How important is technology in education? | American University (2023)

Many of today's high-demand jobs were created in the last decade, according to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). As technological advances drive globalization and digital transformation, educators can help students gain the skills they need to succeed in tomorrow's careers.

How important is technology in education? The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly demonstrating why online education must be a vital part of teaching and learning. By integrating technology into existing curricula, rather than just using it as a crisis management tool, teachers can leverage online learning as a powerful educational tool.

Effective use of digital learning tools in classrooms can increase student engagement, help teachers improve their lesson plans, and facilitate personalized learning. It also helps students develop essential 21st century skills.

Virtual classrooms, video, augmented reality (AR), robots, and other technology tools can not only make the classroom livelier, but also create more inclusive learning environments that foster collaboration and curiosity and allow teachers to collect data on student performance.

Still, it is important to keep in mind that technology is a tool used in education and not an end in itself. The promise of educational technology lies in what educators do with it and how it is used to best meet the needs of their students.

Challenges of Educational Technology

BuiltIn reports that 92% of teachers understand the impact of technology on education. According to Project Tomorrow, 59% of high school students say that digital educational tools have helped them with their grades and test scores. These tools have become so popular that the edtech market is expected to grow to $342 billion by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum.

However, educational technology has its challenges, particularly when it comes to implementation and use. For example, despite growing interest in the use of AR, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, less than 10% of schools report having these tools in their classrooms, according to Project Tomorrow. Additional concerns include excessive screen time, teachers' effectiveness in using technology, and technology equity issues.

The issue of content emerges prominently from the COVID-19 crisis. Educators need to be able to develop and provide feedback on online educational content, especially to encourage students to consider a topic from different perspectives. The urgent actions taken during this crisis did not allow enough time for this. Access is an additional concern; for example, not all school districts have the resources to provide students with a laptop, and Internet connectivity can be unreliable in homes.

Additionally, while some students thrive in online learning environments, others are left behind by a variety of factors, including supportive resources. For example, a student who has already struggled in face-to-face environments may struggle even more in the current situation. These students may have had resources they no longer have at home.

Still, most students tend to show confidence in using online education when they have the resources, as studies suggest. However, online education can pose challenges for teachers, especially in places where it has not been the norm.

Despite the challenges and concerns, it is important to consider the benefits of technology in education, including increased collaboration and communication, better quality of education, and engaging lessons that help to stimulate imagination and the pursuit of knowledge in students.

The benefits of technology in education

Teachers want to improve student achievement, and technology can help them achieve that goal. To mitigate the challenges, administrators must help teachers gain the skills needed to enhance student learning through technology. In addition, technology in the classroom should make teachers' jobs easier without adding extra time to their day.

Technology provides students with easily accessible information, accelerated learning, and fun opportunities to practice what they've learned. It allows students to explore new topics and deepen their understanding of difficult concepts, particularly in STEM. Through the use of technology inside and outside the classroom, students can acquire the 21st century technical skills needed for future occupations.

Still, children learn more effectively with direction. The World Economic Forum reports that while technology can help young learners learn and gain knowledge through play, for example, evidence suggests that learning is more effective with adult guidance, such as a teacher.

Leaders and administrators need to take stock of where their teachers are in terms of their understanding of online spaces. Based on lessons learned during this troubled period, they can implement solutions now for the future. For example, administrators can give faculty a week or two to think carefully about how to deliver courses that were previously offline. In addition to exploring solutions, flexibility during these difficult times is of utmost importance.

Below are examples of the importance of technology in education and the benefits it offers to students and teachers.

Greater collaboration and communication

Educational technology can promote collaboration. Teachers can not only interact with students during lessons, but students can also communicate with each other. Through online classes and learning games, students can work together to solve problems. In collaborative activities, students can share their thoughts and ideas and support each other. At the same time, technology allows for one-on-one interaction with teachers. Students can ask classroom-related questions and seek additional help on difficult-to-understand topics. At home, students can upload their homework and teachers can access and view completed assignments using their laptops.

Personalized learning opportunities

Technology allows 24/7 access to educational resources. Classes can be conducted completely online through the use of a laptop or mobile device. Blended learning versions combine using technology from anywhere with regular face-to-face classroom sessions. In both scenarios, it is possible to use technology to adapt learning plans to each student. Teachers can create lessons based on students' interests and strengths. An added benefit is that students can learn at their own pace. When they need to review lesson material to better understand essential concepts, students can review lesson plan videos. The data generated through these online activities allows teachers to see which students struggled in certain subjects and offer additional assistance and support.

Curiosity driven by engaging content

Through engaging and educational content, teachers can spark children's curiosity and increase their curiosity, which research shows is linked to academic success. Curiosity helps students better understand math and reading concepts. Creating engaging content can involve using AR, videos or podcasts. For example, when submitting assignments, students can upload videos or interact with students around the world.

Increased teacher productivity and efficiency

Teachers can leverage technology to reach new levels of productivity, implement helpful digital tools to expand student learning opportunities, and increase student support and engagement. It also allows teachers to improve their teaching methods and personalize learning. Schools can benefit from technology by reducing the cost of physical learning materials, improving the efficiency of the educational program, and making the most of teacher time.

Become a leader in enriching classrooms through technology

Educators who are unfamiliar with some of the technologies used in education may not have been exposed to the tools while preparing for their careers or as part of their professional development. Teachers looking to make the transition and gain skills to incorporate technology into education can take advantage of learning opportunities to enhance their skills. For people looking to help transform the education system through technology,American University School of Online Educationoffers a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Master of Education Policy and Leadership to prepare educators with the essential tools to become leaders. Courses such as the Education and Policy Implementation Program and Teaching Science in Elementary Education equip undergraduates with skills critical to effectively incorporating technology into educational environments.

learn more aboutAmerican University School of Online Educationand its master's programs.