Educational Technology: How Tech Tools Are Changing the Way We Learn

There was a time when the cutting-edge of educational technology was the overhead projector and the “high-powered” graphing calculator. But times have changed and so has the technology, rendering those devices quite old-school.

Recent technological developments have revolutionized healthcare and corporate America. But how are these breakthroughs improving education and our professional futures?

Here are four ways technology is changing the way we learn.

eLearning and online courses

One of the more obvious examples of tech education is the creation of digital classrooms that are quickly making the necessity for physical classrooms a thing of the past. Today, more schools than ever are offering online degrees. And more professionals are harnessing the power of the web to amplify and sharpen their skills through things like MOOC courses and a plethora of free online learning opportunities. Not only does this cut down on expenses, but it provides learners with the opportunity to learn at their own pace--and with the flexibility to match their increasingly hectic schedules.

AI tutoring

No discussion on technology would be complete without referring to artificial intelligence (AI). Today, AI is driving one of the most exciting areas of tech development for education by improving one-on-one tutoring. How? Through adaptive learning. This technology enables the development of programs that respond to an individual’s needs in real-time. These programs can analyze a student’s strengths and weaknesses, and utilize the data to automatically create customized questions and study plans to address particular needs.

The U.S. Navy has already made use of this technology. Its AI-based tutoring system, much like a human tutor, monitors progress and provides personalized assessments. And the Navy is seeing great results, with those utilizing the digital tutor consistently testing higher than non-users.

Changing curriculum

The prevalence of technology in our personal lives and the workplace has created the need for a wide and growing skillset. This realization has driven nonprofits like Code.org to create computer science curriculums aimed at middle-schoolers that can be implemented at no cost, and tech businesses in Utah to teach kids how to Code. All around the country, we’re seeing an increased focus on teaching kids the right tech skills to meet the demands of a fast-changing workforce.

Active engagement

One of the most significant benefits of a more tech-centered education is the ability to improve student engagement. As anyone with a smartphone well-knows, technology has the power to capture and hold our attention. That same force can be used positively to improve student interactions.

In an educational sense, technology is giving students access to better representative models and simulations. And through the power of virtual reality students are able to witness planetary movements, examine weather formations, and explore geographic locations in a much more visual and interactive way than reading a textbook. Microsoft’s HoloLens is already revolutionizing STEM education and NASA training.

Not everyone learns the same way. Some are visual learners while others only understand by doing. In the past, it was very difficult for teachers and educators to meet the varying needs of every student. Large class sizes and diminishing resources were quickly rendering the task nearly impossible.

But thanks to today’s technology, these gaps are steadily being filled. Student-owned devices, educational programs, smart boards, and much more are helping students learn in the individualized ways that suit them best.

These tools are not only empowering teachers to help their students, but they're also giving professionals the upper hand when it comes to the job search or their on-the-job performance. The influx of new educational technology means a greater number of job opportunities are available for those with relevant skill sets. Network architects, developers, and engineers are all in growing demand.

Are you ready to take your tech skills to the next level in a new job you’ll love? Check out our ever-growing job board.