The Evolving Educational Landscape: A Five (5) Year Technological Journey

After the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, the landscape of education underwent a dramatic shift, with technology emerging as a cornerstone. Technology was once perceived as mere “gadgets, devices, and instrument machines” but has now been transformed into tools integral to enhancing teaching, learning, and assessment processes.

An overview of the advancements of technology in Education is explained here. 

Technology in Teaching and Learning

Over the past five years, classrooms have transitioned from archaic/antiquated teaching methods to technologically enriched environments. Gone are the days of hornbooks (a way of tutoring where instructions have been placed on wooden boards); instead, interactive whiteboards, personal devices, digital textbooks (eBooks), and collaborative cloud-based tools have taken center stage. 

I believe three (3) concepts prove technological evolution: remote learning, adaptive learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). With the development of computers and the internet, remote learning – facilitated by video conferencing tools like Zoom and Blackboard, has blurred the lines between physical and virtual classrooms, enabling seamless collaboration and participation in the classroom. 

Photo showing students participating in Video conferencing by Deborah Testerman

AI Chatbots by Greater Learning

Concurrent with remote learning, teachers use adaptive learning methods to tailor learning experiences to meet the individual needs of each student. Additionally, the introduction of AI, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT/AI chatbots, aids both educators and learners in research and concept clarification.

Technology in Assessment

Assessment methodologies have also witnessed a paradigm shift, with traditional paper-and-pencil tests making way for e-marking/on-screen platforms and digital tools to streamline the evaluation process. Furthermore, the advent of virtual reality systems has revolutionized assessment by immersing students in real-world scenarios/simulations, enhancing conceptual understanding and appreciation that would have been impractical or impossible in the traditional classroom. These systems also enable adaptive testing, meaning that tutors can adjust assessments based on individual student performance, providing for more accurate evaluations.

 

Share your comments!!!!

Improvements in technology have both positive and negative implications, what are some negative implications of the advancement of technology in Education?