3 minute read
LEARNING AGAIN
CHRIS BUCHANAN
Why investing in the digital classroom is essential
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TECHNOLOGY is already re-imaging the education sector on a global scale, from preschool through to higher education.
In recent years, students at all levels have been taking advantage of technology on demand to meet their own learning needs and chart their path to workforce readiness.
We have seen this evidenced first-hand, having partnered with Stanford University’s Rural Education Access Program (REAP) to bring computerassisted learning (CAL) to students in rural schools across China, with children gaining an extra semester’s worth of learning when using CAL software.
In schools, EdTech solutions in the form of virtual collaboration and data synchronisation tools have created opportunities to transform the learning experience and prepare students for a digital-first world. This is allowing teachers and students to connect via live-streamed sessions, avail of appfuelled experiences, and even participate in virtual field trips.
People are the centre of every successful education experience and to truly grasp all the benefits that techbased education models can offer, we need to ensure that access to tech and the learning culture evolves, too. For example, wheeling out computers in schools is not enough on its own – teaching methods must be redesigned around datadriven technologies.
A long-term strategic approach should be embedded in all aspects of enhanced digitalisation to truly support students.
So, what does digital transformation in the education sector actually look like?
Firstly, the provision of devices with broad mobile carrier support which enable all students to access the digital classroom and learning materials, irrespective of broadband internet access is imperative.
A globally connected virtual classroom can bring learning to every student regardless of language, comprehension style or geography.
Hybrid-cloud infrastructure can enable in-school and off-site access to resources, as well as classes online. It means the provision of robust devices and video collaboration tools, so all students have the basic necessities for modern and accessible education. But this is only the foundation of digitally driven learning resources, which must be supplemented with determined efforts to enhance digital literacy skills for children and parents to ensure those without experience in this sphere are not disadvantaged.
Front seats in the future classroom
Once 5G is widely adopted, new technologies will come online, creating exciting education opportunities not previously imagined – exponentially enhancing the scope of possibility for educators and students.
The Khulisa Academy is a High-Performance Computing (HPC) training academy launched by Dell Technologies’ Dell Development Fund, that is designed to enable previously disadvantaged students to further enhance their IT capabilities.
By harnessing new innovative technologies, leaders in education can transform how students learn and teachers are supported.
The digital foundations must first be in place before seizing the next generation of opportunities and preparing robustly for the future of work. But it must be grasped with care as the successful application of a digital strategy for education requires nuance, vision and collaboration as educators prepare for what is coming next in terms of hybrid/blended learning models.
Getting the digital classroom right
McKinsey analysis on the impact of technology on educational outcomes calls for a thoughtful approach, rather than box-ticking exercise. It highlights the need for the correct use of technology in classrooms, emphasising the benefits of augmenting teacher’s instructions and integrating with full lesson plans, rather than as an add-on.
The sweet spot for EdTech occurs when the technology is fit for purpose and students and teachers are well versed in using the tech to get the most out of it. Much of this evolution is inevitable, but when it comes to the digital classroom, getting it right is crucial, requiring an ecosystem of stakeholders – from educational institutions, to content providers, third-party tech partners, and NGOs.
We are standing at a unique crossroads, with a clear vision and the tools to achieve it.
Bridging the digital divide has never been so crucial as we look to close gaps in access to education and support an innovative, community focused, and future-proof economic recovery that delivers on ambitious and long-term skills needs.
Rethinking education can help us build a more resilient world – and we all know that starts with putting students first. The opportunity for technology to solve society’s biggest challenges is more pronounced than ever.
Chris Buchanan, Client Solutions director, Dell Technologies South Africa
