In the corporate world, technology has become an integral part of human lives; hence, education is no exception. Integrating modern technology into education has greatly revolutionized the learning process. It has significantly improved the entire learning process and learning experience and improved the accessibility of learners to learning material, thus psychologically preparing students for the future digital era. In this digital era, integrating technology into learning comes with profound benefits. It is a tool for making learning more effective (Anderson et al., 2002). It should be understood that technology should only partially replace the traditional learning model but should be there to enhance effectiveness. This paper, therefore, delves into the benefits of technology integration in education, especially higher learning.
First, technology has greatly improved learning methods and resources. It has generally revolutionized the way knowledge is delivered and acquired by learners. Improvement of learning methods and resources can be witnessed in various ways. For instance, technology has greatly enhanced interactive learning through simulations, videos and quizzes. The above multimedia elements capture the learner’s attention and enhance their deeper understanding of complex concepts (Bulman & Fairlie, 2016).
Furthermore, technology has made it easier for students to access a vast reservoir of learning materials. Students can, therefore, access scholarly material, e-books and learning videos, which are available online. With freely accessible and available information, learners can easily explore their subjects in depth, hence understanding their various topics in depth. Additionally, technology-driven education can personalize the learning experience (Anderson et al., 2002). Students can now learn at their own pace and grasp the course content since the learner’s ability is different. Students’ Individual needs can be catered for when technology is integrated into education. For instance, there are adaptive learning systems that are used to track the progress of individual students, analyze their performance, and, in the end, adjust the course material to suit their individual preferences. Learners can, therefore, master their course content at their level and track their progress individually. Gamification principles are also introduced into the learning environment, making learning more engaging and fun. Gamification improves the learner’s motivation and enhances their retention of content.
Second, integrating technology into education has fostered digital literacy among students. Digital literacy is using technology to find, create and evaluate information effectively. Students require these digital literacy skills to survive in this modern digital era. When students engage with technology, they can gain enough skills to navigate the complex digital space and easily differentiate between credible information and misinformation (Hamidi et al., 2011). Digital literacy skills are vital in the now-evolving world since almost everything goes digital, including communication and other social interactions. Technology in education plays a major role in exposing students to the latest technology trends in preparation for their future careers. Students will likely gain experience and physical skills they will meet in their future professional lives. Through this exposure, students develop confidence in navigating the digital industry (Raja & Nagasubramani, 2018).
Additionally, integrating technology into learning allows students to learn coding and programming. Learning coding enables students to innovate, create new ideas, and effectively work on software and applications. Coding skills are important as they provide the student with a complex understanding of the technology systems running the world around them. Technology engagement in education, therefore, plays a significant role in facilitating digital literacy skills.
The fusion of education with technology has also facilitated accessibility to education, thereby ensuring that all learners who were formerly blocked by geographical barriers and other social and economic constraints can access education. Students from all backgrounds and abilities can access education. Online education, a vital development of technology, particularly dismantles the geographical barriers that have previously prevented students from accessing quality education in other countries. Students can learn courses from universities worldwide regardless of location and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, there are currently free online courses that are currently available. Students can access such high-quality courses as long as they have an internet connection without paying tuition fees (Western, 2005). This approach is fruitful as it enhances students ‘ ability to enhance their skills and access to lifelong learning. Apart from dismantling the geographical barriers, technology largely contributes to bridging the gap in education access between rural and urban areas. Previously, people in rural areas have had challenges accessing quality education due to limited resources and infrastructure. Technology is a major equalizer through virtual and digital learning resources brought to rural areas. Many digital programs and initiatives have also been brought to bridge the education gap for the less fortunate students in society. Charitable organizations bring these programs and resources to educate those struggling to access traditional schooling, specifically due to economic hardships. In general, technology in education enhances accessibility to education through the various ways stated.
Finally, technology has facilitated simpler and more frequent teacher-student interactions, improving communication and collaboration between learners and instructors. Currently, using digital tools in assessment and evaluations helps students get immediate feedback about their work, hence easily identifying areas that need more improvement. In addition, this immediate feedback enables the instructors to easily manipulate the course content to suit individual student’s needs. Virtual classrooms also facilitate remote learning rather than confining learning to physical classrooms. Virtual classrooms are helpful for students who cannot attend physical classes on some days for various reasons.
Moreover, virtual classrooms accommodate various learning styles, thus enabling students to actively and comfortably participate in the learning process (Ratheeswari, 2018). Furthermore, technology fosters interaction between students and teachers through various digital communication channels such as emails, video conferencing, and other forums. The channels provide an avenue for discussion outside the physical classroom. Students can easily seek clarifications from their tutors outside the classroom, boosting a continued process of exchanging ideas. Technology in education is therefore vital in improving the student-teacher interaction compared to the traditional physical classroom model.
However, some researchers argue that technology involvement in learning could cause a distraction in the classroom, hence leading to students losing attention. For instance, the accessibility of online content can easily tempt students to divert their attention, especially when in a virtual class or when reading course material online (Yalamov, 2019). In addition, notifications, especially from social media, can prevent the student from focusing on the course material and thus be destroyed. At times, content grasped only through technology might not be grasped and understood deeply by the students. However, several pieces of evidence support the integration of technology in education and prove its efficiency. Technology has effectively personalized learning experiences and motivated learners through more interactive learning experiences. Therefore, instructors should develop a balanced approach when implementing technology in learning. For instance, traditional learning methods should be combined with technology rather than solely focusing on one approach. Students should also be trained on how to effectively use technology to ensure they use it effectively and safely. To avoid destruction, students should be monitored in the classroom while using technology to ensure they use it only for technological purposes. Such policies and rules ensure that technology is used effectively and that the dangers associated with its use in education are avoided.
In conclusion, technology’s use in education has greatly enhanced the educational process, increased learners’ access to course materials, and mentally prepared students for the digital era. Technology has enriched the student’s learning experience, ensuring students have the digital skills needed to survive in their future careers and, in the end, ensuring that the interactions between students and teachers are improved greatly. There are potential challenges associated with the integration of technology into learning. The main challenge witnessed is distraction caused by notifications from social media and other online content. Such challenges may be reduced by the effective use of technology and training the students on effectively utilizing technology in class. Evidence proves the usefulness of technology in learning despite the challenges that might occur in the process. In general, the fusion of technology in education is not only a positive move that will generally improve the learning experience for students but also prepares students for a bright digital future. To balance the positive impacts, all instructors should be trained to use technology to supplement traditional learning effectively. In addition, all students, regardless of their background, should have equal access to technology to benefit from it. These steps, when implemented, shall ensure the effective use of technology in education and ensure all students benefit from it.
References
Anderson, J., Van Weert, T., & Duchâteau, C. (2002). Information and communication technology in Education: A curriculum for schools and teacher development program.
Bulman, G., & Fairlie, R. W. (2016). Technology and education: Computers, software, and the internet. In Handbook of the Economics of Education (Vol. 5, pp. 239-280). Elsevier.
Hamidi, F., Meshkat, M., Rezaee, M., & Jafari, M. (2011). Information Technology in Education. Procedia Computer Science, 3, 369-373.
Raja, R., & Nagasubramani, P. C. (2018). Impact of modern technology in Education. Journal of Applied and Advanced Research, 3(1), 33-35.
Ratheeswari, K. (2018). Information communication technology in Education. Journal of Applied and Advanced Research, 3(1), 45-47.
Westera, W. (2005). Beyond functionality and technocracy: creating human involvement with educational technology. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 8(1), 28–37.
Yalamov, G. (2019, May). Possible Negative Impacts of Intelligent Learning Systems on the Development of the User’s Identity. In International Conference on the Development of Education in Eurasia (ICDEE 2019) (pp. 117-119). Atlantis Press.
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