Imagine a medical student who can practise surgeries using virtual simulations or a teacher who gets better classroom engagement from video games than from textbooks. These scenarios are possible with EdTech!
Discover the different forms of EdTech, its pros and cons and how it has transformed classrooms in 2023.
Technological developments affect many areas of our lives, and education is no exception.
But what forms of EdTech are available to us and how has EdTech impacted the ways we learn and teach today?
Whether you’re a student who wants to ditch the textbooks, an educator who wishes to cut the hours you spend lesson planning or you’d just like to learn more about EdTech, read on!
Contents
- What is EdTech?
- What types of EdTech can be used in the classroom?
- What are the advantages of using EdTech in the classroom?
- What are the disadvantages of using EdTech in the classroom?
- Could EdTech replace teachers in the future?
- How to transform computer science and cyber security education in your classroom
What is EdTech?
EdTech stands for educational technology and involves the use of digital devices to shape the way we learn and teach.
EdTech can enhance student learning while being a useful way for educators to shape their lessons and track their students’ progress.
What types of EdTech can be used in the classroom?
There are many types of EdTech tools and resources that educators can use to enhance learning and engagement in the classroom. How many have you tried?
Virtual classrooms
A virtual classroom is an online environment where students and educators can share class materials and interact with other class members virtually.
Gamification
Gamified learning uses video game techniques and design to teach and motivate students on a particular topic.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality allows users to interact with an immersive computer-generated environment to practise and build their skills in a realistic environment.
Digital resources
Digital resources are class materials that can be found in digital form such as e-books, audio recordings, journals, videos and bibliographies to name a few.
Smartboards
Smartboards are a touch-sensitive form of digital whiteboard where information can be presented and interacted with.
Webinars
Webinars are live online events where information can be broadcast and discussed with many people through their digital devices.
Artificial intelligence
There are many ways artificial intelligence or AI can be used in education. It can help students find information and solve problems while allowing educators to build lesson plans or track student progress.
What are some advantages of using EdTech in the classroom?
1. Inclusive learning
EdTech allows for more holistic and inclusive learning that can help empower and engage students with different learning styles and needs.
2. Accessible
Students can access a huge range of learning resources quickly and from almost anywhere.
3. Future skills
Most jobs require some level of technical proficiency. EdTech can help build the digital skills students will need later in life.
4. Interactive
EdTech can give students more opportunities to build hands-on skills and gain a deeper understanding of what they’re learning.
5. Saves time and resources
Students can use EdTech to take ownership of their learning while educators can act as facilitators and spend less time creating learning materials, grading and teaching.
What are the disadvantages of using EdTech in the classroom?
1. Screen time
Using EdTech increases students’ screen time and in some circumstances can limit socialisation and interaction between students and their teachers.
2. Cost
Investing in technology like smart boards, laptops and other devices can be costly to purchase and maintain.
3. Skills gap
Educators may not always have the technical skills required to utilise certain technologies.
4. Misinformation
EdTech can help students access a huge range of information, but unfortunately, that information won’t always be accurate or free from bias.
5. Unreliable
While EdTech can make education more convenient and accessible, relying on technology always runs the risk of technical problems.
Could EdTech replace teachers in the future?
The purpose of EdTech is not to replace teachers but rather to help support them and their students through the learning process.
While EdTech can help students to be more independent in their learning, it is vital that teachers are present to initiate and facilitate their learning.
Furthermore, EdTech should be supplemented with other forms of learning to give students the most well-rounded experience.
How to transform computer science and cyber security education in your classroom
Do you find it difficult to educate and engage your students when teaching complex topics like cyber security or computer science?
Many educators are facing the same problem, especially for topics such as cyber security that aren’t covered in much depth in the core curriculum
CyberStart’s gamified cyber security learning platform allows students to jump into the thrilling world of a cyber agent while solving 200+ realistic cyber crimes and scoring points as they play.
Even beginners will learn desirable techniques, building hands-on skills like programming, penetration testing, digital forensics and more!
You can try 12 CyberStart challenges for free to get a taste of what the platform is like. Then unlock complete CyberStart access to explore 200+ challenges, the entire Field Manual, and create engaging lesson plans with ease using the Groups feature.
In America or Canada? Check out our programmes below that could give you free access to CyberStart!
