Technology in modern times is playing a significant role in the evolution of mankind. It is surely making advances in every field including education, medicine, automobiles, etc. Technology and the future of education are closely associated. But the question is how technology impacts student learning and how technology has impacted education. Educational technology makes the learning experience valuable for students. The use of technology in education tends to develop more skills such as analytical reasoning and problem-solving by incorporating technology in their academics. Technology and academic performance rely on each other for better education of students.

How Technology Impacts Student Learning:

The impact of technology on academic performance is remarkable. Using modern technology in education profoundly helps students. Students can use different forms of educational technology for better understanding and learning. Different forms of technology can include various kinds of media like using Audio-Visual Aids (projectors, tablets, Laptops, etc), E-books, which can be very helpful for students in learning and retaining new information. This can change the mindset of students and their approach to educating themselves.

Now, students learn through critical thinking instead of memorizing. Students no longer need a confined space of a class for learning instead they can easily access the internet for e-learning on their related subjects with the help of technology and improve their academics. With the advances in educational technology, students can learn on their own terms.

Why Educational Technology Is Important In Education?

Educational technology as a discipline is an approach to educating students using resources involving technology. It recognizes and works on meeting the diverse needs of students through technology, which involves media audio, videos, texts, etc. Technology is important in education to motivate and engage students toward reaching their goals.

Types of Educational technology and how it helps students learning:

There are 3 different types of educational technology which may include synchronous learning and asynchronous learning, linear learning, and collaborative learning.

  • Synchronous learning and Asynchronous Learning
  • Linear Learning
  • Collaborative Learning
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    What is Synchronous learning and Asynchronous Learning?

    Synchronous learning - How Technology Has Impacted Education

    Synchronous learning and asynchronous learning are one of the first types of educational technology. “Synchronous” means, existing or occurring at the same time, which suggests discussing a topic or information with others at the same time. For instance, groups of students working on the same project interact with each other through Skype or virtual classrooms to help students and teachers to interact. This approach can help students learn how to understand another person’s perspective and gather knowledge from it.

    Asynchronous Learning - How Technology Has Impacted Education

    “Asynchronous” means, not existing or occurring at the same time, which refers to learning at a student’s own pace and it mainly focuses on learning through blogs, emails, podcasts, online textbooks, etc. Students do not have to rush through this kind of learning and they can easily register themselves in online courses as well. This approach can help those students who have to work or who are unable to attend regular classes and want to pursue their goals.

    What is Linear Learning in Educational Technology?

    Linear Learning

    “Linear” learning is basically the second type of educational technology. It also refers to computer-based training (CBT) that sends information to students about their respective programs through computers, tablets, or smartphones. It helps students better understand their topics which is one of the benefits of computer-based learning.

    Though this approach is different from traditional teaching practice as it does not involves a classroom, textbooks, or manuals whereas it does use videos or animations. However, it is a bit challenging for students because it doesn’t involve interactions with teachers for guidance.

    What is meant by Collaborative Learning in educational technology?

    Collaborative Learning

    Collaborative learning is the third type of educational technology. “Collaborative” as the name suggests means two or more people working in groups together. So, successful collaborating learning is based on working in groups to achieve a goal. The main objective of this kind of learning is to teach individuals how to go for problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.

    In this way, students will be learning to gather information and listen to others’ opinions instead of relying on materials given by their teachers. The main source of information and skills will be the teachers. Teachers can take the help of laptops and multimedia to educate their students. So, the student will be a dependent learner.

    How Effective Is Technology In Education?

    Once David Warlick said
    “We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand because it is the pen and paper of our time.”

    Our education systems are being reshaped by advancements in technology. The impact of technology on education and the evolution of teaching methods shows how effective is technology in education. Innovative teaching-learning methods enable teachers and students to use diverse teaching strategies for diverse learners with the use of technology like multimedia such as videos, animations, or podcasts.

    It has effectively eliminated the concept of learning within the limits and the concept of learning without limits has taken over. Through e-learning, teacher-student collaboration can take place and teachers can play the role of mentors to provide guidance to students in the development of professional skills. Teachers can provide students with content through computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones and bridge the gap between them and their students.

    Is The Use Of Technology Better Or Worse In Education?

    Is The Use Of Technology Better Or Worse In Education

    The better side:

    Technology has proved itself to be a valuable tool in the education of the modern day and age. It is a very powerful source of information and it cannot be denied, where technology is headed it can create numerous opportunities for teachers to educate and students to learn through the world wide web of the internet. Technology is convenient and effective.

    Is it controlling us?

    Yes, technology is controlling us and it has threatened the mental, emotional, and physical health of students as well. Students tend to suffer from less attention span and lack of concentration in their studies. They also become victims of cyberbullying on social media which has adverse effects on their mental health. Their physical health is also affected as they spend most of the time in front of screens.

    How to avoid its bad impact?

    The bad impacts of technology can be avoided by limiting the screen time of students and keeping a check on students and their activities. Communicating and resolving the problems of students can be helpful as well. Technology is changing faster than ever and students should be aware of precautions while using it.

    The CONCLUSION – How Technology Has Impacted Education?

    If we take a look at the bigger picture, technology is the future of education. The induction of technology in education should be supported and encouraged in our institutions for the better academic performance of students. New teaching practices can cause a huge positive impact on learners from different walks of life. With the help of technology, education has no boundaries. Remember one day these tech-savvy minds will ultimately lead the world to a better place to live in.