Today’s classrooms and learning processes are powered by technology. From notebooks and tablets, to customized learning programs that make it easier to teach individual students, an explosion of new technologies is reshaping education. Tools are making it easier for educators to stay current, helping students increase their test scores, and providing administrators with real-time information on operations and spending. For many organizations, it’s important to understand the potential impact when planning strategic technology investments. Here’s a closer look at how technology is shaping today’s educational landscape.
It Begins in the Classroom with Notebooks and Tablets
40% of K–12 teachers have one notebook or tablet in their classroom per student, and the numbers are rising.
That’s good news, according to a study from Michigan State University. One-on-one computing increases student test scores and improves other areas, such as communication skills, student/teacher relationships, and student engagement.
After seeing results, schools are increasing their investments in technology, with the global market for software platforms alone expected to hit $1.83 billion by 2020. Globally, the edtech market may reach $252 billion for all segments by the same year.
Solutions to keep students connected, from in-school Wi-Fi to smart buses, are growing rapidly.
New Technologies Are Improving Student Experiences
One area that’s getting special attention is student-centered, in-classroom technologies.
From gamification to virtual reality, a new generation of educational technologies are helping students learn. Hands-on and immersive tools improve engagement and provide immediate feedback.
Adaptive learning platforms are having tangible impacts, such as increasing student test scores and reducing failure rates. Technology that delivers learning in formats and speeds customized to students is growing rapidly.
According to Virtual Reality Brief, 93% of teachers said students are excited about virtual reality, and 7 out of 10 teachers would use VR experiences to supplement other learning materials.
One survey found that 59% of students have used smartboards in the classroom. Three out of four students have used smartphones in the classroom as learning aids.
Technology Is Helping Teachers and Administrators Succeed
The demands on teachers are increasing—from implementing rigorous curriculums, to working with a range of students. Keeping up with the latest technologies is difficult.
U.S. schools spend $18 billion annually on teachers’ professional development.
New technology platforms are emerging to offer customized, scalable professional development training and support to teachers.
Technology is also improving administrators’ ability to run schools efficiently.
The Education Technology Industry Network found that 70% of schools have seen a jump in data collection in the last few years. Administrators are successfully using data for everything from improving learning outcomes to reducing absenteeism.
Whether it’s tools that will help students thrive or the solutions teachers and administrators need to support audacious learning goals, technology is front and center in the world of education. Schools are making important strides in their goals, through the innovative use of technologies at all levels of the organization.
Liz Alton
Liz Alton is a B2B technology and digital marketing writer and content strategist. She has worked with a variety of brands including Google, Twitter, Adobe, Oracle, and HP, and written for publications including Forbes. She is a regular contributor to Connected, Connection’s official blog.
