New Delhi: Within the last couples of decades, computers have evolved to be omnipresent, featured in every sphere of business and industry. Information and communication technology (ICT) has grown to be one of the most up and coming branches of education. Digital technology tools in education (EdTech) have presented several advantages over conventional methods of teaching and learning. The greatest advantage is the sheer variety, and therefore flexibility of use and innovation, that is available to an educator. In reality, there are virtually no bounds while learning using a dynamic ICT platform. It has the potential to elevate learning to become more meaningful, especially when integrated with other aspects of student life and activities. Learners now have access to a myriad ways to gain knowledge in any discipline.
Use of technology in some institutions is extensive than others. Research suggests that what is of greater impact is not whether technology is being used, but rather how it is being used. Has it enhanced classroom instruction, or has it been relegated to gathering dust? Human interaction and instruction cannot be wholly supplanted by technology, but it can certainly be used as tools that improve efficiency and effectiveness. EdTech is found out to be particularly effective when used in seamlessly interconnected ways. In a paradigm of ICT integrated learning, students benefit greatly from external support of guidance.
In addition, the manner of its use also includes the duration and nature of technology engagement. For example, while learning about the internal structures of atom and particles or Quantum Physics, words and literary descriptions are often deficient. Here, video files could be used where 3D imagery would help students to grasp the ideas better. The idea is to employ the use of EdTech such that it does not interfere or feel forced, but supports traditional learning methods. In fact, it is often rather more effective when used for a short duration but for a focused objective.
One of the most welcome features of EdTech is its ability to provide a platform for personalized learning. This has proved a gift for instructors who nearly always have to cater to students with varying needs. Intensive learning platform are created that aids differently abled students. Use of technology in leaning subjects such as science has been most effective than in subjects such as literature. Assessment and evaluation is a sector of education where effective use of technology is much awaited. Present procedures of tests and assessments through exams and assignments are largely inadequate with regard to their scope for gauging higher order thinking skills, such as evaluating, analyzing and creating. Techniques similar to the currently popular "gamification" may be used in assessment of students. For example, tests can take the form of interactive materials or games, in which students must apply what they have learned creatively to solve real time simulated programs. This will introduce creativity and practicality as a part of learning and provide larger platform to learners to prove their skills. Not only students, digital platforms can also help in real time assessment of teachers.
An avenue that has blossomed with the advent of ICT is distance learning. This is one of the most democratizing effects of EDTech. Relatively speaking, geographical barriers and economic disadvantages are no longer an enigma on the way to learning. Using internet and mobile devices, now training programs and classroom lectures can be broadcasted anywhere in the world. In line with this move toward providing massive open and online course (MOOCs), the government has devised schemes to support its expansion, take for example the MOOC project called SWAYAM launched in conjunction with edX and India's premier tertiary institutions.
Digital technology has aided management in institutions to increase efficiency to a great extent. This in turn, has been leveraged to devote more attention to the qualitative aspects of the educational experience for their students. Common procedures such as applications, admissions, library amenities and other administrative tasks are now easier and expedited. Technology has rendered transparency in such processes. In addition, collaborative research and information sharing have become apparently simple and immediate with technology such as cloud computing, which is a station-independent interactive space towards which all activities are headed!
(Rupesh Shah is CEO of InOpen Technologies)
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