Educational Technologies

What Are Educational Technologies?

Educational technologies, also known as EdTech, refer to the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences. These technologies can include hardware devices, software applications, online platforms, and digital resources that are specifically designed for educational purposes. Educational technologies aim to improve access to education, facilitate personalized learning, engage students in interactive activities, and provide educators with tools for effective instruction and assessment. Examples of educational technologies include interactive whiteboards, learning management systems, educational apps, virtual reality simulations, and online courses.

Although it sounds very modern, educational technology has long been an integral part of teaching in school. As different technologies became available, they would soon find their application in education. Even the abacus was once a technological innovation which facilitated learning, just as the TV, video recorder, or the CD player were in the late 20th century. Although these technologies are still used in some schools, the computer has become the dominant multimedia teaching aid that enables the performance of various tasks. 

The development of technologies used in teaching and learning enables the introduction of effective learning methods that were close to impossible just a few years ago. Thanks to that, 21st century schools are now able to implement various types of educational technology. 

1. Gamification

Since the transformation of school lessons into a format similar to video games, student interest and engagement has significantly increased. In addition to the way lessons are presented, the achievement system also plays an important role. In order to motivate students to show themselves in the best possible light, digital badges as a reward for goal fulfillment were introduced (e.g. for memorizing 10 American presidents), as well as ranking lists of best students. 

By borrowing those elements that make video games fun (point scoring, team competition, designing problem-solving strategies, etc.), student interest for the lesson grows without them noticing. Although similar reward systems have existed before, the novelty is that many companies now offer software solutions that allow teachers to present learning environment in video game format.  

2. Learning Management Systems

The quality of distance learning greatly depends on software solutions used. Although there are many Learning Management Systems (Blackboard, Google Classroom, Moodle, etc.), all of them share the following features: 

• Ability to create lessons and online courses

• Various forms of knowledge tests

• Communication with teachers and fellow students

• Ability to follow lectures live 

• Monitoring individual statistical parameters of each student 

This technology is not only useful for distance learning, but also in the classroom where computers are actively used in teaching and learning. 

3. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Although it is still a developing technology, its current achievements are greatly helpful in modern education. Augmented and virtual reality represent an immersive experience that allows students to visit remote locations (in geography classes), or observe the life of ancient civilizations (in history classes). This computer based learning is achieved by means of hardware accessories, such as headsets that allow the user to view the content in 360 degrees by simply moving their head. The difference between Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) is primarily the fact that AR implements computer graphics in a real-world setting, while VR is a fully virtual classroom experience. 

4. Robotics

Modern science classes are unthinkable without learning about robots and their role in modern society. Creating and programming robots introduces students to the basics of programming, while at the same time helping them to develop different personal skills (teamwork, critical thinking). The complexity of content related to robotics increases with the level of education, which allows for a gradual development of skills one will need for their future professional career.