Benefits of Educational Technology and the tools you need to know
Developments in technology continue to usher enhancements in the Education sector, providing both teachers and students with more efficient ways to facilitate learning. This application of technology to the theories and practice of the learning process is called Educational Technology or EdTech.
Referring to both the practice and the industry devoted to creating technology for education and learning, EdTech has revolutionized how instructors facilitate the class. It has helped with how students learn and made the learning process efficient and convenient.
Benefits of Educational Technology
Enhanced Collaboration
Cloud technology has enabled further collaboration between teachers and students. Cloud-based educational apps have made it possible for students to access academic games, online lessons, and presentations, upload their assignments and projects, talk with their peers, and consult with their teachers.
Real-Time Access to Learning
Another benefit for both students and teachers is 24/7 access to their digital classroom. The old pen-and-paper, face-to-face class environment is quickly being upgraded to digital-based learning. The only thing needed is Wi-Fi access and their own personal portable devices, and they can work at their own pace, anytime, anywhere (even away from the vicinity of their school district).
Changing Knowledge Transfer Through Innovations
EdTech has proven that there are now more innovative ways to impart knowledge than the traditional methods of listening to lectures, reading in class and working on homework and projects. Some recent trends include:
- 3D Printing, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). These have pushed forward experiential learning, making it possible to explain complex concepts with the help of constructed images and simulated environments. Some students in the medical field are conducting learning experiments in these modern lab settings.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI). Aside from helping teachers automate student grading, AI can help today’s students through tutoring. AI-driven programs can help learners track their progress in real time while alerting teachers on student progress and issues.
- Interactive Classes, Podcasts, Video-Assisted Learning, and Gamification. In an effort to increase student engagement, institutions are now crafting lesson plans that are both captivating and informative. EdTech advocates are now using podcasts and video presentations, as well as gamified problem-solving materials.
Emphasis on the Value of Personalized Learning
Ease of access, possibilities for collaboration, and innovation are making significant impacts on the way education is being delivered. These also influence the meaning of personal learning. With advances in technology, educators are also improving by customizing education based on student’s strengths, skills, interests, and circumstances. Teachers can also track grades using trends and learning analytics, allowing them to act once alerted to poor performance.
While Educational Technology has shown the wonders of technology in the classroom, it is not confined there. EdTech has also long been utilized in the workplace.
What Are the EdTech Tools That Can Be Used in the Workplace?
Most applicable trends in EdTech have also been adopted by companies for employee training and professional development. Here are some tools that are being used by both large corporate enterprises and small to medium businesses:
Learning Management System (LMS)
A Learning Management System (LMS) is an application that assists in digitally handling different aspects of learning program management, which includes tracking, organization, and reporting of training events. Learn more about LMS here. It is now considered imperative to adopt an LMS for your own organization, but it can be baffling, given the vast number of options available on the market. Here is a guide you can use on choosing the right LMS for you.
Knowledge Base
Just like an online library, a knowledge base is a repository of all the reference materials chosen by management, generally organized in categories and sections for easy web browsing. Users can also comment, rate, and share articles, which can help others who may be looking for recommendations.
Lesson-Oriented Bite-Sized Learning
“Bite-sized” learning allows access to individual content items from within e-learning courses without forcing users to launch a full course. While taking a course, these bite-size learnings link users to specific but important locked content.
Communities for Collaborative Learning
Communities within a learning platform are important for syndication and discussions. A member can post a question that can be replied to by others within the organization, which will thread and be posted for others to see.
Mobile App
Training is no longer confined within the office or workspace. Learners are now allowed to access courses on their mobile devices.
What’s Next?
Integrating Educational Technology tools into your business or organization is now considered imperative. Use of EdTech ensures efficiency with your employees’ learning and personal development. EduBrite makes it easy for you to implement a system with various features like a learner portal, content management/collaboration, and gamification. Book a demo with us today.