New Technologies in Education

The world is swiftly growing into a hub of technology and innovation. It is not surprising to see that even the field of education is adapting to this movement. The advancement of technology means the opening of doors to millions of opportunities for students. Today, students can go beyond the classroom, researching and experimenting in real-time. Technology has helped make the learning experience rich in terms of visual, auditory, and tactile learning for students.

How Technology is Reshaping Education in 2022

After the COVID pandemic, the education industry was forced to move past the traditional teaching methodology and into a digital world. Below, we see some technological innovations in the field of education and their impact on the present and future learning experiences.

1.   Personalized Education

Every student has a different learning style and pace of learning. In a traditional classroom setting, it can be difficult for a professor to cater to the needs of each student and keep the session engaging at the same time. Each student also has unique strengths and weaknesses. For example, one student might be great at writing assignments. Another student might think, “who can write an essay for me?” and seek some academic writing help, but at the same time be excellent at sciences. Through personalized education, a student is given the freedom to learn at their own pace. The learning outcomes are validated based on skills acquired by the student and measured against tangible standards. This way, a student can progress to an advanced level only if they have acquired a certain level of mastery of the skill outcome at the beginner level first.

2.   Learning through Gamification

Gamification typically means applying elements of gaming (such as visual and auditory effects, reflex engagement, and more) to other aspects of one’s life. In the field of education, it can be understood as follows – using gamification principles to impact learning and skill-building.

The motivation behind using gamification to enable learning is that students learn best when they are in a relaxed environment where they are having fun. Gaming creates a competitive environment that can help students push the boundaries of their comfort zones in order to learn better.

3.   Machine Learning Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Learning

Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are seeping into almost every aspect of human life, including education. According to the e-learning industry, just in 2021, the use of AI in learning grew by 45%. ML and AI are a great asset to education – for both students and teachers alike. A teacher can use ML and AI to automate repetitive daily tasks in the education industry. It can help teachers keep track of student performances and coursework load. AI can also substitute for a teacher in a case where the teacher is not able to be present to support a student with their academic queries.

For a student, ML and AI can help them in even more ways. Using this technology, students can leverage educational tools that allow them to enhance their writing. Thee are numerous AI-based solutions that can help edit and proofread assignments. Alternatively, students can hire a research paper writer that will write error-free papers for them. This and more are now available due to technology.

4.   E-Learning Initiatives

Simply defined, E-learning is the process of creating a learning environment via electronic devices such as mobile phones, PCs, Laptops, and more. This method had a sudden and rapid increase in popularity with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students and teachers were forced to adapt to E-learning to continue their education processes and maintain social distancing at the same time. In the last two years, this technology has exponentially evolved from just PPTs and recorded seminars to using quizzes, live sessions, presentations, and more to facilitate interaction between students and their professors and also among their peers across the globe.

Even after the pandemic has been brought under control, many students prefer digital learning for the pace and time flexibility that it offers.

5.   Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality is a technology that superimposes images that are generated on a computer screen onto the real world. From the perspective of the human eye, these images interact with the real world as if they are tangibly present in it. Augmented reality, when used to enhance lesson plans, can enable students to understand the real-world effects and implementations of their theories and ideas.

A Few Final Words

This article talks about some of the most popular technological advancements in the education sector. There are many more emerging technologies that are constantly changing the human understanding of the world. By adapting to these, education becomes exponentially more engaging for students and teachers alike.

About the Author – Diane Sherron

Diane Sherron is a guidance counselor and Edtech consultant who works with students from universities across the world. Her science and technology background makes her well versed in understanding technological evolution. As an Edtech consultant, she advises student entrepreneurs and emerging startups about opportunities in the field of education technology. She also writes weekly columns and blog posts about emerging technologies for magazines and newspapers.