While in most fields it’s obvious just how modern technology is helping us make a giant leap forward, when it comes to education, a lot of people see this topic as somewhat controversial. This is due to the fact that there are those who believe that the internet has made the spread of false information easier than ever before.
That we’re getting too reliant on various devices for answers and that, in turn, we’re less inclined to memorize things and look for solutions through conventional means. However, what these people fail to realize is that these are merely tools and that it’s how we use these tools that matters the most. Here are several ways in which technology is reshaping modern education.
1.Different formats
Nowadays, we see a lot of people learning through YouTube tutorials, VR and AR apps and audiobooks. In previous decades, such a thing was a lot harder to imagine. The reason behind this is the fact that learning materials are now available in different formats and people are no longer required to stick to textbooks. You see, different people prefer different learning styles. Some are visual, others are auditory, while there are some who are tactile or kinesthetic. The availability of formats that fit their needs gives them a much more effective learning experience.
2.Greater immersion
Concepts like AR and VR give an employee a chance to experience a much greater immersion, as well as get the necessary experience in a safe environment. For instance, for a pilot to get a certain amount of flight hours, it would take a lot of resources, professional supervision and it would still pose a certain degree of danger for everyone on board. However, with realistic simulation, you put them in perilous situations and get a chance to see how they would act under pressure. With present-day VR devices, you can create simulations with an unparalleled level of realism, increasing the efficiency of education.
3.Exchanging notes
Student notes are, beyond doubt, one of the best learning materials, due to the fact that they are composed by your peers. Textbooks are often written by professors who use tone and voice that’s more formal than that used by students. With course notes, learners get materials written by someone who is just like them, better yet, someone facing the same course and the same curriculum as they are. In the digital era, it’s easier to find notes for the specific course that you’re taking. For instance, you could easily find math1003 course notes and download them to your device of choice.
4.Online courses
If you wanted to get an education in a certain field, in the past you had to find an institution offering a certain course and create a scenario in which you could attend it. In some scenarios, you would be restricted to courses available in your vicinity, in others, you could only attend lectures if your schedule allows it. With online courses, you have no such restrictions. You get the privilege of learning from renowned experts and choosing the field that interests you the most.
5.Use of tools in class
Even when it comes to traditional education, more and more classrooms are allowing the use of laptops for taking notes, as well as smartphones and tablets for a more efficient education. While some see this as a negative thing, there are those who recognize the full potential behind this concept. All the knowledge of the internet is now available in every single classroom. Second, there are some amazing educational apps that can allow your team to acquire knowledge in a simpler, more efficient manner. Finally, in this day and age, it’s quite hard to imagine education without the use of these means.
The reason why we turned towards these five points is due to the fact that they allow us to use education in ways that were unavailable ever before. Once you realize this, the future of this field looks brighter than before.