Learning technology has become a reality, and it’s an idea that instils a sense of panic in many of...
In today's ever-evolving educational landscape, learning has transcended the confines of traditional classrooms, extending into our homes through the use of computers and gadgets. This accessibility to knowledge marks a significant shift in how students acquire skills and knowledge. And the verdict? Yes, learning with technology revolutionises the learning process, enabling students to grasp concepts and acquire skills faster. While there are hurdles to overcome and areas for improvement, let's explore the benefits of learning with technology integrated into your daily teaching practices.
E-learning has surged by a staggering 900% since 2000, reshaping how students engage with education. Statista states that 81% of college students attribute their improved grades to digital learning technologies like virtual classroom chats.
Yet, it's not just students reaping the rewards; teachers also witness the transformative power of technology in the classroom. With 73% of US educators acknowledging the positive impact of students' access to individual computers, teaching and learning become more seamless and effective.
Moreover, a recent report from Smoothwall unveils an overwhelming consensus among teachers, with 96% attesting to the beneficial influence of technology on lesson participation and learning outcomes. Over half of the respondents—56%—observe a significant uptick in student engagement, highlighting technology's pivotal role in enhancing education. (Gitnux)
With this evidence, technology isn't merely reshaping education; it's propelling it to new heights, enriching the learning journey for students and educators alike.
The impact of integrating technology into learning environments
Integrating technology with student-centred learning opens up a world of opportunities for students, allowing them to engage with interactive content, collaborate with peers, and access resources anytime, anywhere. Here are the advantages of learning with digital technologies:
1. It enhances student engagement
Using digital tools in the classroom stimulates students to learn better due to the modern techniques that foster active participation during the class. For instance, teachers are now able to make creative activities through the use of interactive quizzes, polls, and learning materials.
Examples of these learning tools are:
- Kahoot! for online games
- Slido for questions, surveys, and polls
- Edpuzzle for quizzes and assessments
- Miro for group sessions, brainstorming, and collaboration
- Canva for presentations and designs
- Padlet for beautiful libraries of content
2. It makes learning fun and collaborative
Learning and leading with technology transform the way students collaborate. Today, gamification can be diversified through different techniques and learning methods. One of these popular methods is known as “edutainment”, which not only boosts student engagement but also hones critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Here are a few examples of how to make learning fun:
- Share educational videos from YouTube that are short, full of visuals, and highly entertaining. (eg. Blippi, AsapScience, TedEd)
- Make use of the new AI technology to create entertaining videos (eg. Colossyan, Hotpot.ai, Layer)
- Produce learning videos with animations and graphics with an expert (eg. Oppida)
3. It personalises the learning experience
One of the biggest innovations that technology brought into education is the ability to personalise learning at scale. Personalising learning with technology means customising teaching methods to match the unique learning pace, skills, interests, and requirements of each student.
This can be done by using adaptive learning platforms. These platforms utilise data-driven instruction to dynamically adjust and customise learning experiences for individual students. By tracking data like student progress, engagement, and performance, adaptive learning systems can deliver tailored learning experiences.
The best examples of AI-based adaptive learning platforms include Knewton, and Sanalabs.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate the world of personalised learning alone. Collaborate with Oppida’s Learning Design experts to transform your online courses with cutting-edge technology-integrated learning methods.
Oppida specialises in helping educators and school administrators craft learner-centered online courses that span from schools, to training providers and universities. From designing long-term learning journeys to producing engaging e-learning media and videos, Oppida ensures your students receive rich and transformative educational experiences.
4. It improves communication skills and broadening exposure
Learning & leading with technology enables students to engage and collaborate with peers both locally and globally, fostering effective communication across diverse cultures. This real-world interaction extends learning beyond the classroom, providing students with valuable exposure and connectivity to global perspectives.
Technology enables students to access a wealth of educational resources beyond traditional textbooks and lectures. Through online platforms, students can explore a multitude of lectures delivered by subject experts, gaining deeper insights and understanding of specific topics.
For instance, students in rural classrooms can virtually follow scientific expeditions, interact with scientists through blogs and video conferences, and collaborate with peers across different states, enriching their learning experiences and broadening their horizons.
5. It prepares students to thrive in the 21st-century workforce
Equipping students with technology goes beyond gadgets; it's about preparing them for success in our digital age. In today's fast-paced tech-driven world, both soft and hard skills are crucial for success. Adaptability is key as we navigate this rapidly changing landscape.
With the advent of AI, students can now effortlessly acquire knowledge using chatbots as virtual tutors. This allows teachers to focus on guiding learners toward their learning goals, while technology handles routine tasks, enhancing the learning experience for all.
6. It elevates teachers’ productivity and efficiency
Teaching and learning with technology can expand educator's horizons and foster greater student engagement and support.
Innovative teaching techniques are also reshaping the educational landscape. Institutions like Georgia Tech are leveraging AI to augment their teaching staff with virtual assistants like Jill Watson. Jill provides round-the-clock support, answering queries, and even sharing insights on topics students are curious about, enriching the learning experience.
Challenges of technology integration in education
Integrating technology into education isn't always smooth sailing. School administrators often face many challenges, from budget constraints to unreliable network infrastructure and a lack of tech integration in the curriculum.
It's important to remember that technology isn't just a tool; it's a means to an end. When selecting tech solutions, we must consider their relevance to the curriculum, their flexibility, and how well they meet the needs of students.
Despite these challenges, most can be overcome. With the right strategies and support in place, barriers to integrating educational technology can be surmounted, opening the door to a more innovative and effective learning experience.
3 key strategies for educators utilising technology in classrooms
To navigate technology integration in classrooms without feeling overwhelmed, consider the following strategies:
Data-driven instructional design
Tailor learning experiences by leveraging student data to understand their existing knowledge, provide targeted practice opportunities, and use formative and summative assessments to track progress. This approach ensures personalised instruction and maximises student growth.
Utilise Student Management Systems
With tools like the Student Management System, educators gain valuable insights into students' progress and needs. By accessing student data, teachers can customise lesson plans and content to better meet individual learning needs, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Provide support and training for educators
Before expecting teachers to fully embrace transforming learning with new technologies, ensure they receive adequate training and support. Offer technical training on essential tools like learning management systems, as well as optional training on additional tech tools that can enhance teaching and learning.
Building educators' confidence in technology usage through professional development will empower them to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices.
💡 Empower your educators with the tools they need to transform classroom learning. Learn how Oppida supports educators in leveraging technology for better learning experiences. Join Oppida Learning and equip your staff with cutting-edge strategies and technology integration techniques.
Case studies on technology tools enhancing learning experiences
To fully grasp how to transform education by integrating technology, let’s take a look at these case studies that show how technology empowers teachers, captivates students, and takes education to exciting new levels:
Chatbots acting as virtual tutors
AI-powered tools like Khanmigo from KhanAcademy act as virtual tutors, providing students with personalised assistance 24/7. This helps learners tackle challenging concepts and boosts their exam performance, benefiting both students and teachers alike.
Voice technology for language learning
Another example of AI-powered tools is voice technology. It revolutionises language learning by offering personalised English instruction. This 1:1 learning experience enhances students' language skills while providing teachers with additional support in delivering tailored lessons, ultimately benefiting both parties.
Virtual Reality (VR) for student engagement
Virtual Reality (VR) isn't just a gaming tool—it's a powerful asset in history classrooms. By immersing students in historical events, VR enhances engagement, deepens understanding, and improves outcomes for students and teachers involved in the learning process.
Learning platforms reduce teacher’s time by 70%
Learning platforms such as Gradescope streamline grading tasks, saving teachers valuable time and effort. With AI-driven technology, grading becomes more efficient, allowing educators to dedicate more energy to teaching. Meanwhile, students receive detailed feedback, fostering their growth and development, thus benefiting both educators and learners in the educational journey.
Collaboration tools like Google Workspace
Tools like Google Workspace for Education enable collaborative learning experiences, allowing students to work together on projects, share resources, and communicate in real time. This fosters teamwork and communication skills while also facilitating distance learning and remote collaboration.
In summary, technology offers a multitude of opportunities to enhance learning experiences, whether in online or in-person classrooms. By leveraging tools such as chatbots, voice technology, virtual reality (VR), learning platforms, and collaboration tools—educators can create dynamic and engaging learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of students, ultimately elevating the quality and effectiveness of education.
Transform your curriculum with Oppida! Explore our approach to enhancing learning with technology
Whether you're an educator, school administrator, or individual looking to enhance learning experiences, Oppida has the tools and expertise to support your journey. Explore our range of professional training courses, cutting-edge technology integration strategies, and educational design services.
Work with Oppida now to elevate your curriculum, empower your learners, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of education.
