Expanding Education Technology's Influence

I remember when there were no cellphones, no laptops, and no iPads. And, no. I'm not that old. Laptops were for Star Trek and other Sci-Fi shows. Well, technology is not a thing of the future anymore. It's rare to find someone walking around without some type of technology attached to them in one way or another. That goes for our children as well. Therefore, the question arises, "If our children are so surrounded and entrenched in technology at home, can they really benefit from extra technology in education? Can that extra screen time actually be good for them?"

Today, I'm going to show you why education technology (EdTech) is not only good for students but why we need to work on expanding education technology's influence. 

The Benefits of EdTech

1. It provides opportunities that would otherwise be nonexistent due to finances.

Many schools have tight budgets. These schools can implement digital and online learning to help reduce operational costs. This reduces the costs of electricity, water bills, maintenance, and food. Because these costs are reduced, the freed-up finances can be thrown at other expenditures.

Another great thing about EdTech is that one piece of EdTech can make up an entire science lab or medical lab for one student! This is another way that education technology saves schools money.

By the way, I realize EdTech, itself, can be on the expensive side. However, there are several ways to stretch your school's EdTech budget.

2. EdTech helps students develop strong digital literacy and technology skills.

Our society is steeped in technology. It is becoming more technology-dependent every day. People who are technologically illiterate find themselves at a grave disadvantage in our world. EdTech helps to solve this problem for our children. It offers them the opportunity and means to develop strong digital literacy and technology skills from a young age.

3. Students receive an increase in STEM exposure.

STEM-based learning stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, among other things. These lessons help to prepare students for success that will last a lifetime. Since studies prove that a student's innovation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities all increase with integrating technology into core content areas, students who become proficient in STEM are then trained to be logical thinkers.

4. Parents see improved communication skills in their children.

These communication skills are not only built through personal exchanges, but they are also through various forms of social media and online forums. Students can collaborate with other students outside the country, learning more about teamwork and becoming more knowledgeable. They can also expand their foreign language skills. These things would not be as possible without technology.

5. EdTech enables students to practice skills that ensure career readiness.

When employers look for the "ideal employees," they are searching for self-motivated, innovative, globally aware individuals who can look at a problem and find a creative solution. EdTech can help students to develop these necessary skills.

Expanding EdTech

With all of the benefits of EdTech, and we've only looked at a few of the many, why wouldn't expansion of this significant resource be called for in every corner? Let me tell you, it is. It's in demand by students and new teachers alike.

New teachers are calling for EdTech. They consider it run of the mill for the learning environment, and more than that, really. They consider it a necessity.

Students prefer interaction. They are constantly engaging with technology at home and elsewhere outside of the classroom. Learning through technology is their way of life. They demand EdTech for this simple fact.

For what other reasons should we be expanding education technology's influence?

EdTech Allows Kids to be Self-Paced

We've always known that kids learn at different speeds. Unfortunately, the traditional classroom only has one teacher per thirty-plus students, and the teacher must keep the class engaged and the curriculum moving according to the average students' levels. With education technology, however, this problem is solved! Children that need more time to ponder the material can slow down, and children that grasp the material more quickly can move as quickly as they desire. It also allows the teacher the freedom to work individually with students who need more one-on-one attention.

EdTech Removes the Limits from Education

There are several additional resources available outside of the typical curricula with the addition of EdTech. Using these resources, teachers can create several different methods to teach the same concept, keeping their students engaged and concreting the concept into their memory. 

EdTech makes learning a hands-on environment. Besides making this fun and meaningful for the students, this also enhances learning and enables the memory centers of the brain.

Lastly, many schools throughout the nation are short of funds. They don't have every resource necessary. Not to fear, EdTech is here! Technology can supplement in many of those areas.

EdTech Engages Students

Children are used to being entertained by technology. They get easily distracted and struggle to stay interested in one thing for any length of time. With Education Technology, the teacher can hold their interest with what the student is used to keeping their interest-technology. And when their interest is focused, students can learn quickly and remember what they learned.

Students Must Learn Technology to Succeed

Knowledge of technology is essential to functioning and thriving in today's society. It has become a primary part of each major industry there is. And this technological know-how, necessary to thriving in the workforce, is more than just the basic computer skills we went into the workforce with. Students who understand technology are the ones who will succeed in the world of business, and EdTech will help them get there.

Conclusion

There is so much more that I could say, but I think I've said enough to make the point I'm trying to. EdTech is not only beneficial to our students, but it is a necessity. It trains our student's minds to be strategic and orderly and grows them into adept businesspeople that are both worthy and sought after. 

We must continue to spread the wonders of EdTech by expanding education technology's influence.