There’s no exaggeration in admitting that modern technology has become an inextricable part of our daily lives. It’s impossible to escape it no matter how hard we try as it has affected every aspect of contemporary life, from how we live, communicate, work, play, and inevitably, to how we learn.
The learning environment has never been as dynamic as now, and as a result, learners today are quite different from the learners of the days when our educational system was designed. With the development in technology, classrooms are changing to fit the ever-evolving needs of modern digital learners.
It’s quite normal for both parents and teachers to have some reservations regarding the use of modern technology in the learning process. The parents fear it may lead to more procrastination among the students, and many teachers hesitate to use modern devices fearing they might be more of a burden than a helpful learning aid.
There is some truth in all that, but the trick is to properly implement the tech changes and when that’s done, the benefits are enormous for all parties involved. New generations of students need technology to be successful and here are several reasons why.
Accesses Information More Easily
Technology allows students to stay updated and keep up with the light speed of today’s information flow. It gives students access to the latest news and current events in the world so, in the classroom, they can have conversations with their teachers on current topics and debate their viewpoints. Additionally, search engines can help students find important information that can help them get a better understanding of different perspectives regarding today’s issues.
Moreover, trying to keep up with all the studying can be exhausting and stressful, particularly if students struggle to obtain the right study material. Easy access to information, such as the collection of Griffith notes submitted by students who previously studied the same programs, can offer valuable support in the study process. With the entire note database available online, students can focus on learning and handle their workloads much more easily and stress-free.
Supports Different Types of Learners
No two people are the same and so their learning styles will differ as well. Some students are more visual learners and need to see examples to understand the subject whereas others are more hands-on types and learn by practical use. Modern technology is very flexible and adaptive which means that the same subject matter can be presented to students in various forms so that it adjusts to the student’s specific needs.
Also, teachers today get real-time feedback from their students which allows them to improve their teaching methods. They can also adapt their teaching styles when necessary so they can meet the needs of their students in any given situation which results in a higher-quality learning experience.
Teaches Digital Responsibility
Technology can be seen as a double-edged sword and this is why the policymakers are reluctant to implement modern technology in the classroom. It’s one thing to use mobile phones, but it’s an entirely different thing to use them properly for educational purposes. Teaching digital responsibility should be one of the highest priorities for teachers because if their students are taught how to use technology to their educational advantage, they will learn better and they’ll get a better sense of what is right and wrong in the classroom.
Prepares students for the future job
To succeed in the 21st-century workplace, students need to possess more than just a working knowledge of various technological tools. They should be well acquainted with web pages, teleconferencing, electronic calendars and whiteboards but they must also know how to use them effectively, so when these elements are successfully integrated into the regular school curriculum, educational institutions are making sure that their students will be well prepared to work in the modern office.
A geology professor takes her students on a virtual tour of Grand Canyon National Park. A history teacher walks his students through the corridors and history of the White House.
Technology allows teachers to go beyond the physical constraints of the classroom by taking them on virtual tours of famous geographical sites or walking through crucial historical events – and this is exactly what helps students to connect the curriculum with the real world.
Boosts Creativity
Technology boosts creativity as it gives room for each student’s individuality to shine. Students are more involved in the decision-making process regarding what types of subjects and topics they explore. Moreover, they can use the available resources to learn more about their future career prospects which give them greater ownership over their education process.
Adds a fun-factor to learning
Since students use technology outside the classroom in almost all aspects of their lives, once in the classroom, it can help make the learning process more fun and exciting. Different tools and teaching methods such as game-based learning allows teachers to include interactive games in the process. Tools such as communication platforms can help students get valuable feedback and engage them in learning even when they’re outside the physical classroom.
When used correctly, technology can bring people together, provide valuable resources to communities, and fuel curiosity. It can increase students’ overall engagement and productivity, and at the same time, it can prepare them for future career opportunities.
