There is no doubt that in the 21st century digital age educational technology (EdTech) serves as a game changer for the drastic improvement of traditional training to active learning. EdTech tools include interactive whiteboards and online learning platforms that give teachers promising methods to create the right environment for the learning process, engage excitement, personalize knowledge, promote collaboration, etc.
Nevertheless, apart from the clear-cut advantages of tech introduction to the classroom, the teachers working in a study face situations that are very novel and they have to overcome those to achieve the maximum learning efficiency.
Uneven distribution of technology is among the main problems arising from the use of EdTech in the classroom, therefore, efforts should be made by the community to bridge the digital gap. Although technology is growing more popular notoriously in many communities, disparities seem to be still hanging on cell phones and reliable connections both in schools and in societies as well.
Low-income students or regional kids may not have access to the technology infrastructure provided, which is something that their peers often enjoy. Besides, teachers must examine the space of students with physical challenges and ensure that the digital products are accessible and inclusive.
However, on the other hand, the other is the training of teachers and the professional development of the educators themselves. The availability of the EdTech devices & software by itself is not enough to ensure the proper utilization of them by the teachers; they should be equipped with skills and knowledge to integrate these tools into their teaching in a meaningful way.
A large percentage of teachers may even feel under pressure to deal with the fast growth of technology which often makes it hard to explore the facts in the newest fields. Offering training and assistance frequently can boost the self-assurance of educators in their skills to embrace EdTech in their teaching facets.
In addition, the protection of data privacy and security is also a big issue that e-services providers have to devote a lot of attention to. With higher numbers of learning activities migrating online, the production of data concerning students’ academic performance and behaviour skyrockets; these specific bits of information continuously accumulate and are stored with the help of tech companies.
Another problem will certainly be the fact that the purpose of technology is the enhancement of inequality in the educational space. EduTech can become a tool that queries the idea of equal access to love and personalized learning environments though it can also aggravate the situation where high-quality technical resources are available only to a certain group of students while others are deprived of them.
Teachers performing this task must be aware of the socio-economic differences within their school population and try to use technology in a way that reflects not only equity and diversity but also promotes inclusion.
Moreover, apart from inclusive planning and following of predefined goals, the use of EdTech in curriculum structure is also required. The technology introduction into the classroom is not the end of the story. Teachers need to be more creative in thinking in designing the lessons that serve as the base for the usage of EdTech tools and make sure of some learning outcomes.
To be able to solve this kind of task, a good command of pedagogy and instructional design principles is required, and also, the capability of critical analysis of efficiencies of introduced EdTech tools. Furthermore, teachers have to take on the challenge of frequently adjusting their methodology and improving it in response to student’s performance and the results of the study of learning outcomes.
The next challenge is the possibility of tech interfering with learning instead of its depicting the re-enforcement. Since the escalation of smartphones and other interactive gadgets, the learners’ attention keeps on snatching by the consolations at the expense of their concentration and engagement in the classroom.
Therefore, although EdTech may appear the beacon of education shift because it is capable of redesigning the way that kids interact with the act of learning, this does not mean struggle-free integration.
Starting with creating a level ground for all considerations on data privacy and security, educators are put in a very complex environment that they have to be very cautious with because of the level of sensitivity of personal data and use EdTech efficiently. Through addressing these challenges proactively and collaboratively, educators can create an environment where everyone can experience the feeling of comfort and joy regardless of what background they come from.
