When we think of student involvement in learning activities, we commonly associate it with good conduct (i.e. behavioural engagement), happy feelings (i.e. emotional engagement), and most importantly, student thinking (i.e. cognitive engagement). Classroom learning and academic performance need high levels of student involvement or risk students losing interest in their studies and marks suffering as a result. Nonetheless, most teachers and instructors struggle in this area.
Research has discovered that EdTech (education technology) has the potential to be the solution to this challenge and more. EdTech is the use of technological tools and platforms to meet educational requirements. It’s a catch-all term for a wide range of educational technology, including online lectures, interactive on-screen assessment and digital collaboration tools.
Let’s take a closer look at the critical impact technology plays in student learning and how it may substantially boost student engagement as it continues to permeate classrooms across higher education.
- Curriculums adapted to needs
Learning has become increasingly available thanks to EdTech tools and services. Curriculums and classes are accessible online at any time and from any location. Educators can also use technology to tailor education depending on each student’s requirements and preferences, such as modifying courses to fit the requirements of students with disabilities or who are unwell. This kind of adaptability takes into account each student’s unique circumstances, demands and preferences. As a result, students may connect better with this form of learning, leading to increased student engagement.
- Collaborative learning
Another effective enhancer of involvement in learning activities is collaborative learning. Students’ engagement may be boosted when they collaborate well with others, owing to a sense of connection with others during the activities.
EdTech is also very useful for teachers who use a ‘flipped classroom’ approach to teaching. Traditional learning entails recalling what is taught in class and then examining those concepts through homework or other activities. With a flipped classroom approach, students can master the subject ahead of time, allowing them to engage in higher cognitive levels of learning with peers and teachers present.
- Enhance student-teacher relationship
Teachers can use EdTech to present course information in non-traditional methods, such as interactive courses. This effectively removes the necessity for lectures in the classroom. As a teacher, this means you’ll have more time to conceive, prepare and supervise interactive classroom activities. These activities pique students’ interest and convince them to join in the fun.
- Analysing student data that matter
As EdTech becomes more prevalent in schools, teachers are better able to recognise the effectiveness of teaching material and standing of a student. Teachers may differentiate curriculums and teaching based on the needs of their students with the support of meaningful student data. Online videos, seminars, tests and other technologies make gathering such information with pinpoint accuracy a breeze. You may use this information to figure out which students are weak in which areas and then focus on them. Differentiated instruction for each student is possible, leading to improved student education and achievement.
