Thanks to the countless innovations in the sphere of education, people can have a different perception of a classroom other than the traditional classroom. Technology has opened up a myriad of possibilities in case of teaching and learning. Before the digital innovations came into the picture, classes were only limited to lectures, without much of the visual elements included in it. But technology has provided the much-needed makeover to the classroom environment.
In fact, more and more teachers and educators are welcoming the integration of technology in classrooms, about 65% of faculty supporting the use of open educational resources (OERs) in teaching, and 63% faculty supporting the system of competency-based education.
#1 Peer-to-Peer learning and collaboration in the class
With a sharp expansion in the availability of online learning materials, the scope for students to collaborate with one another even after having geographical barriers has increased to a great extent. Various online forums can be created for students from all across the globe.
These online educational forums also boost the diversity in terms of the alternative ways of thinking that help in contributing to classroom interactions and assignments. This way students can assist each other inside and outside the classroom through different online platforms and portals to share valuable insights.
Through the digital innovation, students can express innovative ideas and maintain communication through these programs initiated by their schools, and also informally through social media platforms like Facebook, and Pinterest. Peer-to-Peer learning is slowly making its way into the classroom setup as students interact with each other, and share their insights through the discussions conducted online and share documents through the channels like Google Docs. Teachers are also encouraging and implementing the approaches that inspire and sometimes require peer-to-peer interactions.
#2 Accessibility to online programs and classes
One of the first obvious assumptions regarding digital education is that online classes are becoming readily accessible to learners. Even cost-efficient classes called “MOOC” (Massive Open Online Courses) are becoming exceedingly popular. Full-time online courses are allowing the learners with the scope to learn while sitting in the comforts of their home.
#3 Streamlining the process of preparing the lessons
It is needless to say that the integration of digital innovations in the sphere of education has had an impact on the teaching methods. The preparation of lessons is an area in which technology can provide a considerable amount of support. There is multiple software that allows teachers to develop interactive, multimedia-rich lessons and provide assignments and assessments that can be submitted through various technologies.
#4 Textbooks are now being replaced by their digital counterparts
If you peek into the backpacks of the college students today, you would hardly find any hard copies of textbooks because they are slowly being substituted by iPads and various other portable devices connected to online media. With the rapid development of online media, e-readers, e-books, and learning programs designed specifically for iPads, iPhones, and smartphones, the textbook is on the verge on becoming “extinct” in some academic disciplines.
#5 Opening up the scope for more interactivity
The textbooks may still have a place in the classroom; the reality is that students today are more accustomed to working on a laptop or tablet or even a smartphone in the classrooms. This makes searching the internet and gathering information easier.
These devices come with the unique software, apps, and the latest touchscreen displays. So lessons are disseminated in a much more compelling manner. Assignments and homework are also easily accessible as downloadable materials, which makes the whole educational experience is much more interactive and responsive than the classroom that existed ten years ago.
#6 An individualistic approach in teaching and learning
Owing to the prevalence of technology in the classroom, teachers now have the power to personalize the lessons, instructions, and assignments according to the needs of the students. With various devices to help with assigning essays and assignments, teachers can curate the lessons as per the students’ requirements and present the work of each student.
Customization of lessons can simplify the process of learning for each student. Moreover, there are multiple effective learning tools that enable students to work and excel in time. Additionally, now teachers can also offer direct feedback, grades, and reports to students through the online platforms and portals.
#7 Learning through the smartphones
As a result of the prevalence of online programs and courses, and the easy availability of resources and books, the smartphone is the most convenient medium to gain valuable knowledge. There are many MOOCs that allow you to gather the course materials from your smartphone.
Many such online programs offer visual content so that students can listen to the lectures on the go and retain the lessons in their memories. Irrespective of your geographical barriers, you can instantly connect to a world of learning opportunities.
#8 The ease of web-based research
While libraries are still useful for gathering information on complex topics, most of the research process and collection of resources are now carried through the web. What used to take a lot of time and patience to find in the library, you can get it almost immediately? As a result, this saves a lot of time for the students and makes it easier for them to compile huge chunks of details efficiently. Deriving the appropriate information from the web is as hassle-free as it can get. Now because the process of research is simplified, students can spare more time to ponder over, and learn new information.
So as a whole, digital technology has enriched the learning process and has allowed learners and educators from all over the world to liaise with one another, impart knowledge, and expand the learning opportunities for everyone.
