Technology Evolution Helps In Adopting New Learning Techniques

Yeshwanth Raj Parasmal Jun 03, 2021

Technology has always been at the forefront of human education, and its evolution has profoundly transformed the way the industry is perceived. Aiding in active learning, digitization in the education sector has the power to alter the way traditional student-teacher relationships are perceived, both inside and outside the classroom. The amalgamation of technology has positively changed student learning behaviours and has also reshaped teaching methodologies worldwide. Earlier the use of tech in the education industry was limited to looking up information on the internet. However, today its involvement is more profound than ever.

Here is how Ed-Tech has helped diversify the sector and bring about changes that are here to stay.

Creating New Educational Opportunities

For one, technology has immensely expanded access to education. In medieval times, books were rare and limited, and only an elite few had access to the plethora of information and knowledge they had to offer. Contrarily, an enormous amount of information is now available at one's fingertip – thanks to technology. From traditional brick and mortar models, where the teacher lectures from a podium while standing in front of the room and students sit in rows and listen, a progressive shift to online schools has occurred for varied reasons. These days, the most common scenario is students attending classes virtually on their laptops, smartphones, tablets, etcetera, sometimes replacing hard copy books. Thus, it is safe to say the learning prospects today have an unparalleled scope.

Reach Beyond Borders

There can be various reasons a student is not able to access excellent quality education. For some, it is geographical limitations and, for others, limited resources. Technology has helped bring the world closer in ways that have not been possible before. Today a child sitting in the most remote corner of the Indian subcontinent can attend classes taught by qualified professions from metropolitan cities with the help of a smartphone with an internet connection. Moreover, Indian students can now also avail tutoring from world-class teachers residing in the UK, USA, Europe, and other parts of the globe from the comfort of their homes.

Redefining Teaching and Learning Methodologies

The introduction of modules and educational videos has started replacing the conventional teaching/learning technique of using blackboards and notebooks. Subsequently, the internet has started taking over as the universal problem solver with Google and other academic resources coming to the rescue. More recently, the pandemic has shepherded a pedagogical shift, making the traditional in-person lecture models no longer compliant with the outside world order. To bridge this gap and ensure the learning graph of students is not hampered, school sessions are now conducted on virtual platforms where students can learn from home.

One of the most significant obstacles for teachers in such situations is modifying their practices and being inventive to keep students engaged throughout the concourse. Understanding the need to reinvent their methodology, tutors focus on mastery learning, project-based learning, computational thinking, blended Learning, and etcetera to keep up with the trends of this modern age.

Progression from Passive to Active Learning

Inculcation of Ed-Tech tools in everyday Learning has aided in a transition from a teacher-centred approach to a student-centred approach. In contrast to the traditional classroom, students can now actively participate in discussions and debates, encouraging them to build application skills instead of just rote learning concepts. With access to resources at their convenience and pace, students can derive pleasure from the learning process and challenge existing notions through critical thinking and logical reasoning. By handing over control of the learning process in the pupil's hands, technology has aided in students becoming active learners. They turn to the internet, video sessions, mobile apps, and more to quest their thirst for knowledge and real-time application of concepts.

Personalized Learning

Each student learns at a different pace. They can have their own set of concerns, agendas, abilities, aptitudes, and environmental restrictions that define their learning course. These needs, unfortunately, cannot be catered to in a personalized manner in a conventional school setup. With online schooling gaining momentum, students now have a plethora of options to satisfy this quest. When conducting classes online, professors have greater control of the curriculum being taught, and students can learn in an environment devoid of peer distractions under parental guidance. Most online schools ensure a reduced teacher-student ratio compared to offline schools, offering students an opportunity to receive one-on-one attention when the need arises.

While technology enables a freer-flowing ecosystem of information, what strengthens its foundation are qualified teachers, guidance councillors, and visionary leaders. Properly amalgamating technology is key to achieving the desired results. It is crucial to maintain a phygital balance for students to ensure that the available tech is being used constructively to achieve the desired goal.