Education has witnessed a significant transition post the Covid-19 pandemic. Schools and colleges were forced to shut down, and around 1.2 billion children were out of school. The significance of technology in education doubled, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, technology in education is not new and cannot be completely attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic. As per reports, global Edtech investments reached $18.66 billion in 2019, and the overall market is expected to reach $350 billion by 2025. Furthermore, the increase in the number of language apps, virtual tutoring, and video conferencing tools has been on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic.
This has made it necessary to assess and evaluate the importance of technology in education. While there are no specific tools to evaluate technology in education,
Let’s Dig Into Some Facts to Understand Why We Need to Evaluate the Same.
1. Challenges with Implementations
Success stories of technology in education have been all over, with major companies focussing on investing in the field. Technology has also been linked to several approaches that can lead to better learning outcomes, such as personalised learning, differentiation, and a student-centred approach. The challenge lies in implementing the same in schools, colleges and universities. As of now, all educational institutions have not been able to implement things well, and there have been mixed outcomes.
It is one of the major reasons there is a need to evaluate technology in education. This explains why there’s little evidence of technology adoptions that made an impact. There has been a significant increase in research to understand how school teachers and leaders can use technology for better output.
2. Students’ Perspective
Education is not only about teachers; the students must also be in line with the changes. Students have a different approach towards technology and are well-equipped with technology. But if technology has to be implemented, it is essential to take into account a lot of things. Specially- abled students must have an understanding of the aspects and be able to use the same.
Visually impaired students must be able to use the tools and learn things well. Evaluating technology is essential to understand if it is easy for all students. The companies developing the tools must investigate the various needs of students and include what’s needed to make it effective.
3. Intrinsic Motivation
Education tools offer the chance to learn a subject as well. Students have the option of answering questions and getting rewarded with points For admission essay writing service While it motivates one to learn and develops a sense of healthy competition, you also need to understand if the progress is meaningful for students. Evaluating the tools is necessary, and asking these questions will help:
- Who sets the goals?
- Who guides students to set measurable and achievable goals?
- Is there an option for seeing status updates?
- How do students perceive the rewards? Do they act as a motivator for students?
External rewards might do the trick, but learning needs to be the most important factor. So, while developing such apps, one must evaluate both intrinsic and extrinsic factors and understand the key factors that can motivate students to learn.
4. Zone of Proximal Development
Education is about understanding the lessons properly. Students struggling to answer questions are unable to gain the necessary understanding of the lessons. The zone of proximal development allows proper interaction between teachers and students and helps students understand lessons properly. Edtech has allowed students to learn things without bothering their teachers. But the tools can only share a common idea about the subject without any in-depth understanding.
It is a major point of concern and is one of the significant reasons to evaluate technology in education. If students are downloading and using an app that has skilled guide features, they must also understand if it implements ZPD. It is high time companies start taking ZPD seriously and implement features that help students better understand the subject and concepts.
5. The Teaching Experience
Technology has brought in a lot of elements and has revolutionised education but if technology can take things forward independently remains a question. Artificial Intelligence and several other technical elements can help students get answers to all the questions, but that cannot be a substitute for teachers.
Technology will not help students evaluate themselves and understand if they are ready for the next level. Teachers used to assess students and evaluate them based on their performance throughout the year. Edtech has a bright future but if it can be the most effective medium of education needs to be evaluated.
Teachers must also take the initiative to understand the technology and use it well to educate students. The initial problem with adapting to technology has faded with time, and teachers are using it to ease their work. But how far the various programs and software can help in the process and help teachers better explain the lessons needs proper evaluation.
Summing Up
Technology has changed the perspective towards education. It has ushered in a new era of education. Students and teachers have found it easy to communicate and be on track with the lessons. But the advancement in technology does not mean there’s no need for evaluation. If technology can solve all academic problems needs to be understood. There are various instances where technology has not been the best alternative to classroom teaching. Nevertheless, students and teachers look for the best solutions, and technology can pave the way for the same. Hence, it is necessary to look into the various aspects and evaluate and upgrade technology for a better future.
Author Bio: Diana Rosell is one of the Finance Case Study experts associated with MyAssignmenthelp.com. He is well-known among students for answering their queries and sharing flawless solutions. Apart from this, he likes watching movies and is a big fan of psychological thrillers.
