Benefits and challenges of technology in education
Technology has become an increasingly prominent presence in the educational scene, transforming the way students and teachers interact with the learning process. As society moves toward a digital age, the integration of devices, applications, and technology resources into education and teaching environments has proven to be a crucial strategy.
However, many schools are still tied to a traditional teaching methodology, based on the transmission of content that is not very interactive.
With this, we invite you to analyze with us how technological innovations are shaping teaching and opening new possibilities for educational development. In addition, we will examine the challenges and opportunities that this technological revolution brings with it, in order to deepen our understanding of the role of technology in the educational context of the 21st century.
The use of new technologies in education
This topic is completely connected to Education 4.0, an approach that modifies the way that educational institutions connect technology to their most diverse operations. With this, let's talk about the main ways of inserting technology into education:
Adoption of digital devices in classrooms
The implementation of devices such as tablets and laptops in classrooms, for example, allows quick access to online educational information and resources. In addition, with the hybrid class or 100% distance education model gaining more and more space, it is not possible to discuss the optimizations offered by education 4.0, not to mention that distance learning platforms and specialized educational software have provided new ways to personalize learning, meeting the individual needs of students.
Virtual reality and artificial intelligence
Virtual and augmented reality are also becoming valuable tools in the educational field. They provide immersive experiences that transcend the limitations of traditional teaching, allowing students to explore virtual environments and interact with content in innovative ways.
Artificial intelligence, in turn, plays a crucial role in analyzing educational data, offering insights into student performance and helping educators personalize their teaching methods. Adaptive algorithms can adjust the pace and level of difficulty based on each student's individual progress, promoting more effective learning.
Cloud document storage
Exams, bulletins, papers that need to be filed, school transcript, pedagogical analysis, enrollment, administrative documents... all these documents are directly related to the period in which a student is attached to an educational institution. Can you imagine the amount of papers accumulated to organize the files of all classes?
The technology comes in here as a way to optimize the daily life of the backoffice and administration team, generating efficiency and eliminating paperwork. With cloud document storage tools, it is possible to find any file in a few clicks, and even save resources that would be spent on paper and printing.
Digital signature
Schools also need to facilitate the way in which students are enrolled. With digital document signing tools, contracts are completed and signed electronically, from anywhere where parents of students can access the internet. This can even be done through the smartphone through the WhatsApp messaging application.
It is a fully technological and accessible solution to meet a practical challenge in the routine of school administration, eliminating the red tape of the coming and going of physical contracts and the delay in signing them.
Gamification
Gamification (a method that uses the concept of a game, such as design, strategies, and even technological resources) in education has proven to be an effective strategy for engaging students. By incorporating game elements into the learning process, it is possible to make classes more interactive and motivating.
Data from IJCS show, by way of example, that the use of gamification as an active teaching methodology can improve engagement and academic results by 45.45%. When combined with reading, this percentage can reach 60.67%.
The new generation and technologies
The new generation, called Generation Z, is characterized by its deep intertwining with digital technologies from a very early age. Born from the mid-1990s to the beginning of the 2010s, these young people grew up in a world where the internet, mobile devices, and digital platforms were already an integral part of their lives. This continuous interaction with technology shaped their perspectives, behaviors, and approaches in relation to learning, communication, and social interaction.
Because of this, the new generation values online learning and seeks personalized educational experiences, in addition to developing advanced technological skills in a natural way.
These skills are often applied in educational and professional settings, in order to adapt quickly to new tools and technologies, such as distance learning platforms, online tutorials, and digital resources, used to complement or replace traditional teaching methods.
Advantages of new technologies in education
As we will see below, the integration of technology in education brings with it a series of benefits that transcend classrooms, positively influencing school management and the interaction between all those involved in the educational process.
Technology in education improves the quality of teaching
Implementing technology in your school will transform the daily teaching routine into a true learning experience. After all, virtual classrooms, video, augmented reality, robots, and other technological tools can not only make classes more lively, but also create more inclusive learning environments that promote collaboration and curiosity and allow teachers to collect data on student performance.
96% of teachers believe that technology has a positive impact on children's participation and learning in classes. More than that, 56% of respondents believe that the use of technology makes students visibly more engaged and 53% said that it makes their classrooms more vibrant and fun.
Optimizes school management
From the administration of enrollment and attendance to the monitoring of performance and evaluations, the use of software and other technological tools simplifies administrative tasks, allowing the management team to direct their efforts towards more effective educational strategies. This results in a more efficient and learning-focused school.
It makes it easy to monitor the evolution of classes, students and teachers
The technology provides detailed tracking of academic progress for both students and teachers. Educational platforms can monitor student performance in real time, identifying areas of difficulty and providing valuable insights to personalize the teaching approach. In the same way, educators can access analyses about the impact of their methodologies, facilitating the constant improvement of the teaching process.
In addition, the technology allows the creation of virtual learning environments, allowing students to access educational resources anywhere and at any time. This promotes continuous learning beyond the classroom walls, stimulating autonomy and responsibility for one's own studies.
Improves communication with management
Effective communication is essential for the proper functioning of an educational institution. In this scenario, technology facilitates the rapid and transparent exchange of information between teachers, students, parents, and the administrative team. Online communication platforms, such as apps and emails, provide a direct channel for sharing news, school events, announcements, and even individual student progress.
This improvement in communication not only strengthens the partnership between the school and the community, but it also promotes a more collaborative and participatory environment.
Challenges of technology in education
Despite the obvious benefits, the transition to a more technological educational model is not without challenges. We'll cover some of them:
Adaptation of the teaching staff
The incorporation of technology into education requires significant adaptation on the part of the faculty. After all, teachers need to develop new digital skills, understand the available tools, and effectively integrate them into the teaching process. Thus, continuing education becomes crucial to ensure that educators are up to date and confident when using the latest innovations in the classroom.
In addition, it is essential to cultivate a mindset open to change among teachers. The willingness to try new pedagogical approaches and explore the possibilities offered by technology contributes to a dynamic and enriching educational environment. Collaboration between colleagues, sharing experiences and best practices, also plays a fundamental role in the successful adaptation of the faculty.
Adaptation of the school's methodologies
The introduction of technologies in education also requires a review and adaptation of the school's methodologies. Traditional pedagogical practices may need to be adjusted to incorporate more interactive and personalized approaches, and flexibility in the curricular structure and the creation of more dynamic learning spaces become imperative.
In addition, school managers play a crucial role in defining policies that support the effective integration of technology. This includes the allocation of adequate resources for the acquisition of equipment, teacher training, and the maintenance of technological infrastructure.
Adapting the school's methodologies also involves rethinking the assessment of student performance. With technology, it is possible to explore more comprehensive and formative methods, which go beyond traditional written assessments. The implementation of practical projects, online assessments, and personalized feedback are some of the opportunities that arise in this new educational scenario.
Technology in education can be a differentiator for your school
We know that not all schools have integrated technology into education. This tends to be a gradual and often slow process. However, this need and urgency has become ever greater.
According to Claro Institute, the most advanced schools in terms of education and with the highest scores in the ENEM have been using technology for some time. By the way, these are the most popular schools, as they offer quality and, at the same time, innovative education, achieving significant recognition of their brand and, thus, increasing the number of enrollments.
Thus, in addition to improving the student experience, technology is, in fact, a competitive differential for your school to stand out in an increasingly demanding, volatile and uncertain educational market.
Yes, we are facing an educational revolution driven by technology, and it is essential that schools and educators are prepared to embrace the opportunities it offers. After all, the search for knowledge in the 21st century is intrinsically linked to the mastery of the technological tools that shape our contemporary world.
Don't get left behind! Learn more about educational trends in our e-book”Education 2024: trends, challenges and paths for the future”.
