How technology is shaping learning in the 21st Century

In a little over two decades the educational landscape has been transformed by advances in technology and connectivity that mean students can learn from anywhere, at any time. Learning programmes are more accessible and can be easily tailored to individual educational needs and preferences.

So, what are the technological advancements that are changing the way we learn, and how can we ensure this game-changing tech benefits all learners?

Game-changing EdTech

Technologies such as mobile devices and high speed broadband have transformed our lives and revolutionised the way we learn. From interactive whiteboards to artificial intelligence, the number of educational technologies (EdTech) available to support imaginative and engaging learning practices has sky-rocketed.

Here are some of the technologies that have transformed the way we learn.

The internet

Access to information has never been easier or quicker. We are awash with information (and disinformation) that can be accessed via our smartphones and laptops in real-time.

E-learning has made education more freely available to any one with an appetite to learn. Anyone with access to reasonable internet connection can benefit from online resources that support learning from informal content via social media to free and paid-for courses provided by international institutions and universities.

Virtual classrooms

Video conferencing tools like Google classroom, Zoom and Microsoft Teams have opened up a world of opportunities for remote learning that removes geographical barriers and reduces costs, creating interactive virtual spaces for diverse groups of students to collaborate and learn.

Adaptive learning platforms

Learning experiences can be personalised according to learners' needs and preferences using adaptive learning platforms like DreamBox that help educators tailor lessons to individual learning styles, playing to a learner’s strengths and allowing them to progress at their own pace.

Interactive learning

With the introduction of interactive whiteboards and development of educational apps and virtual labs, students can use digital resources to engage more effectively through visualisation and experimentation, helping them to grasp complex topics and extend their understanding beyond rote learning.

Gamification

In a world where gaming is an everyday activity for most people, turning learning into a game creates personalized learning experiences and provides opportunities for formative assessment. Educational apps like Duolingo and Kahoot! make learning more intuitive and fun.

Immersive technologies

Multimedia experiences like virtual reality and augmented reality environments can bring subjects to life to support deeper learning, taking students to far-flung places without any associated health and safety concerns or expense, has revolutionised educational opportunities. It has also opened a world of opportunities for creating simulations of experiences and environments that would be impossible for learners to access in real life, from travelling inside the human body to outer space.

Widening access to education through new technologies

Adaptive learning technology

Artificial intelligence (AI) assisted technologies allow the pace and difficulty of students' learning to be adjusted according to how they perform and their level of digital literacy. This use of technology creates personalized educational programmes that support better engagement and attainment.

Individualised learning plans

Software that analyses big data sets and in some cases uses machine learning, has made developing individualised learning plans easier. Educators can customise learning plans for students that consider their strengths, weaknesses and preferred learning styles.

Formative assessment

Online activities including quizzes, motivate students with scoring systems and enable regular monitoring of student progress without the burden of frequent tests and exams.

Instant feedback

Virtual learning platforms collect data on learners' activity and experiences and make it easier for educators to provide specific feedback to individual learners. This helps keep students engaged and can enable them to adapt quickly to achieve better learning outcomes.

Universal design for learning (UDL)

Digital learning materials can easily be produced in a variety of formats and adapted to cater for a diverse range of learners, providing more equitable access to educational resources.

The future of education

While EdTech and online learning environments can be engaging to a wider variety of learners, and can extend learning beyond the subject matter to enhance important 21st century skills like problem-solving and critical thinking skills, it is not the perfect solution. 

There is still a digital divide that excludes some learners who may not be able to access digital learning, because of physical, intellectual or practical constraints. In addition, the traditional classroom supports the learning process beyond the subject matter, providing a physical space that encourages social interaction and hands-on learning that cannot be recreated in the digital space.

Master’s in Education

If you are interested in teaching and want to extend your understanding of how technology integration in the classroom is shaping student learning and educational policy and practice, an MA Education at Queen Margaret University could be a good choice for you. This 100% online MA Education allows you to study part-time from anywhere in the world at times that suit you. You can learn as you earn, studying while continuing to work, providing opportunities to implement your learning in real time.