The progression of time has brought forward limitless innovations. With inventions such as the telephone, airplanes, automobiles, computers, and the internet, human efficiencies have become more maximized than ever before. As a result, a world without technology has become unimaginable. Today, technology has become an integral part of society, and education is no exception.

The importance of technology in education is evident at all levels of learning, from elementary school to higher education studies. While technological advancements have always had a significant impact on the education system, the proliferation of new technologies has resulted in seismic changes to how classroom instruction is conducted. Educators are now able to create excellent learning management systems, thus enhancing the learning experience for students.

The evolution of technology in learning environments has been inevitable as requirements and definitions of current professions are continuously altered to fit new technologies. Considering the direction that the world is moving towards, people are becoming more dependent on technology, so it is no wonder that the education system is also adapting. In order for children and even adults to prepare for the new requirements of the real world, full abandonment of traditional classrooms is foreseeable in the near future.

From encouraging collaborative and creative activities to solving complicated problems and enhancing students’ digital competence, the importance of employing technology in schools has proven advantageous for many reasons. Below, we will have a look at some of the ways that IT systems have helped the quality and availability of education.

Limitless access to information

Technology has revolutionized the educational landscape by bringing the entire world into one accessible space.

As opposed to the past, when learners were accustomed to dragging stacks of books from libraries when they were required to do research, all of that is now unnecessary. The same objective can be achieved on a single device through the internet, where unlimited material on endless topics is made available, giving more insight into the subjects.

Consequently, students today not only approach studying with greater excitement and productivity but also have access to the most recent topics and research – something that their forebears could only dream of.

The learning process is likely where the impact of technology is most obvious. Any information may now not only be found online with greater ease but also in a variety of formats. Podcasts, picture archives, infographics, videos and even video games, in addition to eBooks and webpages, are some of the extremely helpful mediums that can be used.

All of this digitalized information makes learning much easier.

Accelerated learning programs

With the advancements in IT systems made available, a degree or certificate can be earned more quickly as opposed to traditional degrees or certificates. Numerous schools and institutions offer these programs, with students able to complete their studies from home.

While a regular post-secondary program would require 45 hours of classroom teaching, an accelerated learning program might only require 20 hours. Therefore, you’ll finish your courses more quickly with this option. This can be ideal for adult learners who lack the time to devote to a standard degree program such as nursing, which would typically take four years to complete. Those who consider accelerated nursing programs can instead complete their BSN degree within 16 months.

Depending on your point of view, the lack of lengthy vacations in between semesters can be both a pro and a negative aspect of accelerated learning programs. Summer vacations are pleasant – however, they could also sap your motivation. Accelerated learning programs keep you on your toes at all times due to them being back-to-back.

Thanks to educators who use technology to significantly enhance their lectures, all the instructional forms required for accelerated learning are available both online and in conventional classrooms.

Learn from anywhere

The availability of several online educational programs has given education a new dimension. Regardless of being geographically separated from one another, students and teachers can participate in the same virtual classroom. This was further demonstrated at the most unprecedented point of time – the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 forced the world to live apart, and in the process, distance learning became normalized. Due to this transition, students also learn to manage online studies more efficiently.

Some colleges provide online learning opportunities where students and lecturers can communicate online. Students have access to a variety of resources and are able to highlight, store and utilize the soft copies in online libraries that contain books, periodicals, encyclopedias and other materials.

An improved, more interactive learning experience

It’s safe to say that most children enjoy playing video games. Therefore, they are familiar with the usage of digital tools in the classroom. The vast accessibility of technology means that children and young adults find it much easier to conduct independent research and easily embrace the use of interactive learning systems.

Due to the participatory nature of technology, students gain knowledge by doing, investigating and getting input. They benefit from having a love for what they are learning. Instead of viewing a photograph, they might study geography using interactive tools such as Google Maps or Google Earth instead.

Thanks to applications, films, simulations and digital books that make the learning process far more engaging, students can now approach a subject or teaching unit with enthusiasm. They may also discover their hobbies, talents and perhaps even their future job by having the chance to go deeper into a subject that fascinates them.

With 24/7 access to instructional information made possible by technology, students are able to learn new information at any time.

Entrepreneurial skills

With the use of technology, kids can also learn topics outside of the classroom. The subjects that kids are already learning can be better understood as a result. They might make a mockup of their own new company if they are taking a business course, for instance. They will learn how to build websites, handle accounts, and keep up a social media presence that generates business.

The ability to use technology effectively is essential for today’s students. They are better able to sustain advanced careers in the future by thinking like entrepreneurs. They develop into creators, entrepreneurs and innovators. These abilities are crucial as businesses are using more technology while having fewer members of staff.

Open education

Open education fights to remove obstacles in the way of learning. High expenses, outdated resources, and those with low grades but who still wish to study are examples of such obstacles.

One of the greatest advantages of living in such a technologically advanced world is that there are plenty of learning options available no matter where you are – as long as you have internet access.

Inclusivity for special needs learners

Online education has provided better tools for learners with special needs, ensuring less neglect and more inclusivity and accessibility to teachings. This has taken off the excess weight that teachers have had to carry as it was previously difficult to manage the needs of different learners at once while in a physical classroom. With online learning constantly being modified to meet the needs of individual pupils, managing numerous students’ demands has become much easier.

For students with special needs, distance learning can have life-changing benefits. These consist of a personalized learning approach that takes students with ADD or learning difficulties into account and accommodations for students with physical disabilities who face challenges commuting to and from classes. Additionally, there is now better provision of tools that enable those who are hearing impaired to pause, rewind or slow down class videos, as well as access to aids.

Personalized learning

We all learn differently and at a different rate. While some students do particularly well in STEM subjects, others do better in history, English, geography or even art. Apps for personalized learning make it easier for teachers to assess students’ progress and create individualized learning plans for each student.

This comes in handy as teachers would find it difficult, or even impossible, to devote the same amount of time to each student and customize the curriculum to suit each one’s requirements, abilities and interests in the absence of technological innovation.

Although the applications could be different, the general methodology is relatively similar. Test results and other statistical indicators are used to analyze student performance, and the method of instruction is changed in response. Certain alternatives are automated, meaning that they are carried out depending on specified instructions, even though the teacher determines the procedures. This enables a more individualized approach to learning, allowing the student to devote more time to a subject they find challenging and less time to one they have mastered easily.

Even more, the procrastinator and the anticipator are two types of learners that personalized learning can accommodate. The student decides themselves how and when to complete their assigned tasks, unlike the more closely watched traditional classroom, where each student is required to do the same assignment simultaneously.

Collaborative teaching and learning

The use of technology in education has increased collaboration. Subject matter experts can gather in online forums to discuss subject-specific issues, look over the syllabus, plan exams, and develop evaluations to improve the teaching process. This way, teachers can provide individualized instruction to meet the requirements and learning styles of each student.

There are several different functionalities that encourage collaboration in educational technologies. For instance, video conferencing programs such as Zoom and Skype make it simple for students to arrange online sessions with classmates from any location. Students may readily share and edit projects with each other using free online storage options such as Google Drive, which promotes better overall teamwork in both the academic and professional worlds.

Technology makes it easier for students to exchange ideas in a way that is beneficial for each of the parties.

The takeaway

Technology has significantly impacted education in numerous ways. It has substantially increased access to education. In the past, books were hard to come by and only a select few had access to education. To receive an education, people had to travel to educational institutions.

Now, students have faster, more accurate access to information because of technology. Traditional textbooks are being replaced in part by search engines and eBooks. Instead of private tutors, students can get one-on-one assistance via instructional videos and massive open online courses (MOOCs) at any time and from any location. Students’ future learning potential is enhanced by giving them a foundation in using these tools for continuous learning.

Students are less likely to be engaged by static lessons. For younger students, in particular, using games keeps them interested. Nowadays, students study at their own pace. They can spend more time studying one subject if they need to. They have the option to do so if they’re prepared to. Collaboration enables educators and students to cooperate with people from all around the world. Not all students can learn by reading or lectures. Without interaction, some ideas might be challenging to understand. With the use of technology, students can choose the learning style that best suits them. Due to recent developments, technology is now required to support virtual training in places where face-to-face instruction is not available.

Even more beneficial, technology in education has proven advantageous in greater areas even out of school. Given the abundance of social media platforms, the majority of students are already digital citizens. However, by utilizing technology in the classroom, pupils may start to learn how to behave responsibly in the digital sphere. Students get a chance to experience using search, communication and social interaction tools in a setting that serves as a microcosm of the larger digital landscape.

With the help of technology, teachers may break down the physical barriers in the classroom and give their pupils a method to integrate their academic interests with the real world. With all this, it’s safe to say that the future of education is looking brighter than ever.