The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly enhanced the profile of educational technology (EdTech). Its use has been pivotal in allowing the industry to adapt to the unprecedented circumstances presented by the crisis. Thanks to the widespread implementation of EdTech in schools and universities, hundreds of millions of students were able to continue learning despite lockdowns and stay-at-home orders.
It is possible that some may view the increased enthusiasm for EdTech as merely a temporary change until students are able to return to the classroom. However, it is highly likely that the educational sector will not return to its pre-COVID-19 state. Moreover, the post-pandemic period offers a variety of possibilities for further EdTech growth.
The implications of the future of EdTech are complex, and those working in the field of education should take care to take advantage of opportunities while being aware of the potential problems. As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, we should consider what the future of EdTech may bring.
Chances in Educational Technology
Techniques for Blended Instruction
Opponents of online schooling have raised concerns about the lack of positive guidance and supervision for children, whereas proponents of educational technology suggest that digital learning is more engaging for pupils due to its interactive nature. While there are valid arguments for both sides, it is often most effective to combine the advantages of both approaches into a single solution.
Therefore, by leveraging highly interactive features in both classrooms and distance education, EdTech can enhance traditional learning. Educational institutions, similar to businesses, may benefit from implementing a hybrid approach and experimenting with different modes of instruction. While the outcome of such a combination is yet unknown, the potential is evident, largely due to the progress of educational technology.
Superior Educational Resources
It is worth reiterating that digital tools provided by EdTech may be more engaging for students than traditional textbooks and lecture notes. Educators may be able to improve their students’ learning experiences by incorporating innovative technology into their teaching, such as gamified platforms and virtual reality (VR) hardware and software. This could potentially lead to more effective course materials for students.
By incorporating digital tools into the classroom, we can make education more attainable to a larger pool of students and motivate them to take part in their own learning. Having access to such a diverse range of content may enhance education as a whole and open up new instructional opportunities that would not be possible with more traditional tools and approaches.
In-Depth, Individualized Instruction
Educational institutions have the potential to use a blended approach and improved learning resources to tailor lessons to the specific needs of each student. By collecting data on individual students, educational platforms can identify any difficulties they are facing and provide supplemental materials to help. Technology can also be used to create better learning pathways for each learner based on individualized criteria.
It is no longer a far-fetched idea; opportunities such as this are becoming increasingly common in today’s most technologically-advanced educational classrooms. For example, Instructure – a customer we have assisted in becoming more successful in the education sector – have been able to make use of data collected from their students to refine their curriculums using the Canvas platform. Both teachers and students will benefit from the flexibility and ease of use provided by the system’s range of features. Read this case study to find out how personalized learning is already being implemented.
Improvements in Teacher Teamwork
The utilization of technology in the field of education provides a great advantage in terms of communication. It enables the quick and easy exchange of information and resources between classrooms and libraries, which would not be possible without Educational Technology (EdTech). This undoubtedly opens up a wide range of potential opportunities.
Even though instructors may not be employed by the same school, digital learning systems have enabled them to collaborate more effectively. This has created a large, global educational network with access to a wide range of expertise and resources. This increased collaboration has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn by making diverse knowledge and resources accessible to a larger audience.
A Rough Road that Pays off in the End
EdTech has presented an array of potential benefits to the educational sector. In order to capitalize on these advantages, however, more than just time and resources must be invested. Before we can reap the rewards of EdTech, certain obstacles must be addressed.
The use of educational technology can lead to an increase in the equity gap between students who have access to the necessary equipment and those who do not. Educators should also be mindful of the potential psychological impacts of distance learning on their pupils, such as increased isolation and loneliness. Finally, there is always a risk of educators over-relying on EdTech platforms, resulting in a lack of oversight.
Despite the potential of EdTech, it is important to remember that technology alone cannot guarantee improved classroom outcomes. Before committing to any strategy, it is essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of the approach. While technological advances can simplify certain aspects of education, achieving successful results still requires careful planning and implementation.
It is important to recognize that the use of educational technology presents both rewards and risks. In order to take advantage of the opportunities that the post-COVID-19 environment presents, all those involved in education must accept that we are in a period of transition and work together to make the most of the available possibilities.
