What Is Education Technology?
The digital revolution impacted the education system long before the pandemic, but COVID-19 dramatically accelerated the adoption of education technologies. In classrooms across the globe, dusty chalkboards and heavy textbooks are quickly being replaced by digital tools that engage, inspire, and empower students. Education technology is a fast-growing field encompassing a wide range of digital tools, platforms, and resources that educators use in both physical classrooms and online learning environments. Read on to learn how technology is transforming the educational landscape and equipping educators with powerful tools that foster curiosity, creativity, and a passion for lifelong learning.
Why Is Education Technology Important?
Innovative digital tools help students learn through interactive, personalized experiences that motivate and inspire learners of all ability levels. Each student is unique, and traditional teaching methodologies often miss the mark when it comes to differentiated instruction. Using technology, teachers can craft lessons that meet students’ diverse learning styles, strengths, and needs. Learning platforms like Quizlet, Duolingo, and Khan Academy guide students through personalized educational modules at their own pace, allowing them to progress through the material according to their own understanding.
Many digital learning platforms also gamify the learning process through levels and rewards, making the educational journey exciting and entertaining. Technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality bring lessons to life, increasing student engagement and enjoyment. For example, Google Expeditions transports students through time and space to locations like the Aztec ruins or even Mars. Students can take a virtual field trip on a covered wagon to learn what the pioneer era was like or visit the Great Barrier Reef without donning a wetsuit. In modern classrooms, students learn through podcasts, videos, online simulations, educational games, and other non-traditional mediums. Technology can break through barriers to create a fun, equitable learning environment for all students, regardless of their abilities or limitations.
Education technologies are also highly scalable, allowing teachers to adapt instruction to varying numbers of learners. Many of the EdTech tools used to instruct a remote classroom can also accommodate small-group instruction or even single-individual edification. Teachers often encourage students to log in to digital platforms and continue the learning experience at home, which provides the extra help and support many students need to fully grasp course material. EdTech tools have the added benefit of equipping students with the technical skills they’ll need to be competitive in the increasingly tech-reliant global workforce.
How to Become an Educational Technologist
If you’re passionate about enhancing education and empowering students through technology, then a career as an educational technologist could be right for you. Education technologists specialize in the creation and adoption of EdTech tools in the classroom. They help teachers and curriculum developers implement technologies that support educational goals and enhance student comprehension and engagement. Many educational technologists have a bachelor’s degree in education or information technology. Some acquire a master’s degree that focuses specifically on education technology, such as a Master of Education in Education Technology and Instructional Design.
To succeed as an educational technologist, you’ll need an understanding of pedagogical theories and curriculum development, as well as technical competence in educational software, learning management systems, and multimedia tools.
What’s Next?
EdTech tools facilitate individualized, interactive instruction and increase student engagement and comprehension. Many also incorporate advanced analytics tools, providing teachers with valuable insights into students’ progress. The adoption of technology in the classroom has already changed the education system dramatically, and the trend is expected to continue. There is a high demand for professionals who know how to implement effective education technology in classrooms and remote learning environments.
If you’re interested in an educational technology job, acquiring a relevant college degree is a great place to start. WGU offers online degree programs designed to meet the busy schedules of working adults. You can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from the comfort of your own home, at a pace that works for your lifestyle. WGU earned global recognition for EdTech leadership by receiving the Power Learner Potential Organization Award from 1EdTEch Consortium at the 2023 Learning Impact Conference. The award recognizes WGU’s commitment to transformative, innovative learning experiences. Our competency-based learning model emphasizes mastery of course material instead of time spent in a classroom, making WGU a great fit for individuals who want to work through course material on their own schedules. We offer bachelor’s degrees in elementary and secondary education, computer science, and information technology, as well as master’s degrees in IT, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and education technology and instructional design. Earning a degree from WGU can equip you with the skills you need to succeed professionally and make a positive difference in the lives of students.
