest barriers people run into when pursuing further education is the cost. Whether they don’t want to go into debt or can’t qualify for loans, grants, or other funding, cost is a big factor that holds many would-be students back from pursuing further education. In fact, the increasing costs of higher education have even caused a trend of opting not to pursue continued education at all, especially among younger generations.
Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology could be the solution to the price problem, though. SuccessLife is a blockchain-based platform that has created a customized payment solution for educational, personal, and professional development. Through cryptocurrency, students could potentially avoid serious debt and can enjoy rewards and incentives as they use the SuccessLife platform, such as access to live workshops and events to help them further their educational pursuits.
2. It makes learning opportunities more equal.
Not everybody has the same opportunities in life, and that’s especially apparent in the traditional education system. While many of us have been fortunate to afford school or trade programs, others have had to prioritize work to care for their families and pay their bills. New technologies are presenting a lot more opportunities for people to learn—even if they don’t have the time or money to enroll in formal education.
While the internet can’t solve all the inequalities of the educational world, technology has become a great equalizer in the field. Those interested in deepening their knowledge in a subject or learning something new entirely can take free business courses online, for example, or watch videos and read articles on how to bake the perfect cake.
3. It has made learning more hands-on.
Hands-on learning is fun and effective. It’s easier to grasp a concept when you not only learn it in theory but can practice it as well. Many people learn more quickly when there is a practical application. Through technology like virtual and augmented reality systems, people have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in “real” life situations. They can practice the concepts they’ve studied and gain more experience to help them fully absorb what they’ve learned.
The Arlington Science Focus School in Virginia already uses virtual reality to take students on field trips; rather than spend money to transport kids to and from the school, pay admittance fees, and bring in chaperones and staff, the school can take students on a tour of the Smithsonian or even on a trip to the other side of the world for a fraction of the cost without ever leaving the classroom.
4. It gives almost-instant feedback.
After completing an assignment, students need to receive feedback to know what concepts they’ve mastered and which they need to improve. The longer it takes for students to receive feedback, the more difficult it will be for them to apply that new knowledge to the concepts they’ve learned and continue to gain mastery. With AI technology that can automatically grade homework, tests, and even longer assignments like term papers, teachers can provide valuable feedback in a more timely fashion, saving valuable grading time and offering students the chance to refine their skills more effectively.
5. It can make up for learning disabilities.
According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, one in five children has a learning or attention disability, like dyslexia or ADHD. The struggles these students face is often enough to deter them from pursuing lifelong education. With the help of new technology, that’s all changing. A variety of new and enhanced technologies like text to speech, assistive learning, proofreading software, and many others are making a huge difference in the lives of those who struggle to learn.
Final Thoughts
Technology is changing the way we communicate, do business, stay healthy, and learn. Thanks to changing technology, learning is easier, more flexible, and more accessible than ever, making it possible for anyone who wants to learn about a certain subject or pursue lifelong education to accomplish their dream.
