Technology has greatly impacted the way we do things—from how we shop for necessities to how we conduct business with people around the world. It’s no wonder that technology has altered education, too. In fact, here are ten ways that edtech has changed education.

Communication

Through email and text messages, teachers communicate with parents and students faster and easier. Teachers can send out homework reminders, progress reports, and assignments with the touch of a button. The increased level of communication helps parents stay informed about their children’s schooling, and students stay informed on what assignments are due.

Differentiated Instruction

Teachers need to figure out how to serve students on multiple levels of understanding. Differentiated instruction is difficult and time-consuming. However, it’s necessary to challenge advanced students and aid struggling ones. Edtech assists with differentiated instruction through software programs and mobile applications. Many of these programs have multiple levels to help cater to each student’s needs.

Classroom Inclusion

Speaking of serving each student, teachers must meet the needs of students with IEPs. When students with learning disabilities spend time in a mainstream class, teachers need to figure out how to include them in the lesson. How can they do this? Through technology. For example, if it’s difficult for students to listen to lectures, they can watch a video or play a learning game that can teach them the information. If a student has a hard time writing on their own, they can use technology to record their notes. Technology opens up a wide range of options for accommodations that teachers can utilize in their lessons.

Interactive Lessons

One of the best ways to prevent classroom management issues is through creating engaging activities. Technology unlocks a wide range of interactive possibilities. Tablets, laptops, and computers in the classroom are just the beginning. Higher education institutions also use robotics, 3D printing, virtual reality, and wearable technology. As these and other advances become more readily available, elementary and secondary schools will have access to new technology that can make lessons more interactive and engaging for students.

Connectivity

Before the Internet and email, students wrote letters to pen pals from around the world. Then, they waited weeks or months to hear back from them. Now, students email their pen pals and connect with them on social media sites. Better yet, they talk to them face-to-face through programs like Skype and Google Chat. This can be a great way to open students’ eyes to other cultures and ideas.

Video Streaming

Videos make ideas come alive. It’s one thing to teach students about how a volcano erupts, but it’s better to show them a volcano erupting. With YouTube, TED Talks, and other online resources, there are thousands of videos available to share. These videos enhance lessons and deepen students’ understanding.

Collaboration

Through the Internet, teachers and students can connect more than ever before. Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers even allow teachers to share their ideas, lesson plans, worksheets, and more with one another. With some resources available, it’s unnecessary for teachers to spend as much time creating new material to use in the classroom. Then, teachers can spend more time on continuing education opportunities, which are also available online.

Distance Learning

No longer do students need to ever set foot on a campus to receive their education. Through technology, students can take classes anywhere with an Internet connection. This is true for elementary school students through college students. They can even meet online with instructors or collaborate with classmates from around the world.

Resource Accessibility

Technology offers electronic books, mobile applications, and lots of other resources that schools can purchase at a lower cost. Schools have greater flexibility in the resources they choose, and they can easily update them throughout the years, as needed.

Student Motivation

Students are growing up with the need for instant gratification. They want immediate results, which technology can provide. As an added bonus, learning and mastering technology can also build students’ self-esteem.

Education technology is constantly evolving. There may be drawbacks to the increasing presence of technology in the classroom; however, there are lots of benefits as technology keeps students engaged in the learning process while facilitating the teacher’s role in the classroom.