What does Educational technology mean in 2020?

The Information Revolution of the 20^th century turned around every aspect of human lives. This includes the way we studied at schools and universities. The use of computers changed the way how students were taught and how teachers transferred knowledge. This blend of educational theory, computer hardware and software in educating the future generations is called educational technology (EdTech).

Importance of educational technology

EdTech has proved its mettle so far, especially in the year 2020 where everything is locked down. Had it not been the advancement and inclusion of technology in the field of education, the suffering this year would have been unimaginable.

Scope of educational technology

EdTech involves technology and technological processes at every step of the (learning) way. This enhances and improves learning, which is the main aim of educational technology. For example, a student using an app to learn something will learn better using the app, than a student using traditional classroom training methods. Educational apps are designed to break down information into smaller sections, guided practice, include response to stimuli and give immediate feedback.

The educational technologies today provide visual learning, auditory learning with the use of digital multimedia. Visual learning enables better focus for students. Based on the cognitive principles this is one of the best ways to learn and retain something new. With this gamut of technological advancements knowledge is constructed by the learners themselves as they try and make sense of the various experiences. In such a learning experience teacher are more like facilitators providing guidance in learner driven experience. Meaning, the responsibility and ownership of learning lies with the students.

Types of educational technology

In the field of education, technological advancement includes a plethora of technical functionalities that help enhance the academic performance of individuals. This has been God sent to bridge the gap between learners and teachers with an effective amalgamation of passion and technological advancements.

The technology implemented in the scope of learning and educating includes both experiential and theoretical knowledge drawn from all spheres. There’s a merger of various disciplines such as communication, education, psychology, sociology, artificial intelligence, and computer science, among others to make education most effective for today’s learners. There are various domains that come under the radar of technology. This includes learning theory, computer-based training, online learning, and m-learning, opening its gates even to mobile technologies.

Objectives of educational technology

·         The main aim of technology in education is to better the quality of the current education system and improve the process of learning.

·         Bringing the teachers up to speed – as one using the latest technological advancements in the field of education, needs to themselves be abreast with the latest gadgets, equipments, apps etc.

·         The teachers are more like facilitators of education rather than traditional educators and passers of knowledge.

·         With advancements in the field of education, the main aim is to build curiosity among the students, self-confidence through experimental learning, make the learners more original and creative.

·         Learning is based on evidence. Everything has a proof that is collectively gathered and analyzed. The research is shared. This also teaches indirectly to respect others.

·         Saves costs and time. With the internet and smart devices several students can be taught at once. They don’t even need to be in the same room or even in the same country. The desire to learn and acquire knowledge is the only thing needed to excel academically.

Advantages of educational technology:

·         The biggest hope in times like the pandemic:

There’s no doubt that the pandemic has put a halt on almost every activity around the world. One of the biggest blows worldwide was to the educational sector. However, it seems that there is no stopping the learning. While the world was locked up in their homes, several free courses were launched world over by reputed universities. The online engagement of students has helped curb their absolute estrangement from the world of education.

·         Knowledge retention :

There’s a belief that every individual has a different pace of understanding and retention capacities. Rightly so, compared to the fast-paced classrooms jam-packed with people from all spheres of life, has mostly been a very challenging space for teenagers and graduates alike. Education technology has been advantageous in increasing insightful individual retake on education and crafting out methods that are best suited for education rather than feeling constantly pressurized to accept whatever is fed to the masses on a regular basis.

·         Benefits all around:

Ranging from preschool, primary, and secondary to higher education systems, technological education has been used with satisfactory results. Not just the education sector but they have also taken over corporate and professional sectors both private and government governed ones in terms of learning and upgrading one’s knowledge base.

Conclusion

Education, teaching and learning have not been the same since the Internet and the range of smart devices took over the world. Educational technology is just looking out for the best of its learners. It is here to stay and will continue to benefit everyone interested in the process of learning.