Technology has brought about a lot of development in many areas of life and is also changing how we live, work, and most importantly learn.
The impact of technology in education cannot be overrated because, with the help of educational technology (EdTech) which is fast developing, students can confidently learn from home ( homeschool) and not miss out on anything. It has also greatly helped teachers and lecturers engage their students dynamically. With learning apps like Duolingo, Coursera, Grammarly, Udemy etc learning has become easier, especially for courses like Coding, Physics, Literature, etc.
The COVID-19 pandemic elevated the importance of technology in education and even to the world as a whole. With applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, Zoom, Google Meet etc classes and meetings could be held.
In this article, we’ll be diving into the advantages of technology and how it has changed the education game. Let’s go!
Advantages of Technology in Education
1. Technology offers limitless access to knowledge and information
It’s impossible to talk about the advantages of technology in education without first mentioning the vast access to the information the internet provides. What makes it even more beneficial is that information is more accessible for all, providing a vast amount of information right in your comfort zone. Gone are the days when learning was limited to the school library or the availability of textbooks. Right now, you can study online, thanks to technology.
For example, if you’re asked to research the atomic structure of Oxygen, your lecture notes or textbooks can only offer you limited information about it. However, by searching online, you get access to a wealth of resources, ranging from scientific journals and research papers to YouTube videos. The benefits of study apps like Coursera, EdX, Udemy, Allison, Khan Academy, cannot be overemphasized as they allow you to find answers and learn from experts about any topic.
This always-on access means learning doesn’t have to stop when classes end. You can watch YouTube tutorials on subjects you’re struggling with, listen to educational podcasts, and read articles to fully understand a topic or subject.
However, this advantage has made a lot of students lazy, unproductive and over-dependent on them. Most students are lazy and the accessibility of vast amounts of information provided to them has made them abuse this privilege. Hence before we go into the other advantages of technology, let us look at some effective tips to help you study online effectively.
How to Study Online Effectively
In this time and era, studying online has become a possible option for students and the world as a whole. With busy schedules and limited access to physical classrooms, online learning offers flexibility and convenience. amongst others. Let’s examine 6 ways you can study online effectively without distractions.
- Create a conducive learning environment: One way you can study online effectively is to create a designated study space with minimal distractions and noise. It could be in your room or anywhere as long as there’s no noise and distractions. Develop a routine or schedule, set goals for each study session and always aim to achieve them. You can learn more about this in our article detailing 7 ways to create a conducive environment as a student.
- Be organised and focused: Make use of tools like calendars, to-do lists and notepads to keep track of assignments. If you are studying online with your phone or laptop, block or freeze apps such as TikTok, Instagram, games and the likes that are likely to distract you. To do this, you need to learn effective time management skills, where you stick to doing one thing at a time and not wasting time on social media.
- Figure out what time of the day your brain is most active: If your brain is more active in the morning, wake up early and read. If your brain is more active at night, ensure you study at night. Leverage on your most active hours of the day to study.
- Use the Pomodoro technique: When you are studying online, the Pomodoro technique can be very helpful. It is a time management method that encourages focused study or work sessions with regular breaks to boost productivity and most importantly reduce burnout. For example, You could pick a book and set a timer for 25 mins. Once the timer goes off take a short break (5 minutes max.). Each 25 minutes of your tasks is called a Pomodoro. Repeat the cycle and you can increase your break if you want.
- Avoid Multitasking: Multitasking is the ability to perform more than one task at a time or switch between tasks. You might think you’re multi-tasking but you’re not. Each time you multitask, it takes you about 3-5 minutes to regain focus. Therefore, it is best to focus on one thing at a time. In other words, don’t be on social media chatting when you’re attending a class or studying online. At that moment, you are already distracted.
2. It makes learning fun and easy to understand
You would agree that not all subjects or courses are fun and easy to learn. Sometimes staring at your textbooks or lecture notes for hours can be boring and overwhelming. Another advantage of technology is that it integrates fun into education. From educational games to simulations and apps, boring concepts come to life in ways that were not possible.
With apps like Duolingo, and others, learning is simplified because of its techniques and tactics when it comes to teaching its students. It also allows students to learn various languages such as Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and others which helps students broaden their knowledge in their academics. When learning feels like play, staying motivated and engaged is easier.
3. It allows you to learn at your own pace
In the traditional classroom, the speed of learning is usually determined by the teacher or the class schedule. Not everyone learns at the same pace. Some learn very fast and grasp things faster, while some learn very slowly and grasp things slowly. This is not the case with tech.
Technology makes it possible to study online at your own pace. Through personalised learning apps like Coursera, Udemy, Allison, etc, you can study online more effectively.
If you can understand a topic right away, you can move on to the next topic. If you need more time, you can always pause, rewind, and reiterate until you fully understand it. This is something the traditional classroom can’t offer. Technology has helped to provide a world of copious possibilities and the fact that this is embedded in the minds of young students helps them to be creative and to think outside the box.
4. Tech increases efficiency and productivity
One of the advantages of technology in education is that it has significantly improved efficiency and productivity for students, teachers and lecturers by simplifying tasks and complex activities. Students can now access resources quickly, while teachers and lecturers benefit from digital tools and automation such as Google Classroom for online classes, gradescope for grading exams and tests, Kahoot for creating quizzes etc.
However, the misuse of tech, especially AI, has raised concerns, particularly with plagiarism. This excessive dependence on technology can lead to reduced critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students may rely on digital tools or AI to complete tasks rather than engage with the material.
Over-reliance on these tools could hinder students’ ability to get used to real-life challenges that require critical thinking and creativity. To reduce these risks, it is very important to encourage responsible use of technology, focus on digital literacy and encourage critical thinking. When technology is used effectively, technology can improve learning while still promoting personal development skills.
5. Technology has made collaboration and teamwork easier
Another advantage of technology in education is that it opens up the chance for people from different parts of the world to collaborate. It helps them share ideas, and perspectives and grow meaningful relationships which could aid in broadening their knowledge nationally and internationally.
Technology has helped students with inferior complexes to overcome them. If technology is not managed well, it could expose students to unhealthy relationships and conversations they are not supposed to engage in. This could in turn inculcate vices which aren’t accepted by society.
6. Technology allows you to get immediate feedback on your tests or assignments
One of the frustrating parts of traditional schooling is waiting days, weeks or even months to receive feedback on your work. Technology speeds up this process, providing instant feedback that helps you learn from your mistakes quickly. With online quiz tools like Kahoot, and automated grading tools like Gradescope, etc, students can receive their results as soon as they finish an assignment or test.
This allows you to understand where you went wrong, correct yourself and reread or re-learn the lesson when it’s still fresh in your mind. For example, while studying online, you might take a maths quiz on Kahoot or Quizlet and instead of waiting for days to get your results to find out what you scored in your test or quiz, the results are delivered immediately after you click on the submit button. This feature is very important as it is a game changer in education, allowing you to adapt and improve very quickly. This makes learning more interactive.
7. Flexible Learning Environment
Conventionally, learning was limited to the classroom and school day and it often ended when the final bell rang, technology had broken down those walls. Gone are the days when students would go to the library to get information, especially because it takes a long time and sometimes the information it provides could be outdated.
With the evolution of education, you could learn anywhere either at home, on a family trip, etc. Online learning platforms such as Google Classroom allow teachers to post their assignments, notes and quizzes for students to access anytime. You no longer need to be physically present in class to learn, your classroom is mobile (everywhere you go just like MTN). During COVID-19, we could see the advantage of technology in education which is a flexible learning environment.
8. Technology has made education accessible to all
Tech has transformed education, making it more available for the disabled, less privileged and those who can’t afford education. Tools like screen readers, text to text-to-speech allow students with visual and auditory impairments to learn and study online effectively.
This has bridged the gap between students in third-world countries and education. Learning apps and platforms like Coursera, Allison, and Khan Academy offer free or affordable courses, providing access to quality education regardless of your location or financial status.
This access has enabled students residing in third-world countries to pursue the same educational opportunities as those in first-world countries. Technology has made education affordable. Online courses are less expensive than the conventional programs or courses. Some learning apps such as Coursera offer financial aid, enabling learners to upskill.
9. Real-world application
Another advantage of technology is that it integrates real-world applications into learning making it more practical for students. By using simulations and virtual environments, students can engage with the materials or notes. This allows learners to explore complex things in a more meaningful way beyond what the conventional classroom setting could offer.
For example, virtual laboratories for science students to perform experiments that are too hazardous in real life. These simulations give students a safe space to carry out experiments, test hypotheses, and observe results and it also helps them understand certain scientific principles and laws.
Apart from the science department, other career fields also benefit from EdTech real-world applications. Business students can simulate market trends or financial models, while engineering students can work with virtual prototypes. These interactive experiences enhance not only technical skills but also critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. By connecting abstract concepts to practical scenarios, EdTech helps students develop a deeper understanding of how their knowledge applies in the real world, better preparing them for future careers.
10. Technology enhances communication
Technology improves communication among students, teachers, and parents, encouraging a conducive and supporting learning environment. Tools such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc help everyone stay informed in the learning process. However, the excessive use of technology can create a distance between parents and children. When students rely excessively on digital communication, they may feel ignored or isolated and reluctant to share their feelings and thoughts, leading to depression and anxiety. It is very important to balance the use of technology with face to face interactions ensuring that relationships remain strong and open.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the advantages of technology in education are numerous, as technology has transformed education by making learning more accessible, engaging and personalised. Technology in education has come to stay and it will keep on advancing as it empowers students to take control of their learning, collaborate globally, and develop important skills for the future. However, we have to ensure that technology is effectively managed so as not to lose ourselves and not be overly dependent on technology.
If you would like to learn more about ways you can study online effectively as a student and use technology as an advantage, join our community here: GiftedBrain Community. We regularly share tips and content to help you in your learning journey.
If you’d like to study online, these are links to the online study tools listed in the article:
This article was written by a guest blog writer, Margaret Oshinaike.
