Learning was fun growing up as a child when the technological curve in the educational sector was being birthed.
In the early ages of education, stones, slates, pebbles and sticks were used as writing tools to convey information to students. During this time, education was also seen as a luxury as only a handful of individuals could afford to send their wards to school.
Not forgetting the low amount of schools present at that time; with students having to travel to far-off locations to access quality education. This increased homeschooling among people. As the years went by, more books were printed and chalkboards became a thing. The advent of mobile phones and the internet changed the trajectory of the educational sector, giving students opportunities to gain more knowledge outside the four walls of the classroom.
The technological advancement in the world won’t be complete if it’s not felt by the educational sector of every nation.
Digital technology has contributed immensely to the rapid change in educational institutions. Bridging the gap and making learning more fun.
What is Digital Technology?
Digital technology is simply the use of digital systems to transmit information. In education, it refers to any means of learning that makes use of data from devices. These devices can be computers, servers, laptops, digital cameras and streaming devices.
These items are configured to suit the students, school and different curricula in educational institutions. In the modern day, education can’t be discussed without bringing along its buddy, technology.
Visible Roles Of Digital Technology In Education
The visible roles of digital technology in education are numerous. Allow us to take you on a journey through some of them.
Gamification
If a ton of your students love playing games, now might be the time to infuse gamification into the school curriculum. This can be achieved by converting topics into amazing game content to improve assimilation.
This works well for younger students who are hooked on games during that stage of their lives. Furthermore, it makes learning fun, increases feedback from students and boosts enthusiasm for learning.
Cloud Computing
Ever had shoulder pain from carrying your backpack all day in school? Cloud computing is here like a knight in shining armour to save the day.
Cloud computing allows schools to store textbooks, lesson plans, results and assignments, making them available to parents and students who have access to the internet. It also enables students to communicate with their teachers regularly without waiting for a face-to-face meeting.
Artificial Intelligence
The use of AI in educational institutions personalises the learning experience for the student. This is done by taking advantage of text-to-voice applications for students who prefer listening to reading educational materials.
Chatbots are also used to ease the stress of teachers and other academic staff when catering to students. Artificial intelligence is equally useful in carrying out other administrative duties for the smooth running of the school.
Data Analytics
Data analytics is a crucial part of the educational system with unending streams of data constantly generated daily. These data can be in the form of results, records of staff leave applications, school fee payments and other vital data.
Data analytics helps schools to manage these data properly, utilizing them for present and future purposes.
Online Learning
Online classes with Zoom or Skype are no longer news in the educational sector which became prominent during the covid 19 pandemic.
During post-pandemic years, most schools have integrated learning management systems (LMS) to cater to the needs of their students. Allowing them to customize their curricula, online classes and the general online class system to fit their students.
Learning Management Systems takes care of everything from the creation of courses to content management to user management.
Internet of Things
IoT is a game changer for use in educational institutions. Some schools provide tablets and smartphones that are strictly for learning purposes, these devices contain course outlines, notes and digital textbooks.
Also, the submission of assignments and real-time communication with teachers is no longer a hassle. IoT also allows schools to record attendance, know students’ whereabouts when they are on the premises and perform other amazing functions.
Digital Learning boards
Also known as smartboards or interactive whiteboards, this technological growth in the educational system has overtaken the use of chalkboards in learning. It is a large screen that has numerous functions to facilitate the learning process.
Functions like saving notes for later use, clicking and dragging options and an audience response system to improve interaction among students.
Conclusion
The visible roles of digital technology have changed the regular teaching methods done during the early start of education.
These changes have fostered inclusion, increased the use of digital devices and improved the learning experience of students in the educational system.
Researched by Adejoke Toye
