The Eight Best Uses of Technology in Education Nowadays

What are the best uses of technology in education today? Originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.

As technology has rooted its way into our day to day existence, education has been changed. Long gone are the times of thumbing through an Encyclopedia. With information at the tips of our fingers, learning is now boundless. Here are some ways in which technology could be used a boon to improve quality and standards of education:

1. Digital Simulations and Models

In traditional learning it is sometimes difficult for students to get a concept. Digital simulations and models can help students not only better understand various disciplines, but also get acquainted with the wonders of the modern world.

Plus, technology has also proved to be a helping hand for teachers who sometimes find it hard to explain certain things within the boundaries of a physical classroom. Tech-savvy teachers are able to prepare their lessons in a more strategical manner by including different types of text, activity models, and interactive controls for students.

2. Improved Communication

Communication is an essential part of any activity. And when it comes to education, ineffective communication is just not acceptable. Since technology has emerged, communication gaps have been bridged up and the flow of knowledge has been smoothened. Whether in a traditional or a virtual classroom, with online collaboration tools everyone can just form a community where teachers assign projects to their students in real-time and students may ask for clarifications, if any.

As a bonus, peers may easily interact with each other for their subject-relevant concerns too.

3. Advanced Research

Cloud storage has made research a lot easier for the students these days. Gone are the days when they had to go through piles of books to find a specific reference to improve their assignments and projects. With technology, research has been quite an effective tool.

Since a lot of time is saved during research, students are able to incorporate a lot of information and knowledge in their projects. Also, the acquisition of different solutions and results all over the world is now possible, which is likely the most obvious benefit a student gets in his life. All thanks to the giant search engine Google.

4. Effective Assessments

With the help of digital simulations and models, teachers are not only able to prepare lessons in an efficient manner, but also know the progress of their students.

There is software available with which teachers can give or receive assessments of their students in real-time. Such software is made to help teachers stay updated with all records, for instance, the number of learning assignments given, how much time students need to solve a problem, etc. It is a way of helping teachers know how much time a particular question requires from some students, and if they’re getting better; if not, what further efforts should be made for their improvement.

5. Learning at One’s Own Pace

Needless to say, self-paced learning is another big advantage that students enjoy with the emergence of technology in the education industry. When they opt to learn a specific concept and confronting any difficulty, there is no need to just skip it off. Although there are some quick learners who are capable of adapting quickly, there are some others who take considerable time to absorb an idea. Such students are blessed with the idea of technology being part of their learning; now they can easily pace up with their peers with the complete understanding of developed lessons and online curriculum that is exclusively designed for them.

6. Fun Learning

It is a fact that a student learns more when he practices. The use of technology has made things a lot more fun than ever. Students are getting engaged in so many learning tasks that improve their retention of new concepts.

Since the introduction of computers, tablets, and mobile phones, there has been a great scope of education applications that allow learners to learn various concepts in a playful manner. Moreover, they can access to live streaming videos online to better understand an idea, subject, or concept.

7. Online Groups Collaboration

The idea of group study has been improvised in the cyber world. Now, the students don’t need to get together physically; online collaboration platforms make things done. There, not only students can discuss and chat, but also share documents and notes. This practice turns out to be a great option if you are assigned a group project.

8. Open Education

In this technologically revolutionized world, there are numerous free options available from different prestigious universities. No matter where you are, you can simply access the internet through your device and look for your options. Since the world of internet is bound to provide you with the best of your search results and help your education needs, your grades don’t need to suffer anymore.

As far as we know, technology is here to stay and develop. There are more revolutions that are expected in the education by means of new emerging technology, so you need to be ready for every new update. The idea that “Education is for everyone” seems to be verified with technology’s involvement.

Contributed by Hritvik Gaur, CEO at Edten