Role of technology in education

Technology has transformed life in many ways. Education is one of the many aspects of life that has been transformed by technology. Technology has changed the way students learn, interact with each other, and how they interact with their teachers. The 21st-century learners have grown with access to much technology and advanced gadgets including tablets and laptops. This has impacted the way they learn.
Technology has the potential to improve learning experiences if utilized in the right way. This article outlines the possibilities of technology in education and how technology is revolutionizing education.
Benefits of technology in education
Technology has many benefits in education from the way students learn to how they interact among themselves and with their teachers. The following are the benefits of technology in education:
i) Easier access to information
With the invention of the internet and the availability of gadgets, students can access information wherever they are. They can search for information on Google and other search engines like Yahoo and Bing. This has been made better by the availability of internet connection at affordable prices. Students can access educational blog posts, eBooks, and other learning materials online.
ii) Improve the learning experience
Learning from anywhere has improved students’ learning experience. Students have access to online games for education, video lectures, and online quizzes. This has provided a positive shift from the traditional classroom experience.
iii) Better communication
Technology has improved communication between students and teachers. Through various communication channels like Whatsapp and Telegram, students and teachers can share assignments and other relevant information.
iv) Digitization of records
Student registers, exam records, and other school records have gone paperless thanks to various technologies including Microsoft excel. This has saved resources and led to the effective presentation of information.
Ways in which technology is being used in education
i) E-learning platforms
Several websites and mobile applications are offering online courses in almost every field. There are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), Nano-degrees, and online degree programs that are being offered online. Some of these programs are on-demand while others have timelines for enrollment. Using a computer, smartphones, and tablets, students can access learning anywhere, at any time, and their own pace.
ii) PowerPoint
The use of PowerPoint presentations in class has enabled students to acquire information in different formats including visual representation, videos, and graphs. This is an improvement from the blackboard presentation. PowerPoint presentation has improved learning outcomes among students.
iii) Online groups
Students and teachers usually create online groups using WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook, among others. Through these groups, students and teachers can share assignments and alert each other on various school developments.
iv) Online games
Various online games improve students` ability to type, code, and perform other academic activities. Most of these games are available on free mobile applications and websites. Others are available through computer-installed software.
v) Virtual reality
Virtual reality has created various virtual learning experiences. By wearing VR goggles, students can experience virtual experiences including virtual classrooms, and virtual discussion groups. VR is an emerging technology that will revolutionize education in a big way.
Technology plays a very important role in transforming education. However, it is not meant to replace traditional learning with virtual learning. Technology is here to complement traditional learning by introducing different learning experiences. Traditional classroom learning is here to stay but technology will complement it.