Stanford University professors started Education Technology (EdTech) as an experiment in the mid-60s to teach spellings and arithmetic to elementary school students using computers. This experiment was even before the introduction of the internet. So, nearly six decades later, with the reach of the internet, highly sophisticated software, and modern devices, the purview of possibility is nothing less than unfathomable.
In this blog, we will discuss what EdTech is and what it holds for education and society.
Defining education technology can be elusive because of its extensive use and constant development of technology from time to time. However, it is not just about technology, but the primary purpose that defines the true essence of EdTech.
EdTech is a domain that uses software, hardware, and theoretical education to improve student’s performance by using, creating, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources. It is designed to enhance teacher-led learning in classrooms and is a portmanteau of technology and education.
Importance of EdTech
Education Technology is much more than just changing the education material from books to digital form. It is improving the old-age education system by enhancing the pedagogy and learning process that results in improving the human race.
Whether you want to update your knowledge or skills for employability or personal interest, then EdTech is available to you. According to a report by Google and KPMG, online education is the primary source of learning for people between the age group of 22-51+.
Besides this, EdTech has brought down the cost of education massively. It has enabled students to attend the classroom remotely, as many institutions have adopted virtual learning. It further reduces the value of transportation and even space for colleges.
Also, with the help of EdTech, quality education can be catered everywhere, like in schools in underprivileged regions of Africa or Southeast Asia. Now, the students in the third world can have the same level of educational content, just the same as the renowned schools in developed nations.
Some of the examples are as follows to help understand the concept much better:
AI and Machine Learning
One of the significant issues that educators across the world face over the years are to provide individual attention to students in a class full of students. Educational institutes have been following the traditional model of one-size-fits-all education, in which personalized learning is neglected. It is here that artificial learning has solved the problem. It enables educators to understand the learning pattern of each student and let them tailor the learning experience for maximum efficiency.
AR/VR
Do you remember the days when you are taught human anatomy or botany diagrams with 2D pictures? Teachers had to put their best efforts to explain these by drawing it on a blackboard. Augmented reality and virtual reality have made the learning of these complicated things much more comfortable for both students and teachers. Though still in its infancy, AR/VR has a momentous impact on different industries, including education.
Gamification
It refers to integrating gaming principles, experience, and elements in a non-gaming activity to improve productivity and user engagement. We are aware that gamification has a positive impact on users! Therefore the same can be applied in educational activities that students find stressful and tedious.
Thus, the concept of acquiring knowledge at academic institutions and applying the same at your workplace seems to be obsolete. The reason being that learning is a lifelong process, and EdTech makes the concept of continuous learning possible.
