EDM620 myreport2

How Important Is Technology in Education? Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Students

Many of today's high-demand jobs were created within the last decade, according to the International Society for Technology
in Education (ISTE). As technological advancements drive globalization and digital transformation, teachers can assist
students in developing the skills they will need to succeed in future careers.

How important is technology in education? The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly demonstrating why online education should
be an essential component of teaching and learning. Teachers can harness the power of online learning as an educational
tool by incorporating it into existing curricula rather than using it solely for crisis management.
The effective use of digital learning tools in the classroom can boost student engagement, assist teachers in improving
lesson plans, and enable personalized learning. It also helps students develop essential 21st-century skills.
Virtual classrooms, video, augmented reality (AR), robots, and other technology tools can not only make classes more
engaging, but they can also create more inclusive learning environments that encourage collaboration and inquisitiveness
while allowing teachers to collect data on student performance.

Educational Technology Challenges

According to BuiltIn, 92 percent of teachers understand the role of technology in education. According to Project Tomorrow,
59% of middle school students believe digital educational tools have improved their grades and test scores. These tools
have become so popular that the World Economic Forum predicts the educational technology market will reach $342 billion
by 2025.
However, educational technology presents challenges, particularly in terms of implementation and use. Despite growing
interest in the use of augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technology, Project Tomorrow reports that
less than 10% of schools have these tools in their classrooms. Additional concerns include excessive screen time, teacher
effectiveness with technology, and concerns about technology equity.
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of content. Educators must be able to create and comment on online
educational content, particularly to encourage students to consider a topic from various angles. The urgent actions taken
during the crisis did not leave enough time for this. Access is an additional concern; for example, not every school district
has the resources to provide students with laptops, and internet connectivity in homes can be unreliable.
Furthermore, while some students thrive in online learning environments, others struggle due to a variety of factors,
including limited support resources. For example, a student who previously struggled in face-to-face settings may struggle
even more in this situation.
Still, most students typically demonstrate confidence in using online education when they have the resources, as studies
have suggested. However, online education may pose challenges for teachers, especially in places where it has not been
the norm.
Despite the challenges and concerns, it’s important to note the benefits of technology in education, including increased
collaboration and communication, improved quality of education, and engaging lessons that help spark imagination and a
search for knowledge in students.
The Benefits of Technology in Education
Teachers want to improve student performance, and technology can help them achieve that goal. To mitigate the challenges,
administrators should assist teachers in developing the competencies required to enhance student learning through
technology. Furthermore, technology in the classroom should make teachers' jobs easier without adding extra time to their
schedule.
Technology provides students with convenient access to information, accelerated learning, and enjoyable opportunities to
put what they've learned into practice. It allows students to explore new topics and gain a deeper understanding of difficult
concepts, particularly in STEM. Students can learn 21st-century technical skills for future occupations by using technology
both inside and outside of the classroom.
Even so, children learn more effectively when given direction. The World Economic Forum reports that, while technology can
help young students learn and acquire knowledge through play, evidence suggests that learning is more effective when
guided by an adult, such as a teacher.
Leaders and administrators should evaluate their faculty's understanding of online spaces. They can use the lessons
learned during this disruptive time to implement solutions for the future. Administrators, for example, could give teachers a
week or two to consider how to teach courses that had not previously been offered online. In addition to exploring solutions,
flexibility is critical during these difficult times.

Benefits of using technology in education

1. Increased Collaboration and Communication
Educational technology can foster collaboration. Not only can teachers engage with students during lessons, but students
can also communicate with each other. Through online lessons and learning games, students get to work together to solve
problems. In collaborative activities, students can share their thoughts and ideas and support each other. At the same time,
technology enables one-on-one interaction with teachers. Students can ask classroom-related questions and seek additional
help on difficult-to-understand subject matter. At home, students can upload their homework, and teachers can access and
view completed assignments using their laptops.
2. Personalized Learning Opportunities
Technology allows 24/7 access to educational resources. Classes can take place entirely online via the use of a laptop or
mobile device. Hybrid versions of learning combine the use of technology from anywhere with regular in-person classroom
sessions. In both scenarios, the use of technology to tailor learning plans for each student is possible. Teachers can create
lessons based on student interests and strengths. An added benefit is that students can learn at their own pace. When they
need to review class material to get a better understanding of essential concepts, students can review videos in the lesson
plan. The data generated through these online activities enable teachers to see which students struggled with certain
subjects and offer additional assistance and support.
3. Curiosity Driven by Engaging Content
Through engaging and educational content, teachers can spark inquisitiveness in children and boost their curiosity, which
research says has ties to academic success. Curiosity helps students get a better understanding of math and reading
concepts. Creating engaging content can involve the use of AR, videos, or podcasts. For example, when submitting
assignments, students can include videos or interact with students from across the globe.
4. Improved Teacher Productivity and Efficiency
Teachers can leverage technology to achieve new levels of productivity, implement useful digital tools to expand learning
opportunities for students, and increase student support and engagement. It also enables teachers to improve their
instruction methods and personalize learning. Schools can benefit from technology by reducing the costs of physical
instructional materials, enhancing educational program efficiency, and making the best use of teacher time.
5. Become a Leader in Enriching Classrooms through Technology
Educators unfamiliar with some of the technology used in education may not have been exposed to the tools as they
prepared for their careers or as part of their professional development. Teachers looking to make the transition and acquire
the skills to incorporate technology in education can take advantage of learning opportunities to advance their
competencies. For individuals looking to help transform the education system through technology, American University’s
School of Education online offers a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Arts in Education Policy and Leadership to
prepare educators with essential tools to become leaders. Courses such as Education Program and Policy Implementation
and Teaching Science in Elementary School equip graduate students with critical competencies to incorporate technology
into educational settings effectively.
Sources
BuiltIn, “Edtech 101”
EdTech, “Teaching Teachers to Put Tech Tools to Work”
International Society for Technology in Education, “Preparing Students for Jobs That Don’t Exist”
The Journal, “How Teachers Use Technology to Enrich Learning Experiences”
Pediatric Research, “Early Childhood Curiosity and Kindergarten Reading and Math Academic Achievement”
Project Tomorrow, “Digital Learning: Peril or Promise for Our K-12 Students”
World Economic Forum, “The Future of Jobs Report 2018”
World Economic Forum, “Learning through Play: How Schools Can Educate Students throu