Here’s how Technology is shaping the Future of Education
What is the role of education in a learner’s life? It’s simple. Education is all about finding optimal ways to provide the learners with the correct information on the right time, in the right way. Over the past few years, we have seen a drastic transformation in the education industry whether through online learning, gamification, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) or artificial intelligence. Technology has found its way in the education industry and there is no wonder we will continue experiencing changes in the education industry due to technological advancements. Here we bring you some exciting ways of how technology is shaping the future of Education – spawning new ways of learning and teaching.
Online Tutoring combined with Adaptive Learning
Educationists today are embracing the fact that the learning needs of every student are different. Hence they have started adopting the concept of adaptive learning where teaching is conducted on the basis of the learning needs of the student. Adaptive learning softwares are available today on various online tutoring platforms like Chegg, CrunchGrade, Wyazant, etc. that first measure the knowledge and understanding levels of a student. The lesson plans are then created based on this analysis. Then the students are made to connect with online tutors for English, Math, Science and other tough courses. Therefore, students learn the right concept at the right time thereby bridging their learning gaps.
Teachers have always been using reward systems in classrooms to seize the attention of the students. Taking this incentive-based learning scheme a little forward, adaptive video-based learning methodology is being introduced. For instance, Mangahigh is one such application that teaches students different concepts of mathematics through adaptive video games.
Augmented Reality
Just imagine how easier it would be for the students to understand a chapter if they do not have to read it but visualize it. Beautiful pictures, colorful diagrams and no boring black and white text. Learning would be no less than a treat to them. Augmented reality has made this transformation possible. If schools will start adopting augmented reality in their courses it will become easier for the students to learn and remember the concepts.
Virtual Reality
Some concepts can be learned in a better way when students can practically experience them. So why restrict learning through viewing pictures when we can provide 360-degree videos to the students. Virtual reality helps in creating a virtual learning environment for the students that enables them to immerse in the topics. This decreases the chances of getting distracted in the classrooms and provides them with a better learning experience.
Learning with Social Media
Social media platforms enable networking, information sharing, and interaction. Educationists can leverage these features to make learning a fun and interactive process for the students. Social media platforms today enable the students to connect with various subject experts online and discuss their academic queries with them. Institutions today are using YouTube and Facebook to connect with students globally providing them with useful information.
Social media platforms can be used in researching as well. Students can use them to find out what people generally think on an issue. Just like brands build their recognition through social media, students can build the portfolios of their career through the social media platform. Students can establish their credibility and expertise in various disciplines through social media. The learning management systems nowadays are incorporating social media to enhance interaction through chat features, videos, and forums. This makes it easier for the students to find solutions to their academic queries and learn beyond classrooms.
Blockchain and Education
Blockchain is one of the revolutionary technologies today. This technology is not only meant for crowdfunding, supply chains, file sharing or smart contracts but for education as well. We know that modern education industry is making a shift towards personalized learning. Hence learning is not just restricted to classrooms. Blockchain can be used by students to keep a record of their learning process. Researchers and other academicians can use the management, sharing and protection features of the blockchain technology to control the way intellectual property is used. Hence digital content can be created and protected with blockchain.
Another major benefit of Blockchain could be easy accreditation of online courses. Many times students restrict themselves from pursuing an online course just because they are not sure whether it will hold any importance in their professional career. With Blockchain, online courses can solve the issues of authenticity, costs, and scaling. Hence, it will be possible to verify a student’s skills and knowledge through these accredited online courses.
With the intervention of technology, learning will become more of an exciting process in the coming days. Where adaptive learning can enable the students to learn at their own pace, as per their learning needs, block-chaining can make it easier for them to find recognition in their careers. Social media can help in solving academic problems of the students while augmented and virtual reality can introduce them to a completely different aspect of learning. Technology without a doubt can enhance the future of education for better.
Aditya Singhal is the co-founder of CrunchGrade, an online tutoring platform for students. It is his passion and vision to incorporate technology with education to help students not just thrive but excel through e-learning mediums and tools. He had worked with Kurt Salmon Associates, a reputed American Management Consultancy. Reach out to him on Facebook, LinkedIn here!