Technology has impacted almost every aspect of life today, and education is no exception. Or is it? In some ways, education seems much the same as it has been for many years. A 14th century illustration byLaurentius de Voltolinadepicts a university lecture in medieval Italy. The scene is easily recognizable because of its parallels to the modern day. The teacher lectures from a podium at the front of the room while the students sit in rows and listen. Some of the students have books open in front of them and appear to be following along. A few look bored. Some are talking to their neighbors. One appears to be sleeping. Classrooms today do not look much different, though you might find modern students looking at their laptops, tablets, or smart phones instead of books (though probably open to Facebook). A cynic would say that technology has done nothing to change education.
However, in many ways, technology has profoundly changed education. For one, technology has greatly expanded access to education. In medieval times, books were rare and only an elite few had access to educational opportunities. Individuals had to travel to centers of learning to get an education. Today, massive amounts of information (books, audio, images, videos) are available at one’s fingertips through the Internet, and opportunities for formal learning are available online worldwide through the Khan Academy, MOOCs, podcasts, traditional online degree programs, and more. Access to learning opportunities today is unprecedented in scope thanks to technology.
Opportunities for communication and collaboration have also been expanded by technology. Traditionally, classrooms have been relatively isolated, and collaboration has been limited to other students in the same classroom or building. Today, technology enables forms of communication and collaboration undreamt of in the past. Students in a classroom in the rural U.S., for example, can learn about the Arctic by following the expedition of a team of scientists in the region, read scientists’ blog posting, view photos, e-mail questions to the scientists, and even talk live with the scientists via a videoconference. Students can share what they are learning with students in other classrooms in other states who are tracking the same expedition. Students can collaborate on group projects using technology-based tools such as wikis and Google docs. The walls of the classrooms are no longer a barrier as technology enables new ways of learning, communicating, and working collaboratively.
Technology has also begun to change the roles of teachers and learners. In the traditional classroom, such as what we see depicted in de Voltolina’s illustration, the teacher is the primary source of information, and the learners passively receive it. This model of the teacher as the “sage on the stage” has been in education for a long time, and it is still very much in evidence today. However, because of the access to information and educational opportunity that technology has enabled, in many classrooms today we see the teacher’s role shifting to the “guide on the side” as students take more responsibility for their own learning using technology to gather relevant information. Schools and universities across the country are beginning to redesign learning spaces to enable this new model of education, foster more interaction and small group work, and use technology as an enabler.
Technology is a powerful tool that can support and transform education in many ways, from making it easier for teachers to create instructional materials to enabling new ways for people to learn and work together. With the worldwide reach of the Internet and the ubiquity of smart devices that can connect to it, a new age of anytime anywhere education is dawning. It will be up to instructional designers and educational technologies to make the most of the opportunities provided by technology to change education so that effective and efficient education is available to everyone everywhere.
You can help shape the influence of technology in education with an Online Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University Online. This accredited program offers studies in exciting new technologies that are shaping education and offers students the opportunity to take part in the future of innovation.
Learn more about the online MSEd in Learning Design and Technology at Purdue University today and help redefine the way in which individuals learn. Call (877) 497-5851 to speak with an admissions advisor or click here to request more information.
FAQs
Students can collaborate on group projects using technology-based tools such as wikis and Google docs. The walls of the classrooms are no longer a barrier as technology enables new ways of learning, communicating, and working collaboratively. Technology has also begun to change the roles of teachers and learners.
Has the Internet changed education? ›
The accessibility and scope of online resources have fundamentally changed how students study, and teachers disseminate information. The internet has significantly changed how people learn, opening up new possibilities for independent study, teamwork, and research.
How does technology benefit education? ›
Supports Personalized Learning
One of the biggest benefits of technology in education is personalized learning. With online resources and educational software, students can find information that is tailored to their needs, interests, and learning style.
How does technology enhance student learning? ›
The use of technology during whole-class instruction can foster student engagement for auditory and visual learners. Integrating simple technologies Power Points, games, internet homework assignments, or online grading systems can be difference makers in students' growth in the classroom.
How is online education changing the way students learn? ›
Students can build good self-directed learning skills, with the use of tools created utilizing the most recent technology. They develop skills in discovering and acquiring the necessary information via internet resources. Digital learning thereby increases their effectiveness and productivity.
How has online learning improved education? ›
Increased Course Variety
There's no need to rearrange schedules, students in an online program can take the course they want and complete the coursework at a time that is most convenient for them. Through online courses, students can gain the knowledge they need to earn their degree or grow in their profession.
Is technology good or bad for learning? ›
You may think technology is just a distraction, but it can help encourage active participation in your classroom. Using devices like a computer, tablet, or other type of technology in your classroom can help turn traditionally dull subjects into interactive and fun activities.
How does the internet affect school students? ›
On the other hand, excessive internet use can have detrimental effects on students' academic performance, personal growth, and behavior. It can lead to distractions, sleep deprivation, poor time management, and a decrease in academic progress .
How does the internet affect school? ›
Positive Impacts of the Internet on Academic Performance for Kids. One of the main advantages is that the internet provides kids with endless educational resources, such as online encyclopedias, educational games, apps, and learning tools that can enhance their knowledge and skills.
How does technology affect human learning? ›
Technology has greatly impacted human learning. It has made information more accessible, feasible, and interactive tools are more widespread. Digital technologies have made learning more easily available and cost-effective, and also have enabled collaboration and real-world application of knowledge.
Technology has become the driving force behind the digital transformation of businesses across industries. From automation and artificial intelligence to data analytics and cloud computing, businesses are leveraging technology to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.
How has technology improved our lives? ›
By seeping into every aspect of our life, technology has changed the way we behave and operate. From communication and transport to healthcare and connectivity, technology has enhanced our lives for the better. The best part is that it is ever-evolving by facilitating more advanced features.
How many schools use technology? ›
According to a 2023 survey performed via ZipDo, 89% of K-12 instructors use educational technology in their classrooms (“Essential Technology In Education Statistics in 2023”, 2023). Technology is always transforming education.
What are the benefits of technology? ›
Technology has made it possible for people from all walks of life to have access to different resources. Further, technology is also being used to equip people who need a certain type of assistance to improve their quality of life and help them avail opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Why is technology important? ›
It is an essential tool that we cannot avoid, it plays an important part in the majority of our lives Technology essentially harnesses the tools, technologies and strategies used to help us solve problems and simply make our lives better and easier to live in some way.
Does technology improve learning at a distance? ›
Software technology has had a profound impact on distance education, providing a range of tools and resources that enhance the learning experience and make it easier for students and instructors to collaborate and communicate.
Why is Ed Tech not transforming how teachers teach? ›
Perhaps the most obvious—and overlooked—barrier to effective ed-tech use is that totally changing the way you do your job takes a ton of time and work. That's the challenge facing Scott Bacon, a 13-year-veteran educator who now teaches 9th grade economics at Mount Pleasant High.
What is technology-based online e-learning? ›
Although eLearning is based on formalized learning, it is provided through electronic devices such as computers, tablets and even mobile phones This makes it easy for users to learn anytime, anywhere, with few, if any, restrictions.
How have the internet and the advancement of technology impacted the academic research process? ›
Digital tools can make the routine aspects of nearly every research task easier, from observation to publication. Computer systems have become more powerful and are used to create models of highly complex phenomena—such as cloud cover patterns.
