The Impact of Technology on Modern Education
Education today is not only becoming more global in terms of the way information is distributed, but it is also becoming more technologically oriented. Students are often ahead of the curve, so technology encourages them to research and be more responsible.
There are several examples, such as distance learning and learning management systems (LMSs) like Google Classroom, where education is based entirely on virtual methods. Although educators are divided regarding the impact of modern education due to accessibility and technical difficulties that become barriers for some learners, it cannot be denied that the use of technology in education has become a vital part for many students.
As Students Become More Responsible, They Become More Productive
Modern classrooms are characterized by technology that allows students to explore and make independent decisions. Students can find information that matches their objectives through research databases and search engines and learn how to process it correctly.
Access to Educational Content is Available From Anywhere
Thanks to cloud services, virtual classrooms, mobile apps, and social media, sharing and accessing school content has become easier. College students can attend virtual meetings, participate in remote guest lectures, and access content from other parts of the world. Today's students are no longer restricted to brick-and-mortar classrooms.
Enhanced Makerspaces and Studios Provide Extra Tools
By utilizing technology, students become more enthralled with these salient moments as they are exposed to tools they may have never had the chance to work with before. Some main ways colleges and universities provide extra tools to students are through makerspaces and studios. Many higher education institutions now have these dedicated environments where their students can come together, access technology, and work on their ideas and products.
According to this article, the main makerspace at the University of Washington boasts that it has "more tools than we know what to do with." Students can also borrow many of these tools to work outside the makerspace in their own time, and the makerspace provides funding and networking opportunities. Unsurprisingly, the makerspace at the University of Washington has launched hundreds of startups.
At Wellesley College, three different areas also serve as makerspaces, with Pendleton West being the more artistic makerspace of the three, full of video and audio production spaces and equipment.
And at Virginia Commonwealth University, students can utilize an audio and video studio. The audio studio has sophisticated microphones, while the video studio provides a high-end production studio with 4K cameras, backdrops, a lighting grid, and a soundboard.
Not all makerspaces are high-tech, but they don't necessarily have to be – not right away. These spaces are manifestations of the "maker" mindset – all you need is a "can do" attitude and a few tools to start with. An open and inclusive community with a learning mentality is the essential aspect. And more technology can be acquired along the journey as needed.
Aspects to Consider:
As a result of the use of technology, some modern students have become highly dependent on it. So, once they encounter glitches or the technology becomes temporarily unavailable, education completely halts as students are unsure how to continue. A practical solution to this is to promote a healthy balance between modern technology and traditional elements of education, such as visiting libraries in person and reading books in print. This allows students to be less dependent on the Internet, social media, phone apps, and virtual meetings.
And while there has been an increased use of technology in modern education, a digital divide remains. Although technology can open doors, accessibility and technical gaps can also hinder certain learners. Technology has a mostly positive impact on education, but there are also major accessibility issues. The knowledge gap and technology accessibility issues must be kept in mind. These issues are relevant to college students in remote areas skills and educators who may not implement all the innovations.
Technology is efficient when people possess specific knowledge or have relevant training. While the Internet can provide resources, it is essential to offer proper training. This is an aspect that cannot be ignored as technology is approached since it is also a process of learning.
A University of Central Florida double-alum with a Master’s in Digital Media, Iulia Popescu is a content creator who loves bringing people together over shared interests. As AVIXA's Coordinator of Digital Content, she produces articles on a myriad of technology topics. She has been working on virtual reality projects lately, transforming folk tales into VR narratives.
