Insights into Educational Technology

Traditional classrooms are dominated by a one-way feed of static content from teacher to student. However‚ it’s long been recognised that this is unsuitable for the diverse aptitude‚ attitude and participation of the student community‚ with little room for customisation to the needs of individuals.

These methods mainly comprise instruction-based ‘chalk and talk’ sessions‚ rather than interaction-based teaching. Rapid advancements in the arena of educational technology are addressing the weaknesses of traditional teaching methods‚ to revolutionise the way that children learn across the globe. 

Today‚ our global tech consultancy is working hard to explore app ideas that will help learners experience the real world in a creative‚ but safe and controlled‚ manner.

A Traditional Classroom 

The traditional set-up of text books and white boards is being turned on its head with the arrival of new technology‚ from cloud computing and augmented apps‚ to 3D printing and eye sensors. These up-and-coming technologies are driving a paradigm shift in teaching‚ to facilitate learning outcomes and foster the enthusiasm of students. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most promising technologies in the education sector‚ and how they are transforming schools‚ universities and colleges.

Cloud Computing 

Source: Flickr

Conventional teaching methods revolve around the use of heavy text books‚ hand-outs and booklets. However‚ cloud-based computing is helping to improve access to education‚ by enabling users to access content anywhere and anytime. As well as creating virtual learning environments‚ cloud-based education makes assessing students and storing their work easy‚ eliminating margins for error and reducing the impact of education on the environment. 

3T Cloud‚ a Chinese cloud source provider‚ has come up with an idea for a cloud project with 6000 Tcloud computing terminals in 118 schools across Zhejiang province. When it comes to fruition it will be the largest of its kind‚ demonstrating the potential that cloud offers to education. 

3D Printing 

Source: Flickr

3D printing technology has a fascinating future ahead‚ opening up a world of possibility for design and manufacturing. By harnessing this agile technology in schools‚ the next generation will be at the forefront of this revolution. 

3D printing facilitates forward-thinking in students‚ by giving shape to their ideas and thoughts‚ especially in subjects such as product design. These technologies also foster collaborative learning between students and teachers‚ equipping the latter with skills that will set them up for their future careers. 

OLED-based Flexible Displays 

Source: Flickr

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) place an organic compound between two conductors‚ to create an emissive electroluminescent layer. Whereas traditionally‚ pens‚ paper‚ laptops‚ netbooks or tablets are used to take down notes in classrooms‚ OLED is leading a shift in the way students learn. 

OLED flexible displays fill the void between the pen and paper and mobile devices; with the touch and feel of paper‚ these thin‚ flexible and lightweight displays make note-taking and online searches easy. As educational organisations embrace digital technology‚ this hardware can enhance the learning experience. 

Augmented Apps

Source: Flickr

Contemporary schools across the globe are encouraging students to experience the physical world through augmented reality: computer-generated sensory inputs‚ such as sound‚ video‚ graphics or GPS data. With the increased usage of tablets and handheld devices in schools and educational institutions‚ apps are designed to improve the quality of learning‚ outcomes are blossoming. Mobile app developers can design augmented apps with the ability to interact with students.  

SOLE (Self Organised Learning Environments) 

Source: Flickr

Self-organised learning environments facilitate enquiry-based learning‚ and allow students to work as a community. Students are empowered to learn through discussion and collaboration. Equipped with tablets‚ laptops and computers with access to the Internet‚ they may observe their peer groups and present research to the class at the end of the session. 

SOLE sessions in classrooms enable students to enhance and assimilate their learning‚ building on their existing skills and knowledge. Collaborative tasks among peer groups lead to a deeper understanding of ‘how to learn‚’ rather than simply absorbing the content in the curriculum. 

Eyeball Tracking and Biometric Technology 

Source: Flickr

The development of eyeball tracking and biometric technology can be implemented in various aspects of education. Not only can it help to observe students’ learning patterns‚ it can also prevent truancy‚ examination-related malpractices‚ and the late return of resources like books and laptops. These new age interventions powered by technology can have significant potential not just within classrooms‚ but in other sectors too.  

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

Source: Flickr

As the education sector wakes up to the fact that one size certainly doesn’t fit all‚ technology is opening new doors for customised learning. With the potential to significantly enhance learning outcomes and generate new ideas for students and teachers‚ these innovative platforms are creating a brighter future for education.

The rapid growth of these technologies provides an exciting opportunity for mobile app developers‚ Internet service providers‚ cloud-based enterprises and manufacturing entities. Platforms such as three dimensional printing‚ OLED displays and virtual reality equipment can be tailored to the needs of schools and universities. 

Enterprises specialising in producing hardware can team up with mobile app developers‚ to redefine the rules of learning‚ redesign the boundaries of the classroom‚ and revolutionise learning processes across the globe. The advent of post-PC technologies will make learning more proactive‚ engaging and meaningful‚ providing access to education for learners of all abilities.