Technology changes about as fast as it gets developed. The tech you buy today will be obsolete tomorrow. It seems impossible to keep up with it.
However, one of the greatest benefits of this rapid development is how it helps improve the learning experience in the classroom. Information is more readily accessible now than it’s ever been. Teachers can access more resources, inspiration, or examples of explaining things to students differently. And that’s just the start.
You may be surprised by the many ways technology has affected learning for grade school and lifelong learners. Below, we’ll examine 25 of those things.
1. Computer Labs
The computer lab is one of the older mass technology advances in schools. Having a space dedicated to student computer use enhances their in-school learning and gives them access to technology they may not have at home. Educators use computer labs to allow students to write essays, learn coding, and become familiar with various software programs.
2. Laptop Computers
More schools have adopted programs to provide students with their laptop computers to use during the school year. Providing individual laptops picks up where the computer labs left off. Laptops enhance classroom learning and allow students to continue their education outside school. They’re especially beneficial for economically disadvantaged students who otherwise may not have access to a computer.
3. Video-Based Learning
In days gone by, video-based learning meant teachers had to wheel a large movie projector into the classroom to show films. That evolved into every school having a VCR that played videotapes. Today, instructors can share everything from documentaries to animated videos with their students using a laptop and a small projector. Video-based learning is also beneficial for teaching students who are distance learners, ensuring they don’t miss any classroom instruction.
4. Gamification
Gamification tools are popular among educators and students alike because they add an element of fun to the learning process. Teachers can incorporate gaming programs into lesson plans with online platforms like Kahoot and Quizlet. They’re a great way to encourage student engagement. They learn while getting an online gaming experience.
5. Moocs
Massive online open courses (MOOCs) allow students to learn from experts in many subjects, from using Microsoft 365 to learning Python programming. Platforms like Coursera offer free and paid courses taught by professors from prestigious universities. MOOCs are an excellent option for learning at your own pace, and since they’re open courses, there’s no cutoff in the number of student participants.
6. Academic Research Databases
Before computing devices became part of everyday life, anyone who wanted to find information from credible sources for their research had to go to the library and search the stacks for reference materials. Today, all that’s needed is a computer, tablet, or smartphone to access online databases like JSTOR, Project Muse, and EBSCO, saving time and effort.
7. Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning
Online education programs usually fall into the categories of synchronous or asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning is a virtual classroom where students attend a live class and interact with their teachers and classmates. Asynchronous learning is self-directed, allowing students to access the course materials anytime, at their convenience. Both are considered a form of eLearning.
8. Elearning
eLearning platforms are the umbrella term that MOOCs, along with other approaches, including gamification, synchronous and asynchronous learning, and video-based learning, fall under. eLearning offers several benefits to educators, students, employers, and trainees. It is less expensive than in-person education or training, can be accessed on or offsite, and is sustainable because it reduces or eliminates the need for printed materials.
9. Learning Management Systems
Learning management systems (LMSs) are software programs for students and educators that support eLearning activities. Students use platforms like Canvas, Moodle, and Schoology to access course content and interact with other students. Educators use them to create content, plan lessons, and interact with their students using synchronous or asynchronous learning.
10. Online Courses
One of the most popular forms of eLearning is an online course, which many colleges and universities offer as an alternative to in-person instruction. School-based online courses are more structured and have the same requirements and expectations as traditional classes. Other online courses, like those offered by Udemy, are less structured, allowing users to learn at their own pace. Some online courses are free, while others charge a fee or tuition.
11. Document and File Sharing
Readers of a certain age will recall what it was like to collaborate with their peers at school or at work to complete a project. This often involved meeting in person and using paper documents that had to be manually combined into a final product. Today, collaborative work is done online using web-based programs like Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365.
12. Ebooks
eBooks have been used for pleasure reading for quite some time. However, more educational institutions and book publishers are embracing the eBook as an alternative to expensive, less sustainable printed editions. Not only do they save students from carrying books to school or their college campuses, but publishers can update eBooks without printing a new edition.
13. AR and VR
Immersive learning strategies employing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) tools aren’t just the wave of the future; they’re in use now. With augmented reality, learners can interact with objects added to their space using something as small as a smartphone. Virtual reality requires a headset to create a digital environment for learners to explore. Both tools enhance learning in school and the workplace.
14. Online Colleges
A small but growing option in higher education is online college. These accredited schools, like the University of Maryland Global Campus and Southern New Hampshire University, allow students to learn from almost anywhere without attending in-person classes. This opens up learning opportunities for students who want to attend a faraway college or university without uprooting their lives.
15. Learning Analytics
Learning analytics is the evaluation and reporting of data collected from learners. Educators and administrators utilize the data to identify areas of strength and improvement. This data is then used to develop educational materials, lesson plans, and approaches or even change the class environment to better meet the needs of the students and help them succeed academically.
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