Digital tools in education are becoming increasingly widely used in classrooms and learning platforms. The reason is, that these digital tools used, are able to meet the needs of students and more importantly, able to bridge the learning gap that classroom lessons are not able to perform. The digital tools in education are surpassing many expectations and bringing classroom lessons more engaging, interactive, and fruitful. Let us explore some of the changes these digital tools have made in the education sector.
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Collaborative tools allow students to work together
There are many digital tools in education that help students to get together virtually and work cohesively even while being away from each other. Tools like Google Classroom, Skype, Zoom, Discord, and Microsoft Teams help students and teachers to collaborate and communicate in real-time.
These digital collaboration tools offer valuable benefits for both teachers and students. Teachers are able to take attendance virtually, split the class into smaller groups, and still continue to engage all the students. Additionally, using virtual online platforms allow for lesson recording. Teachers are able to record their lessons and post them up on their school portal for easy review. This is not achievable with physical classroom learning.
Here are some notable benefits that digital tools in education offer for collaborative learning:
- Easily accessible
- Communication is fast and efficient
- Less paper used
- Ability to save lesson recordings and playbacks
All in all, collaborative tools are not only becoming a trend in education but also even in the workforce. Having exposed to these digital tools can develop students’ technological skills at a young age but also saves them time to prepare themselves for the highly competitive job market in the future.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is often demonstrated by machines and robots as opposed to human beings. AI is programmed and designed by humans to perform specific tasks, AI does not only apply to businesses but also to the education sector. AI has the ability to help students learn better and faster when paired with high-quality learning materials and instructions.
For an instance, AI has been incorporated into learning systems to grade students’ tests and assignments. Students simply submit their assignments or do their tests using their student account and their tests and quizzes will be graded instantly. Whereas for assignments, teachers will review their work and provide feedback and grade accordingly through the portal, making everything easily accessible for both teachers and students.
Some of the notable features of digital tools in education are:
- Auto-grading system on the student portal
- Notification prompts on learning applications
- Alert teachers of the problems encountered by students
- Allow for universal access
In short, the use of AI in the education sector brings students and teachers lots more different and unique learning opportunities. This is attainable with the constant advancement of AI and the incorporation of AI into students’ learning processes.
Digital tools simplify learning
Smart computer software
There are plenty of mobile applications and computer software that help to bridge learning gaps in students. Digital tools for different subjects are specifically designed to demonstrate abstract concepts that are hard to visualize with our naked eyes. For example, it is relatively difficult and impossible for most, to picture a 4D object. However, there is software that populates the 4D object into an interactive visualization that is easy for our brains to understand and comprehend.
These tools and software help modern-day teachers to teach and explain these abstract concepts to their students better. There are much fewer limitations with these software and smart calculators as compared to a 2D still image in students’ textbooks.
Online Learning Apps
There are also mobile applications that students can use to enhance and aid their learning. The application store has many educational apps to help students learn a new language, memorize heavy-content information and even act as study tools. There are applications that offer the same functionality as a physical flashcard, but with the application, you save a lot of time writing, and you don’t have to worry about losing or forgetting to bring them along!
There are specific educational applications for different levels of students. Teachers can also make use of these educational applications to aid during lesson time. There are many ways to utilize these applications, it is up to the teacher’s and students’ imagination!
Changing the way students learn
The advancement in technology has introduced new learning opportunities. The education sector has new digital platforms that help conduct virtual lessons, learning applications to strengthen students’ learning and smart devices that help students learn effectively and seamlessly.
The way students learn has inevitably changed due to the advancement and improvements in technology. Learning has become more accessible and convenient than it was decades ago. From learning on the whiteboard to learning with laptops and now virtually learning, technology has changed the way students learn and evidently, altered the education sector as well. Schools have started using iPads and tablets for in-class learning and organized more technology-based learning in school.
Outside of classroom
Even outside of the classroom, tuition centers and freelance tutors are offering online, real-time online tuition for their students. There are even new online learning tuition platforms that help students from around the world to have easy access to education, such as Tutopiya. They offer students convenience and accessibility to education and make learning from the best tutors much more accessible and easier. These online learning platforms allow for easy booking of tutor’s lesson slots and have many subject options for them to choose from.
Tutors also benefit from the technology shifts that the education sector is offering. For instance, tutors can easily schedule and earn a decent income by uploading recording lectures and lessons for paying students.
Some benefits that teachers and students reap from the advancement of technology in the education sector:
- Remote learning is possible and accessible
- Easy access to information, resources, and study materials
- Students can easily book lessons whereas tutors can easily schedule classes
- Feedback is given instantly over the virtual platform
- Specific online learning platforms offer the right digital tools in education for teaching and learning
It is no secret that technology will continue to contribute to students’ learning journeys over the next few decades. With future advancements, students will reap the benefits and improve their learning effectiveness and efficiency. All of which will lead to a more intelligent civilization that can continue to bring a better tomorrow for future generations.
