Education and technology are symbiotic. Research and development in STEM conducted at some of the world’s greatest universities (Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Harvard, etc.) and by some of the most brilliant university scholars have transformed society outright. Computers, the Internet, electronic communications technologies, software systems—these are some amazing tech advancements that have now become integral and indispensable across all socio-economic strata and processes. Given the intricate, intertwined relationship between them, the drastic impact of technology in modern education was inevitable.
But how exactly has technology affected modern education? Is tech changing and elevating earning experiences, or has it made the learning curve steeper? What technologies have had the most impact? And how do up-and-coming technologies figure in the future of global academia?
This article from MyAssignmentHelp, one of the most trusted academic writing & business assignment help services, explores.
The Technologies That Are Enhancing Learning Experiences
Computers, the Internet, online databases, lecture videos, MOOCs, IDEs, EdTech applications, AR/VR/XR—the list of technologies employed in modern education is long. They have made learning more immersive, intuitive, and exciting for students. Teachers are using tech to improve, simplify, and streamline teaching, as technology acts as a bridge that helps teachers and students understand each other better.
The rise and proliferation of AI and data science & analytics was a watershed moment in human history. Some of the most iconic minds in existence (READ: Alan Turing, John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Larry Roberts), with support from governments & premier universities (READ: University of Cambridge, MIT, Harvard), were behind all the research, brainstorming, design, & development, eventually culminating into the rapid rise & implementation of machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision. AI, today, assists professors across Cambridge, MIT, etc., to train the next generation of computer & AI engineers.
Let’s take a close look at the myriad tech platforms that both tutors & learners have embraced thoroughly.
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
Despite the seemingly daunting gap, schools and colleges in developed & fast developing economies have embraced AI substantially. Some of the biggest ways AI is used in classroom & non-traditional learning are à
Adaptive Learning
AI has made tutoring approaches and learning curricula more flexible and personalized. Teachers and higher authorities now use AI systems to assess cognitive abilities, skill levels, level of reception, acquired proficiency, etc., using student feedback, assignments, and the like to create customized learning paths and guided learning experiences.
Check out Carnegie Learning’s MATHia, an AI-powered application that can provide 1-on-1 guidance with mathematics.
Assistive Tech
Artificial learning systems are making education more accessible for students with disabilities. Marvelous advancements in computer vision and natural language processing are helping visually handicapped learners overcome their disabilities with ease. Powerful assistive techs in education work together to create a more inclusive learning environment.
Learning Analytics
Learning analytics employs data science & analytics to deliver valuable insights & make accurate predictions about student performance, learning approaches, course progress & the like.
Facilities & Overall Management
Managing resources becomes easier when you have AI and data analytics-powered systems by your side. Network access, library management, payroll, and attendance, database facilities for storing personal, assessment, and assignment performance details—all such facilities in nearly every major US school and university now use AI to improve performance efficiency and management.
Writing, Coding, & Laboratory Work
Generative AI assistants and data science-powered information systems are now supplementing the services of teaching and non-teaching staff in educational institutions across the US.
Augmented/Virtual/Mixed Reality
Extended reality has made education more immersive and exciting for learners. Be it in high schools or universities, teachers are using image processing techniques to help students grasp abstract and intricate concepts easily. Augmented and virtual reality enhance contextual understanding, make studies more engaging, help in sensory development, boost collaboration, and irk interest in what’s being taught.
Gamification
Gamification of learning is fast-trending in education systems worldwide. The benefits are immense, with results showing a boost in cognitive development, engagement level, collaboration, and competition. Concepts such as leveling up, leaderboards, rewards and unlocks, etc. make things more interesting for students.
Online Learning Platforms
MOOCs such as EdX, Coursera, Udacity, and Udemy are helping scores of pupils & professionals upskill at their convenience. Learners gain access to course programs and certifications from top-tier universities and some of the most brilliant minds from across the globe.
The above pointers highlight some of the biggest ways technology is elevating learning experiences & education across all levels. From providing access to vast information repositories to helping them solve math & coding problems, do research, etc., technology has made learning more fun, interesting & accessible than ever before.
However, as the saying goes, excess of anything is bad. The very benefits and convenience of tech can be misused in drastic ways if no ethical standards are established or enforced.
The Dark Side of Technology in Education
AI-generated content, contract cheating, over-dependency on technology, cyberbullying, addiction, lack of privacy, and the impact on mental & physical health – the list of potential negative consequences of tech in education is quite significant.
The use of ChatGPT for generating essays, codes, and answers is a prime example of students’ misuse of tech. With such a powerful AI providing guided access to literally every kind of information available, it is quite natural for students to overuse & misuse the platform. The result – is diminished critical thinking abilities, reduced creativity, low memory retention, disruptive learning experiences, and more prone to laziness, procrastination, & academic dishonesty.
The rise of academic services online is another oft-ignored problem plaguing students across countries. Thousands of students are using writing services to complete their academic tasks. While some services can help them bring in good grades, tackle tough topics, & manage tight deadlines, most dupe unsuspecting students, who end up losing money, learning nothing, and failing their assignments.
The integration of technology in modern education is truly a boon for students in the 21st century and beyond. However, at the end of the day, all technology is but a tool in the hands of man. How we use it depends solely upon ourselves. Proper discretion and guidance are absolutely essential to ensure ethical and progressive use throughout.
And that’s about it for this write-up. Hope this was an interesting read for one & all. Use tech to enhance your learning only when you think you need to. If you are looking for expert assistance with your assignment tasks, get top-quality assignment writing service Singapore from MyAssignmentHelp.
