HOW TECHNOLOGY IS TRANSFORMING THE EDUCATION SECTOR?
Updated: Aug 30, 2021
Technology is no longer simply used as a classroom aid, or for prep and analysis functions, however as a method for learning itself. When colleges were forced to shift entirely online, it saw enough positive results that it became evident that technology should be a long inclusion within the syllabus, and not simply a stop-gap throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
E-learning - the new normal
The COVID-19 crisis has created e-learning a necessity and has highlighted the necessary role technology plays within the education sector. Attributable to the necessity for safe, online strategies of instruction, the past year has seen the prevalence of e-learning as a substitute for ancient learning.
Digital transformation within the education sector
The education sector has continuously applied rising technologies to pioneer and improve the learning method; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a digital transformation in education even more. New technologies and tools are rather more necessary for lecturers and professors in virtual tutoring and e-learning settings.
• Online platforms and learning software
Online platforms and learning software enable instructional organizations to shift their education model from face-to-face interaction to remote learning, connecting lecturers and students around the world and permitting them to continue learning throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
• Virtual reality (VR)/Augmented Reality (AR)
VR and AR facilitate make a case for sophisticated topics and supply higher visualization of advanced subjects.
• Mobile applications
Mobile phones and applications are necessary for college students just as internet and desktop technologies, notably in areas where students have confidence in recently-set up hotspots for web access. The education sector needs to produce mobile learning applications so that these students will access the data in ways in which add up to their life circumstances; they have to be ready to access a good array of learning materials, like PDFs, videos, audio recordings, and text via whatever device they have access to.
• Video conferencing
Integrating video conferencing into college and university systems has allowed schooling to continue by giving students the chance to attend all their classes, lectures, and webinars remotely. Video conferencing may additionally be used for a student onboarding and assessment.
Challenges with digital transformation in education
Although the trends outlined on top of bringing exciting new opportunities, shifting to the new digital reality isn't forever a walk in the park — students and lecturers alike should overcome a variety of challenges to form the foremost of this new reality. Here are a couple of the major problems facing digital transformation in education:
• Connection Speeds- Remote learning depends on students’ net connection. While it may be guaranteed in a college building, not all students have access to Wi-Fi and broadband.
• New Interfaces- Students and lecturers are forced to adapt to new online systems that may have unknown and sophisticated interfaces. They will be reluctant to get involved in new processes because of failure and expertise. Every new IT system needs extra coaching, which may be overwhelming for everybody concerned.
• New Systems- Developing the proper strategic approach for implementing new IT systems is tough and sophisticated. Faculty systems could have to be compelled to purchase new technology or build vital changes to existing systems.
• New Distractions- Students could misuse academic technology. They will be distracted by different applications on their devices.
• Legacy Systems- Existing systems might not be compatible with new tools and solutions. This could need time beyond regulation and cash to resolve.
In 2020 most academic establishments faced the challenge of the quick launch (or relaunch) of their online learning facilities. Technologies, platforms, and equipment were considered to form students' solutions to not stop the education method. Analyzing their systems capacities, making digital short- and long-run learning ways, and mitigating the risks - this expertise has brought the entire industry far beyond expectations. In the days to come, digital education can further witness vital changes within the manner universities and faculties offer education. This accelerated shift towards the adoption of digital means that both access to education as well as its assessment isn’t a temporary trend but will have long-run consequences that will form the new normal future.