Module 17
Technological Factors that Affect Learning
Introduction:
As we embark on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it's clear that technology will play a central
role in nearly all aspects of our lives. Research by the World Economic Forum estimates that
65% of children entering primary school will find themselves in occupations that today do not
exist.
It is estimated that by 2020, there will be 1.5 million new digitized jobs across the globe. At the
same time, 90% of organizations currently have an IT skills shortage, while 75% of educators
and students feel there is a gap in their ability to meet the skills needs of the IT workforce. To
prepare the talent needed for the digital economy, education must adapt as fast as the demand
for IT skills is growing and evolving.
While technology is sometimes seen as a threat—and it does have its limits—integrating it into
your teaching practice offers a new way for students to interact and engage with course
material.
Here are a few answers to the question of how technology impacts student learning, and
reasons why educators should make the most of technology inside—and outside—the
classroom.
Technology affords better access to resources
With an Internet connection, we have access to information at our fingertips 24 hours a day. We
can find almost anything online, in its most up-to-date version. For students, this means access
to everything from research materials and educational apps to interactive edutainment and open
resources from prestigious universities around the world. They may, however, need instruction
on how to find credible resources and direction on providing proper attribution when they use
them.
Technology can improve student engagement
Education technology can make learning more interactive and collaborative—and this can help
students better engage with course material. Rather than memorizing facts, they learn by doing.
This could be as simple as taking an interactive quiz in class or participating in tech-enabled
group discussions or as involved as playing educational games, practicing science experiments
in a virtual lab or taking a virtual field trip.
But to make it truly engaging, it must be truly interactive. Doing the math on a computer isn’t any
different than doing math with a pencil and pad of paper. But using augmented reality to animate
math challenges is a whole different ballgame. For some students, interactivity provides a better
learning experience.
For teachers, the possibilities are endless: from using simulation tools to demonstrate how a
hurricane develops, to using virtual reality to practice medical procedures.
Technology can expand classroom boundaries
Thanks to technology, the classroom no longer has walls. The learning environment no longer
has boundaries. And instruction can be provided by any number of subject matter experts—in
addition to the person teaching the course.
“Students in a classroom, for example, can learn about the Arctic by following the expedition of
a team of scientists in the region, view photos, e-mail questions to the scientists, and even talk
live with the scientists via a videoconference. Students can share what they are learning with
students in other classrooms in other states who are tracking the same expedition.”
Technology can encourage self-paced learning
In a traditional classroom, students who were struggling to learn new concepts would quickly fall
behind their peers. With online assignments, however, students can advance at their own pace.
Those who need more time or extra help can practice outside of class with guided exercises or
additional coursework. So, too, can learners who want more of a challenge.
Technology can promote innovative teaching techniques
Technology changes the way we access information, but also how we’re taught that information.
The instructor becomes less of a ‘sage on the stage’ and more of a ‘guide on the side.’ From
accessing course materials online to watching video-recorded lectures, technology opens up the
possibility for teaching innovation: from collaborative group work to flipped and hybrid
classrooms. Instructors can also use classroom response systems to assess students’
understanding of course material and adjust the pace or content as needed in real-time.
In summary, there are positive impacts of technology on how the learners learn;
a. Students are no longer limited to the availability of books in the library for
information. The internet can provide updated information on any topic.
b. Compared to face to face learning, students can easily engage in learning with
materials that they have been accustomed to like technological games.
c. Learning is not limited to the four walls of the classroom. They can already learn
about many things by just clicking the needed information on the internet. For instance,
having a virtual trip of the place they are talking about. There is no need to travel to the
place.
d. Self-paced learning is practiced unlike in a face-to-face wherein if the class is
over and the student did not take down notes, he cannot review his lesson. Unlike with
technology the learner can always go back to the given lessons for review.
e. The teacher can employ different ways of teaching, unlike the traditional
classroom where the teacher uses the chalk and board.
Activity:
1. Taking the summary as indicators: Answer whether you Much agree, Moderately
Agree or Less Agree to the given statements.
2. Do you think the means of using technology in the delivery of lessons is better
than face to face? Why or why not?
3. What are the difficulties you are encountering in using technology as means of
learning?
