How technology is grasping its roots in education ?

I remember the evening when I was explaining to my grandfather how QR codes work. After several trials, I wasn’t able to explain better to him. And then my 10 year old cousin took my phone and within few seconds he showed a YouTube video to my grandpa. The video described the working of QR codes in the easy and fun way. We all were surprised by the approach of the kid. He told us how his teacher taught him to use Google and YouTube to learn and research. A few thoughts came instantly in my mind. Is technology going to take over the traditional teaching methods?  How can technology help the educators?

A digital revolution has been introduced by the combination of technology and education. Integrated blended learning, BYOD and various technologies in the classroom has transformed the teaching and learning methods. The most trending technical term in education industry today is “Blended learning”. Blended learning is a practice of using both online and in-person learning methods within a classroom.

The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) defines a blended learning education method as not about the technology itself, but about the “shift in the instructional model to personalized, student-centered learning to ensure each student’s success.” Educators across the globe are integrating technology into the classrooms to expand the access to knowledge. The internet-based activities in the classrooms are resulting in better student engagement. So I tried to analyze which technologies are invading the industry.

Blended learning:

In simple language it means combining classroom learning and e-Learning. A new hybrid teaching methodology can be developed by the complimentary use of e-Learning methods in the traditional classrooms.  The classroom efficiency can be improved by combining digital instructions with one-on-one face time. Teachers can streamline their instructions to help each student to reach its full potential. The blended learning Models provides personalized learning, allowing students to work at their own pace, making sure they fully understood the concept before moving on. The online resources provided by blended learning hike the flexibility and enhance better communication between student and teacher in favorable ways.

1:1 educational programs:

Smartboards have gained a lot of interest in the classrooms. Students are finding it much more interactive than traditional black or white boards. But Smartboards were used only for the teacher earlier, In today’s world to infuse higher interactivity students are given devices like iPad or tablets. This method is globally called 1:1 educational program. The ‘1:1 Educational Programs’ is a very effective way to teach students. In The ‘1:1 Educational Programs’ students and teachers both have their electronic device through which teacher educates students using videos, digital course materials, and digital textbooks. The ‘1:1 Educational Programs’ have initiated the self-directed learning. The 1:1 education programs have resulted in the greater shift towards personalized learning.  Incorporating ‘BYOD’ program and 1:1 education program can make the approach more realistic.

Augmented reality

It  has beautified the learning experiences to make it as easy as the student needs. The education app development companiesare using Augmented Reality  to build education apps like Popaar toys and quiver are making classroom learning more engaging and transformational.  The artificial intelligence is also trending technology in the education industry. Implementing artificial intelligence in the teaching methods assists learner with self-assessment and omnipresent support. The AI-driven programs can give students the support they need and teachers the feedback required for the improvement.

Now the question arises, how teachers can use these technologies to get the fruitful results. What are the ways which can help teachers enhance interactive learning?

Technology is redefining the student-teacher relationship. The teachers can customize their instructions to meet students need. A visual online interface can help track the progress of the each student by integrating data analytics with the student records. Students are engrossed with social media outside the classroom, so integrating social media into the classroom is an easy way to share resources and teach with collaboration.

Student driven activity results in better learning retention. Creating a class blog or a wiki page can be really fascinating for students. Allowing students to post their work on the blog is an engaging way to teach teamwork to your students. By commenting on each other's work students can help each other to improve the quality of their work. It is a well-known fact that “Looking at the live model will make it easier to grasp”. Explaining the difficult concepts by 3D printing will enhance the learning experience of the students. The live view can also be integrated with virtual reality. Virtual reality is capable of taking the live views to the next level and transforming classroom based learning.

Technology integration has become a necessity. The teachers can create new ways to utilize the technology available to them to make their lectures more fascinating, interactive and engaging. The key is to get creative and find new ways to use the existing resources.