Why technology is essential in education – Technology in current education has become a pillar for continuity and excellence in the holistic training of different generations. Its importance became more visible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and today many are already noticing its benefits.
On this occasion, we will tell you more about technology’s role in the educational framework and its main benefits.
Before, we leave you a video that explains how technology helps to develop effective learning methodologies such as Blended Learning:
The role of technology in education today and in the future
Technology in current education has become a facilitator of changes, especially those promoted by the health situation.
With your contribution, we can develop distance learning and competently prepare new generations to take on the challenges of the present and future.
The technology works as a means and an end for holistic and quality learning for the new generations.
Today we can say that technology has served us as a means and as an end, in the learning of different knowledge (mathematics and language, for example) and in the appropriation of ICT, which are and will be essential to become productive and valuable in modern society.
Likewise, with the implementation of technology in education, we help digital natives to be more stimulated by their training process and delve into innovation, entrepreneurship and technological skills, which are crucial to facing future challenges.
What benefits does technology bring to education?
What are the most important benefits of technology in education?
1. It allows the development of new teaching methods
With the use of technology, teaching models have been implemented that improve the quality of student life and are more advantageous for parents and guardians. For example, disruptive methods such as project learning.
The pandemic revealed the benefits of technology for education under effective methodologies such as collaborative work and project-based learning.
This method is most valued in preparing students to face current and future challenges. It is based on solving problems following a scientific route, stimulating fundamental skills such as creativity and the ability to investigate.
Of course, in project-based learning, as in other teaching models, technology is an essential element for research activity and access to learning materials and the virtual classroom (for the virtual or hybrid modality )…
2. Access to alternative teaching materials
As we mentioned, the technology works as a means of access to knowledge and using alternative teaching materials that are more attractive and enriching. While ICT skills are improved, students strengthen their interdisciplinary ability.
3. Teamwork is encouraged
Teamwork through technology is fostered through the mediation of platforms that open up more versatile communication channels. For example, webchats and video conferencing applications.
These ICT tools have been protagonists in education in times of pandemic and, since before this, for virtual and distance education modalities. Communication and collaboration between classmates, teachers and tutors are achieved through it.
Additionally, ICTs are effective and practical for exchanging ideas, materials and the presentation of group work, with the use of forums, meeting rooms, comment spaces and more.
4. Flexibility and adaptability
Through technology, flexible education models are implemented that adjust to the current needs of students and families.
For example, the possibility of connecting and developing their activities in digital media facilitates quality of life. At the same time, it strengthens good habits in students, such as self-discipline, autonomy and time management.
Through technology, flexible education models are implemented that adjust to the current needs of students and families.
For example, the possibility of connecting and developing their activities in digital media facilitates quality of life. At the same time, it strengthens good habits in students, such as self-discipline, autonomy and time management.
5.- Develop critical thinking
With all the information we can access from sources like the web, we can teach our students to think more critically.
In turn, with the use of technology, basic activities are developed for the development of critical thinking, such as:
- Simulation of real-life situations to identify problems and solve them.
- Evaluate the information and use it to solve problems.
- Recognize relevant criteria and create your own.
- Communicate effectively with others for an exchange of ideas.
6.- Streamlines and improves communication
Communication through technological solutions is participatory, agile and effective. Through these, it is possible to share information, ideas and data, both in writing and verbally—all with intuitive and easy tools to get the most out of.
In turn, these technological solutions allow you to attach documents and share presentations, materials, audio, and all the formats necessary to optimize communication.
7.- Prepare students for the future
It is undeniable that technology constitutes an essential base in world development. Regardless of the path the student chooses for his future, he will always be involved with the use of technology.
From the same access to education to the execution of daily activities, they are related to technology. Therefore, it is necessary to choose educational programs in which technology is part of the process.
