It’s been interesting to watch technology change the landscape of many areas of daily life. From communication, to how people work, and even to the ways in which people learn, technology has been paving the way. While there is constant talk of how technology is changing the way we work, there has been less of an emphasis on recognizing the ways that technology is changing the way people learn.
The days of writing everything down on paper are long gone and now we’re in an era where technology is everywhere, including in our schools. Learn about some of these trends in education technology and what you can expect moving forward.
Table of Contents
Open-Book Exams
The open-book exam is a new way to test students. Students can use their notes and books, as well as online resources like the internet and library resources. They can also use their phones, which are able to access websites such as Google that have answers to many questions. While past methodologies have been focused on memorizing and rehashing information, newer methods of teaching focus on understanding and application.
Mastery Learning
Mastery learning is a teaching method that focuses on the process of learning rather than teaching a specific body of knowledge. It is based on the idea that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. Mastery learning is a student-centered approach that focuses on the process of learning, not simply cramming for an exam. This may mean engaging students in learning in a variety of ways and measuring their understanding of concepts versus simply testing them on how well they can memorize information.
Artificial Intelligence
Recent years have revealed that artificial intelligence technology has many uses, in multiple different fields. These are simply computer systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. AI is used in medicine, law, and even education. Artificial intelligence can be used to develop new ways to teach.
The current state of AI has made it possible for teachers and students to access information instantly through the use of apps or online learning platforms such as Coursera and Khan Academy. Additionally, AI could be used to improve testing like the CREOG for OB GYNs, or for doctors going into family medicine. Instead of just giving everyone the same questions, AI could change up the exam questions depending on earlier responses.
The Internet of Learning Things (IoLT)
The Internet of Learning Things (IoLT) is a new way to use technology in education. It’s a learning environment that uses sensors to track student progress and collect data about their performance. That data is used to personalize learning on an individual level, which can help students achieve more success with less effort. It creates more customization in an environment that was once only suited for uniformity. People with advanced understanding can continue to progress at a quicker pace, while those who need more time can take it.
The idea behind IoLT is simple. If you can measure a student’s progress and determine what they need to learn next, then you can better tailor the class or course around them so they get the most out of it. For example, if you know that one student struggles with algebra but excels at biology, then you might want them to take extra math lessons while making sure they cover all of the material in biology during class time as well. This gives teachers more flexibility when it comes to how they approach teaching methods because now there’s more information available about each student than ever before.
The Gamification of Learning and Engagement
The apps and smartphone generation have something in common, they love games. So, it’s no wonder why gamification is gaining in popularity when it comes to learning. The use of game mechanics to motivate, engage, and help students learn, is a great way for teachers to be more effective in their teaching. Game mechanics can also be used as an assessment tool by comparing the performance of students on game-based tasks with non-game-based tasks.
ConclusionTechnology has changed the way we learn. The Internet of Learning Things (IoLT), gamification of learning and engagement, open-book exams, and mastery learning are all examples of how technology has changed the classroom. By using these tools, educators can help students get more out of their educational experience.