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Technology is constantly evolving. As educators, it is essential to keep up with the latest trends and find emerging technologies in education to incorporate into your classrooms. Newer technology can make the learning process for students easier by giving students access to a broader range of resources and breaking down complex information.
The Benefits of Emerging Technologies in Education
Here are some additional ways using technology in learning institutions can have a positive impact.
1. Creates More Accessible Education
Online education allows for more students to be able to access the curriculum from anywhere. This helps with the common issue of limited access to proper education facilities. Technology, such as computers and video conferencing platforms, is used to make the online learning process run more smoothly.
Digital technology benefits the overall curriculum, as well. Students learn at different paces, and the online learning environment allows them to go at their own pace. You can also tailor the curriculum to accommodate those with learning disabilities using specific specialized software.
2. Provides Data-Driven Insights
Using technology to collect data on how students interact with the digital elements can allow you to determine which tools are the most beneficial to your students.
As data becomes more personalized, you can also see what areas your students need help in and how to support them best.
3. Provides More Personalized Education
Having technology that can do more administrative-type tasks for you, such as grading, can free up your time to focus on building relationships with your students. Building these relationships can help promote a positive learning environment for all involved.
Also, keep in mind that students learn in various ways, so technology allows you to experiment with other platforms, such as video, to effectively engage with all your students.
4. Provides More Immersive Education
With the advancements in virtual reality, the lessons you teach can now quite literally come to life. When the students feel more immersed in the topic, they are more likely to be engaged as opposed to reading a textbook. This engagement can help them retain the information better.
Voice automation can help deliver course material to students in a way that is more conversational and engaging. With the emergence of voice automated speakers, such as Alexa, this type of technology is already used in many students’ homes.
Latest Emerging Technologies in Education in 2021
With the positive benefits of using technology within the education field established, here are some ways educators are implementing it into their classrooms.
Electronic (Distance) Learning
This type of learning has grown popular over the last year due to the emergence of COVID-19. It allows students to learn the course curriculum from the safety of their own homes. Electronic learning provides students with digital education through platforms, such as laptops.
This type of education can make the learning environment more interactive for students who can engage with the material at their own pace and in their own way. To make the content even more attractive, vary your content delivery using multiple methods, like animations or podcasts.
Video (And Audio) Learning
Videos are a great way to engage with your students. Videos tend to hold students’ attention longer. They also give pupils a break from the standard teaching methods of lectures and textbook readings.
Another benefit is that videos can break down complex material and make it easier for students to comprehend. However, it isn’t just beneficial to the students. Using video can save you time when formulating your lesson plans.
Blockchain Technology
This type of technology is used for data storage. When you enter new data, it forms another “block” within the system that all parties can see but not alter after-the-fact. The data is encrypted and spread across computers within the system so that no single “node” is vulnerable.
Blockchain technology is commonly used in larger, open online courses and electronic portfolios to verify skills and knowledge. This helps students publish their achievements when searching for jobs and lets employers easily vet the authenticity of degrees and other types of academic claims.
Big Data
With the growing popularity of virtual courses, educators must have access to data about their students’ learning experiences to tailor their lesson plans accordingly. Some data to look into includes learner enrollment numbers, student performance, and peer or faculty feedback.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming one of the hottest trends in the educational field. AI can perform certain tasks for you, such as grading. You can create an automated grading system for multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank test questions to save yourself time. You can use this freed time to expand your office hours instead, for example.
You can also use AI to assist students when you are not available. With your attention spread out across multiple students, this can ensure each one is still getting the help they need.
Another benefit of AI is that it can provide you with feedback about how your students perform and alert you if there are any issues. This feedback can allow you to be proactive in your students’ education.
Ways to Implement Technology Into Your Lesson Plans
As the emergence of technology within education continues to grow, consider using these strategies to implement technology into your next lesson plan.
1. Assign More Projects
Students can use technology to develop more creative projects. The use of collaborative platforms, such as Google Docs, Office 365, or Dropbox, makes it easier for students to gather virtually and share ideas. This virtual collaboration can increase their productivity and inspire more innovative ideas.
The use of technology can enhance student projects, especially in the STEM fields. 3D printers can bring students’ one-dimensional building design to life. Virtual labs also allow medical students to practice their skills and get hands-on experience within different lab settings.
2. Develop Interactive Lectures
To increase student engagement with the course material, consider doing more than a standard PowerPoint. Add elements of video and audio to mix up the overall formatting and keep your students’ attention. Some websites allow you to create interactive quizzes for students, such as Kahoot.
3. Take Advantage of Social Media
While social media can be a distracting tool for your students, it can also enhance their learning if used properly.
For example, educators have created class Twitter accounts and used hashtags to communicate with their students and answer any questions. Some educators have used a live-tweeting approach, where students watch a film for class and live-tweet their reactions as they watch.
The Increasing Appearance of Technology in Education
With the automation of systems and products, everyday tasks are now becoming more convenient. The education field is one area where you can see the influence of this technology surge. Technological devices help to provide education that is more personalized, accessible, and immersive.
With new technology trends in electronic learning (e-learning), video learning, blockchain technology, big data, and AI, the education field is constantly evolving. Are you wondering what’s next, too?
