Technology is taking the world by storm. From ordering food to as simple as booking a doctors appointment, we have become entirely dependent on technology. According to MentalUP, more than 90% of teenagers are addicted to technology. The entire global dynamics are evolving, and technology is dictating this evolution. Since the COVID hit in 2019, this transition towards technological dependence only increased. COVID-19 has resulted in almost 1.5 billion new active internet users. Healthcare, business, global trade, and every other radical aspect of human life absorb technology. However, the rate of technology absorption in the education sector is the highest.
The education sector took the heaviest shock of all amid the global pandemic. Fortunately, technology turned out to be the savior, and the widespread of Education Technology (EdTech) achieved outstanding records. The EdTech market grew at an astonishing 20% CAGR over the last two years and has now reached a market size of a whopping $255 billion.
EdTech has been transforming the entire education sector by adding contemporary technological advancements in the traditional modes of education delivery. However, there is still a huge gap, and we are still not utilizing the true potential of this wonder. Lack of awareness and understanding of the advantages of EdTech is inhibiting education systems from optimally using it. This article puts forward insights to highlight the benefits and limitations of EdTech in todays education sector.
Touch of Analytics in Education
Education is dynamic and encompasses several different aspects of human life. Therefore, it must never limit the spectrum of learning. Unfortunately, it lacked the necessary touch of analytical insight for some time. However, it mainly gained traction in 2020 after the severe outbreak of the COVID pandemic. The education sector is now incorporating 2020 Data Analytics and Beyond it.
The education sector is largely embracing the importance of analytical skills, and the main change has come in the elements of curriculum design. Analytics especially data analytics is largely technology-dependent. Providing the right analytical skills training to students is nearly impossible without proper technological assistance. Analytics systems, online platforms to practice data analytics, and advanced computer applications make room to adjust young learners. All of it became possible due to the increasing inclination toward data.
However, there are certain limitations. The trickle-down impact of teaching analytical skills in the education sector has not reached grassroots levels effectively. Considering the caliber of contemporary practical analytical skills, the scope of teaching it in earlier classes is certainly narrow and limited.
Student Engagement
Young minds are constantly looking for something innovative – searching for new attractions. If the traditional modes of teaching are not upgraded timely, they will fail to ensure the necessary student engagement. Amid the COVID pandemic, technology has saved the education sector by providing optimal student-teacher engagement in remote means. This collaboration of technology and education opened doors to new groundbreaking innovations in this synergy, increasing student engagement.
The most mesmerizing implementation of such technology in education is the use of Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Reality (AR), and Augmented Reality (AR). Educators have created entire courses using these tools. As a result, the student gets to experience next-level engagement through a VR headset while sitting on their couch. According to a survey by Getting Smart, 97% of students responded that they would prefer a class/course that uses VR and AI for teaching.
While this might sound exciting and revolutionizing, there are certain limits in its distribution across the education sector. The cost associated with implementing these tools is so high that only a few education institutions can afford them.
Personalization in Learning
Personalization is the new point of attraction for almost every industry. Either business, FMCG, or the service sector personalization is ruling customer preferences.
Any sector offering customization can attract and retain long-term stakeholder relationships. The education industry has turned into an industry of innumerable stakeholder relationships. Students now prefer flexibility and customization in the way they study and the educational content they absorb. Online education has become increasingly strong and widely accepted due to the leading reason of customization feasibility. Technology has made all of that possible. Otherwise, keeping track and ensuring the cohesive outcome of education delivery becomes nearly impossible if we rule out the technology. We also have advanced learning management systems that provide all the technical input to the education sector to ensure optimal learning.
Certain limitations restrict the large-scale use of personalization in education. The main hurdle is the difficulty in appropriately transforming the traditional education infrastructure in less tech-savvy environments. Learners and educators both show resistance that inhibits the true potential of these systems.
Accessibility
According to research, almost 7 million students prefer distance learning courses in the USA. The overall online education market size has reached a whopping $100+ billion and is growing at an encouraging CAGR of 15%. Millions of students are learning from the best educators around the globe while sitting at their desks. A single click can bring a huge international education portfolio into your reach within no time. Technology has enabled distance learning with optimal student-teacher engagement.
Technology has exponentially enhanced the accessibility of education. Someone sitting in far east Asia can access the top-of-the-line courses from some of the best universities in the far West. Coursera, EdX, Udemy, Udacity, and many other online learning platforms are widely uplifting education accessibility across the globe. Therefore, technology is vital in spreading education and fighting illiteracy globally.
Limitations are yet again the resistance in acceptance of technology in certain circles around the world. There is also a need to make more learner-friendly user interfaces to encourage distance learning. Market dynamics need to shift alongside accepting and valuing online education equally as in-person education. Eventually, people will feel motivated to opt for such options, and accessibility will further increase.
Final Thoughts
Technology is penetrating every sector and domain out there. From business to finance, law, supply chain, and healthcare, every field benefits from the marvels of technology. Nonetheless, the education sector has more to gain from technological advancements than any other field. During the pandemic, education institutes worldwide realized the significance of EdTech in ensuring quality education delivery. However, while there are certain benefits, limitations exist alongside it.
Technology will always meet resistance, and there will always be a need to tackle it positively.