Educational institutions worldwide are resuming classroom sessions. Should you invest in school management software? What about learning management systems, projectors, laptops, and other software? Can gadgets and technology offer better outcomes in classroom learning as well?
You have reached this blog as you want answers to these and other questions. But, unfortunately, there are no one-line explanations for them. Here’re crucial points about the role of technology highlighted in various studies.
Availability of information in many formats
The introduction of technology in the learning process has been visible since 2020. Today, students can find study materials online in different formats.
Trainees can access information in videos, infographics, podcasts, e-books. These formats have also helped teachers improve their lectures in classrooms.
Acquiring new knowledge is straightforward. Again, the credit goes to the availability of materials in different formats. Overall, these aspects positively impact the learning outcomes and test scores.
Self-paced learning is here to stay
Some students struggled to keep up with their peers in traditional classroom settings. The pandemic forced schools to introduce online coursework. And slow learners benefited a lot.
Students can access the LMS from wherever they want. Extra coursework has enabled such trainees to learn at their own pace. They get the opportunity to take online quizzes and practice outside the classroom. On the other side, teachers get a sense of which trainees need more help.
Ability to tailor learning modules for each student
The year 2020 and 2021 proved a boon for personalized learning. Earlier, trainers often found it challenging to divide their attention equally. They faced difficulties in tweaking study material as per individual students’ needs.
Personalized learning apps and video lectures have made their job easy. They can track everyone’s progress and tweak study materials.
Teachers can use modern LMS to update or tweak modules for each student.
Administrators can program these systems to analyze various statistical parameters and test scores. The software can even tweak study materials according to the path set by teachers. The process ensures students spend more time studying topics they find difficult.
Game-based learning will become more popular
Presenting learning materials in an interactive and modern way can yield better results. And this is where AR, VR, and computer simulation enter the picture. Yet, most schools lack the resources to get the above three. For them, game-based learning is an inexpensive alternative.
Games help in familiarizing children with critical learning and thinking. Besides, using gaming elements in course material keeps trainees engaged and motivated.
Several schools have designed course curriculum with a framework based on games. As a result, teachers have reported increasing learning outcomes and engagement.
The possible outcome of using tech in the classroom
Laptops, computers, smartphone apps worked as a lifeline for students in 2020-21. Yet, their benefits and drawbacks differ when used in a classroom setting. The difference in results is based on the device, geographic location, and the use of machines.
1)The correct use of technology – Are teachers comfortable with the selected device and learning systems? Is the institution ready with a training plan to support teachers? Does the software complement the chosen class’s learning goals? Can it integrate with the curriculum? Finding answers to these concerns is vital for ensuring the effective use of tech.
2)Should both teachers and trainees use technology? – Logic suggests that schools benefit significantly if trainers and students use digital devices. However, studies indicate dedicated use of devices by trainers offers better outcomes. Schools report lower outcomes when students alone get access to devices.
3)Geographic location matters – Does the outcome of implementing technology in education vary according to the region? The PISA-Programme for International Student Assessment data set released in 2019 holds the answers. The study involved students, teachers, principals from 51 countries. It highlights students in the U.S who use laptops perform better than others without the device. On the other side, trainees outside the U.S (in 50 countries) showed better performance while studying without netbooks. It proves students and teachers in the U.S know how to get the best out of devices for education.The results did not prove surprising as roughly 71 percent of American students bring their laptops to the classroom. The percentage in other countries worldwide is 37 percent. Perhaps, these students are still on their learning curve.
4)The device type – Some devices can help students and teachers get better outcomes. So, the benefit of introducing tech in education also depends on the device types used by stakeholders. The evidence available in the public domain makes things clear. Children with access to internet-connected computers and data projectors in classrooms perform better. You will be surprised to know that trainees with access to laptops in the classroom perform poorer than those without laptops.
5)Variations in learning outcomes based on subjects – PISA’s test has noted a variation in students’ learning outcomes based on the subject. For example, trainees with access to laptops scored lower in math. Trainees with access to tablet PCs in the classroom performed even worse.
The Bottom Line
No doubt, technology will remain an integral part of learning here onward. Every institution must have basic technology like a school management system as its core. However, the need for gadgets and apps will vary from one school to the other. Are you unsure about apps and learning modules suitable for your institution? Connect with team MyEdu. Let our edutech experts understand your needs and recommend the best solutions.
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