How is technology changing the educational landscape?

The impact that educational technologies (EdTech) are having on the way we educate and learn is immense, from widening access to learners with additional needs, to personalised lesson planning and taking teaching online.

On the flipside, however, in-person learning plays an important role in developing young people’s social skills and critical thinking. So, what are the pros and cons of technology in the classroom and does it affect more than just the way we learn?

What is EdTech?

In recent years most classrooms have acquired at least some form of EdTech, making learning more accessible, engaging and effective. EdTech tools include:

• Hardware like laptops, interactive whiteboards and webcams that provide access to a wider range of resources and create interactive environments that are more engaging for a wider range of learners
• Online learning platforms and apps, including learning management systems (LMS) like BlackBoard, are increasing automation of the assessment process and helping educators and learners alike to manage their lesson plans, coursework and assignments
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are helping educators to provide personalised learning experiences. They can also help with grading and assessments that can shape the direction of future learning.
• Augmented reality technologies provide immersive learning experiences that can make complex subjects easier to understand and can engage students who may have additional educational needs
• Adaptive learning systems are great for adjusting the difficulty of tasks to suit individual learners’ performance, providing more personalised learning experiences
• High speed connectivity and 5G networks also contribute to EdTech and can extend the reach of learning to remote and underserved areas.

Enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes

Digital tools and methodologies are enhancing the learning process and supporting better access to education.

• Educators are creating more engaging learning materials in a range of formats, and students with different learning styles, additional needs and disabilities are benefiting from assistive technologies such as screen readers, subtitles and text-speech software 
• Adaptive learning technologies can also tailor educational experiences so that different learning styles and paces are accommodated and each learner can advance at their own pace
• Interactive and multimedia resources, such as virtual reality, podcasts and quizzes can make learning more engaging and fun. This is particularly important for learners who might struggle to engage with information through traditional teaching methods
• Using online platforms and shared resources transforms the amount of information available to students and supports interactive and collaborative learning, so students can work in teams with peers, regardless of their location
• AI-driven tools can provide instant feedback on assignments and assessments, helping students understand their mistakes and learn more effectively
• Online resources, tutor groups and forums can also enhance inclusivity and student learning and provide additional support for students who would otherwise struggle to access it.

Potential drawbacks of the digital classroom

While the benefits of EdTech and AI tools are clear in supporting better student performance and assessment, there are concerns that an over-reliance on the use of technology can create issues for students and perpetuate inequalities in access to education. Educators and curriculum planners need to be mindful of how EdTech is integrated into the classroom to meet student needs. Some potential drawbacks are:

Data breaches 

Collecting and storing student data can create issues for cybersecurity with the misuse of personal information and data breaches.

Biases and inequity 

AI systems can unwittingly perpetuate biases that exist in training data, leading to unfair treatment of certain groups of students that can exacerbate any existing disparities.

Accessibility issues

Although digital learning can create new opportunities for some groups of students, it can create a barrier for others who do not have the capability, or access to digital hardware and software, or have problems with remote connectivity.

Over-reliance on technology

Excessive use of digital tools and remote learning in the education sector can reduce face-to-face interactions that are vital for the development of social skills and can help to sustain mental health and wellbeing. The impact of technology and AI tools in particular has the potential to lead to lack of critical thinking among students and young adults.

Digital skills for a digital world

Integrating technological advancements into education and career development makes learning more dynamic, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of the modern world. Here are a few examples:

• Students develop digital skills that are essential in most modern workplaces, including using software, online research tools and digital communication methods
• Early exposure to coding, data analysis and digital design can prepare learners for careers in tech-driven fields where they can put their learning into practice
• Although it can seem counterintuitive, digital tools often help students develop problem solving and critical thinking skills which are highly sought-after in the real-world
• With the fast pace of change in tech and software developments, students learn to be adaptable and open to learning new systems and ways of working
• Collaboration and communication are made easier with online videoing software that has become an integral part of most workplaces. 

Supporting career development

Early exposure to digital and immersive technologies is helping students to develop digital literacy, teamwork and problem-solving skills that are vital in the 21st century workplace. It is also supporting career development directly by:

• Providing access to online courses in Further and Higher Education, allowing individuals to continuously update their skills and stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market
• Matching job seekers with opportunities that best fit their skills and career goals, using AI tools to make the job search process more efficient
• Enabling more remote working, providing flexibility and expanding job opportunities beyond location
• Helping individuals connect with industry professionals, find mentors, and discover job opportunities
• Providing AI-driven career counselling tools that can give personalised advice based on an individual’s skills, interests, and market trends.

Continuing online education

The integration of technology into learning environments is providing new opportunities for individuals to learn at their own pace and in an environment that suits them and their circumstances.

Educational resources, provided in English and other languages, can be tailored to individual student needs and are helping to make the education system accessible to more individuals in countries around the world.

The flexibility that online education provides is also supporting more flexible learning opportunities that give individuals, at any stage of their career, new opportunities to access professional development courses and degrees that can set them on a new career path.