Technology has impacted almost every aspect of life today, and education is no exception. The use of technology especially in the recent lockdown period has been exceptional. In many ways, technology has profoundly changed education and the way educators and teachers are depending on technology to teach. The use of technology has drastically changed the role of the educator from a traditional knowledge provider to a facilitator guiding the students’ learning processes and engaging them in joint problem-solving methods.
The usage of technology has significantly expanded access to education. Technology has enabled students and educators to access information at one’s fingertips. It has also been a boon to educators worldwide to provide opportunities for formal learning through online classes, podcasts, online degree programs and so much more.
Technology has given educators the opportunity and possibility to develop interactive materials targeted to the classroom needs rather than following rigid textbooks. The presentations made and handouts prepared and circulated amongst the students have now been redesigned into interactive and engaging slide shows, online worksheets and even short courses. This has helped educators to involve more students in classroom communication. It also helps educators in providing online quizzes to the students.
Inculcating the use of technology has helped educators in implementing personalised teaching. It has allowed teachers to collect student data and information within the time limit. Earlier the educators had to undergo a strenuous process of checking each and every page and notebook of the student to check whether the student has completed the assignment or even to get the gist of whether the student has understood the topic explained. With the help of technology, educators now have the ability to transform the traditional teaching and assessment method into a personalised teaching strategy.
Timely and effective feedback is another positive aspect of including technology in traditional classroom teaching. Timely assessment of the online quizzes and proper feedback to the students regarding their studies can now be given by the educators in a structured and timely manner. This enables the student to take corrective and appropriate action with respect to the learning and study strategy, which in turn would be beneficial in his/her long-term learning and education.
Opportunities for communication and collaboration have also been expanded by technology. The educators can ask the students to collaborate on group projects using technology-based tools such as Wikis and Google Docs. Technology has enabled educators to implement new ways of teaching and communicating.
The educator’s role has shifted from what used to be in a traditional classroom to “guide on the side” as students take more responsibility for their learning using technology to gather relevant information. This has provided educators with the opportunity to implement new design learning techniques and foster more interaction and small group work.
Technology is a powerful tool that can support and transform education in many ways. It enables educators to create instructional and interactive materials for the students to learn and work together. That’s why it’s worth saying that technologies haven’t only changed the way educators teach students, but also the way they study.