INNOVATIONS IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
Alexander Latsis is an entrepreneur with a background in tech, publishing, media, and licensing
Innovations in Educational Technology Technology in the classroom requires two key components. The first is hardware – hardware (including computers, laptops, tablets and other digital devices) enables students to access digital content within their learning environments.
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nd the second is software: purposeful software is needed to complement the hardware if students are to have a rich, varied and productive learning experience. The following are examples of these two components combining to provide education technology (EdTech) solutions that improve learning experiences and boost outcomes.
Digital Readers Digital readers and tablets have increasingly replaced the conventional textbook so that students no longer need to carry around backpacks full of heavy books. With a single reader or tablet, a student can access a variety of reading materials in one place. As this digital content is constantly being updated and improved, learners with access to these devices no longer need to worry about purchasing new textbook editions. Indeed, given the reduced printing and logistical costs, these devices soon pay for themselves and as with most
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Digital readers and tablets have increasingly replaced the conventional textbook so that students no longer need to carry around backpacks full of heavy books.
other technology, as products becoming more sophisticated, earlier and more simple editions become cheaper and more accessible.
Virtual Reality Virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality solutions are finally becoming more mainstream, cheaper, user-friendly and with broad application within education systems and many industries and professions. In education, these technologies enable access to engaging experiences that would otherwise be unavailable to learners. For example, virtual reality can provide a trip to the bottom of the ocean, a virtual tour of a human heart, or a look inside a complex architectural design. Tied with
quality, engaging content, these innovations provide memorable, engaging learning experiences for students that can boost outcomes and attainment.
Gamification Gamification introduces a fun and engaging form of learning delivery, helping students to engage with and learn concepts and content in manageable bite-sized chunks. Gaming also enables students and teachers to receive immediate feedback and with easy integration, can help teachers to monitor the progress and relevant difficulties that students are making at an individual level.
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