Up until the 1990s, it was common for people to think that technology and the education of youngsters shouldn’t mix. Before the technological revolution of the 2000s, parents, teachers, and even students themselves limited their ideas of effective education to physical classrooms, textbooks, and instructors who taught one class at a time.
Of course, today we know that this is no longer the case. Now that the global economy has become more internationalized and digitally-driven, and in the wake of events like the COVID-19 pandemic, technology's impact on the learning experience has only increased. Today’s students are expected to acclimatize to educational technologies as early as in their preparatory years and to get more proficient at learning with these technologies as they grow older.
But is it a bad thing that students’ current learning environments are so technology-driven? If technology is to be incorporated into modern-day educational pedagogies, what role should it play?
Fortunately, parents and other stakeholders can breathe a collective sigh of relief, as there’s mounting evidence that technology can do great things for a child’s education. Teachers will also be glad to know that today’s educational technology isn’t designed to replace them, but rather help them work more efficiently and effectively.
But how, exactly, is tech being used in the classrooms of top IB schools in Singapore and other educational institutions in the country? How has technology transformed the learning experience, and what other purposes can technology fulfill in the future? To answer these questions, let’s look at five key applications of educational technology in the modern classroom.
It Can Help Schools Implement Hybrid Learning Environments
If there’s anything that educational communities have learned in the past few years, it’s that a classroom can be more than just a physical space. It can also be a dynamic community that crosses time zones, borders, and even cultures.
Truly, synchronous and asynchronous learning technologies have helped students, parents, and educators understand how far and wide their learning spaces can be. The physical classroom can now be extended into the realm of the virtual thanks to online learning management systems, video conferencing platforms, and even social media. Before long, school communities can further expand the reach of the classroom to include students’ homes, other educational institutions, and interdisciplinary spaces for learning.
It Can Help Schools Modernise and Globalise Their Curricula
Modern technology can also be used to usher in the modernization and globalization efforts that schools have long desired for their curricula. With the latest tools at their disposal, school administrators will not have as much difficulty refreshing their programs or establishing communication with international partners or education networks. Today’s tech can also make it possible to gain affordable or even free access to cutting-edge learning materials from around the world.
With the above-mentioned capabilities, schools can rework their curricula to become even more relevant to their students’ aspirations. Moreover, educators will be better prepared to deliver curricula using up-to-the-minute educational methodologies.
It Can Motivate Students to Be More Self-Determined in Their Learning
By implementing the right tools and systems, schools can provide students with new, enjoyable educational approaches that improve upon the foundations of traditional ones. To be specific, students will have more opportunities to break away from learning methodologies in which they are merely passive receivers of instruction. The use of the right tech can enhance students’ creativity and motivate them to step up in the learning process. When technology is put into their hands, students will have more of a say in how they can apply the lessons they learn to their lives.
Some educational frameworks, such as those of the International Baccalaureate Programme, already put an emphasis on student-led learning by virtue of their design. In these cases, the extensive use of educational technology will continue to fulfill the values of the program and allow students to find their footing in the modern world.
It Can Address Students’ Learning Needs in Creative New Ways
Another benefit to using modern technology is its ability to bridge significant gaps that may exist between students and their educational systems. If properly implemented, tech can help schools better serve students with complex needs. This includes students with physical or cognitive disabilities or those from economically disadvantaged families.
Indeed, more educational institutions are now actively using technology to address different learning needs. Because the right tech can greatly streamline and optimize existing administrative processes, schools have become more proactive in getting to know each student and any accommodations they may require. It has also allowed stakeholders like parents to become more involved in students’ learning.
Learning communities have also tried their hand at using tech to deliver cost-efficient education. One such example comes in the form of online learning packets that have low bandwidth requirements and are accessible to the general public. Now that tech itself is more affordable and more widespread in its usage, there are fewer barriers between students and a good education.
It Can Empower Teachers to Focus on More Complex Teaching Approaches
Lastly, it’s worth exploring tech's role in enhancing teachers' existing capabilities. Contrary to what some may believe, the wider educational community does not see tech as a means to replace the contributions of human teachers. Rather, tech can be used to bolster their abilities at rote tasks and help them focus on more complex instruction.
For example, in Singapore, artificial intelligence is slowly being incorporated into English language instruction for upper primary and secondary school students. Singapore’s Ministry of Education is studying the effectiveness of automated grammar and spell-checking tools in English classes for these levels. English teachers who use these tools can quickly move on from correcting simple language errors and dedicate more of their time to coaching students on difficult tasks. Instead of having to address the same minor mistakes over and over, teachers can assist students in effectively developing complex ideas and crafting sound, logical arguments.
Technology shouldn’t be perceived as a magic pill for modern-day education. That said, it shouldn’t be seen as a bogeyman, either. Rather, it’s best to treat it as an instrument reflective of a school’s values and educational priorities. Students, teachers, and parents must be purposeful in their use of educational technology to get the most value out of it. Most of all, schools mustn’t forget that technology is a supplementary tool rather than the most crucial component of effective teaching. Thus, it’s important to always keep a human core at the forefront of each learning experience.
