Historically, a learner’s educational prospects were constrained by the resources available within the confines of a classroom. Fortunately, breakthroughs in technologies have unveiled new prospects for how students can learn. Futuristic technology has the potential to transform not just learning but also has the force to strengthen and advance relationships between educators and students, reinvent novel approaches to learning and collaboration, close long-standing equity and accessibility gaps. and adapt learning experiences to meet the needs of all learners.
Many professions that did not necessitate the use of technology in the past now mandate its use. Many institutions and Ed-tech firms have begun to weave 21st-century skills and expertise into their learning models in order to produce globally competitive and well-minded adaptive learners. Other than incorporating disruptive tech multimedia into traditional academic subject teaching, the focus is moreover on critical thinking development, complex problem solving and collaboration. In addition, learners are given the opportunity to develop a sense of agency in their learning as well as the belief that they can achieve great things.
As many schools and universities were forced to operate remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has further fuelled technology adoption. To respond to the changing educational landscape, many Ed-tech companies are heavily investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies capable of propelling the education market to new heights. The Indian EdTech industry was valued $750 million in 2020 and is projected to grow to $4 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 39.77 percent.
Here is how students can make the best use of technology to enhance their learning capacities:
Online Course: With high internet connectivity, any learner who is curious to learn a programme, such as coding or web development can take the course online if the school/college where he or she is enrolled does not have the budget or faculty members with the necessary skills to teach the course. Students can easily collaborate with peers doing similar courses anywhere in the world to further enhance their learning capabilities. In addition, learners who are struggling with college and career planning where resources or geography make face-to-face mentoring difficult to access, can avail high-quality online mentoring and advising programmes
Feedback and Revision: Students can utilise technology to receive immediate feedback on their learning process without having to wait for a teacher to respond. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) offer numerous possibilities for students to escape the clutches of the traditional classroom setting by solving problems in seconds. Al and ML can help students who need more practice with particular subjects or skills. Students in India, where the student-teacher ratio is unbalanced, can benefit from a personalised learning experience by subscribing to Ed-tech systems. As more of the teaching and learning processes become automated, students will have more time to revise their work.
Self-guided Learning: Technology-enabled learning enables learners to access resources and expertise from anywhere in the world. Another benefit is that it allows learners to adapt and understand concepts at their own pace. While some learners could very well comprehend certain concepts, others require more time to absorb the information. Technology-driven education offers alternative options to students who love learning at their own speed. Students are not challenged or information. Technology-driven education offers alternative options to students who love learning at their own speed. Students are not challenged or intimidated by their lack of comprehension and can continue practising the concepts at their own will.
Digital Books: Digital books are intended to meet the needs of a wide range of students, from beginners to experts. Learners with limited understanding may begin as a novice and progress to an intermediate level as they gain more knowledge and skills. Smart search engines, as well as cloud storage, make it simpler to find information than skimming over reference materials in a reading room. The vast amount of digital data can be instantly accessible by simply using a reference or citation.
Digitally formatted textbooks are typically less expensive than old–fashioned paper textbooks, making them more accessible to underprivileged students. Interested learners can have them stored on their tablet or laptop, or they will have access to them through the academic wireless router. Students can research and incorporate many more ideas as browsing information online can save a lot of time.
Way forward to increase technological adoption
As the world becomes more complex, so do the skills that students must learn and master. Exploration and invention should be fostered in our schools, community colleges, adult learning centres, and universities. Educators should be partners in learning, constantly seeking new knowledge and acquiring new skills through a practical demonstration using technology. Many policymakers and private players are already renewing their commitment to programmes and instructional practices that improve student outcomes to the greatest extent possible. However, in order to fully realise the benefits of technology in our educational system and provide meaningful learning experiences, all educational stakeholders should commit to working together to improve the Indian education system if we are to make a lasting impact on how students learn.