How is technology shaping learning in higher education?
Implementing technology into the teaching and learning methods has unlocked benefits that help educators become more effective in their day-to-day teaching.
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The benefits of implementing technology in teaching are not only beneficial to the educators but also add more value to the course for the students.
Furthermore, institutions which integrate new technologies into the teaching approach can attract more students and keep pace with their educational needs. Furthermore, institutions which integrate new technologies into the teaching approach can attract more students and keep pace with their educational needs.
Education can, therefore, become more accessible and available to larger groups of learners, improving the learning experience and tailoring course content and style to suit students' individual needs.
Below are some of the ways that technology is achieving this in higher education.
Creating accessible learning resources
One significant way that technology is shaping learning in higher education is by making learning resources and course material more widely accessible to more learners. The vast range of educational resources that digital learning platforms have to offer, including online libraries, digital archives, and Open Educational Resources (OER’s) pave the way for more independent, self-directed learning.
The use of media such as video content is a huge help to students who engage better with concepts via a visual approach. Video lectures allow for students to revisit the material whenever they need to ensure they have a firm grasp of the concepts. Ensuring course material is readily accessible also enables education to be more readily available to people of all ages with various outside commitments, promoting life-long learning.
Personalisation of course content
The personalised learning experience that digital learning environments offer allow students to learn at their own pace without being held back or falling behind. This is particularly helpful to students with a learning difficulty or who prefer a slower pace. Adaptive learning technologies mean lecturers can adjust the pace and difficulty of course materials as required. The fact that this material can be covered in students’ own time and on their own devices contributes toward a better learning experience.
Tools like these help educators to reach each individual and address their learning needs. This not only improves student satisfaction but makes schools and courses more attractive to prospective students.
Assessment and analytics
Data analytics and assessment tools allow instructors to monitor student progress and get a true image of their students’ level of understanding. Digital features like these highlight where students may be struggling and target areas of weakness, providing personalised feedback to help the development of each student.
Tailoring course content and assessments to the individual learning needs of students empowers them to improve upon their understanding of concepts and perform better in finals. This not only allows students to get more out of their learning, but also equips educators to offer more effective teaching.