Years ago, it was up to the parents to educate their kids. Over time, this evolved into classroom learning. Since then, education has pretty much stayed the same…
Until the birth of, wait for it, the internet!
Yes, the internet’s made huge waves in education and technology. And with tsunami-like advances in technology today, it’s still improving the classroom.
How technology has changed education is something worth looking into. Read on to get up-to-date!
1. Say Bye-Bye to the Library
Long gone are the days of searching through dusty old books and carrying a hefty book bag. Most students carry a smart device and do most of their work without pens and paper. The availability of accurate and up-to-date information at the touch of a screen is super convenient both for students and the rest of us.
In fact, an average internet user conducts 3-4 Google searches per day. How many more times will a student check Google for research purposes?
Now, instead of teachers spending time instructing students on how to find information, they teach them how to sift through the abundance of information online.
2. Techie Teachers
It’s not only students who benefit from internet education. Teachers, schools, and universities see the many benefits of using technology to enhance their teaching. Some schools even provide every student with a laptop or tablet.
Teachers use online videos and other media elements in their lectures. Some create their own digital content, such as animations, memes, and videos. Some teachers even arrange live sessions with educators around the world.
For example, students learning about the Arctic in a rural town in the US can follow a live expedition of scientists in the Arctic. From reading blog posts and watching videos to sending questions and contacting the team via webcam, students are unlikely to forget what they learn in sessions like these.
This blend of traditional lectures with online content offers the best of both worlds.
3. Opportunities Galore
One huge way the internet has changed education is that now, students technically don’t have to go to school to receive an education. From online boot camps to university degrees, you can receive legit qualifications. This is great news for older students whose lives got in the way of university education when they were younger.
Some courses are free, others require payment. But because there’s no bricks and mortar location, it’s definitely cheaper to do an online course. Either way, the opportunities are endless for people of all ages and backgrounds.
4. Keeping in Contact
Before the internet, communication was mainly limited to class time and study groups. If students had questions or were falling behind with their coursework, they had to wait until the next session. But now, students and teachers can keep that communication ongoing through social networks.
They can collaborate in online discussions, ask questions in forums, and reference online textbooks. It’s the perfect way to keep students engaged when they’re not in the classroom.
5. Enhanced Flexibility
Internet education is largely popular due to its flexibility. A traditional classroom requires a rigid schedule and a permanent location. People who work full-time or have kids to look after miss opportunities because of their lifestyle.
Now students can learn from anywhere at any time. Whether it’s at home, during their lunch break at the office, or sitting in the car waiting for the kids to finish school, all they need is an internet connection.
6. The World at Your Doorstep
As you can connect with anyone in the world, students can enroll in other countries. This provides great opportunities for those who are geographically isolated or underprivileged. It also gives opportunities for home-educated kids to access structured online lessons.
This is extremely beneficial if you’re learning a language. If your online teacher is living in the region the language originated from, their teaching skills should be better. And it’s all without leaving the comfort of your own home!
7. No Excuses for Missing Schoolwork
What happens when students forget their homework? They either have to fall upon the mercy of their teacher or call an irate parent at home to beg them to bring it in. Either way, it’s not a good situation.
Homework today is usually submitted as an email attachment, a shared document, or through an online message board. And if you do need a hard copy, you can log into your cloud and print it off. It’s as easy as that.
Now nobody can use the age-old excuse: “The dog ate my homework”!
8. Continuous Training
Online learning platforms are perfect for those who wish to further their knowledge of the field they currently work in.
For example, if there’s a legal requirement for an engineer to update their license, a PDH Pro online course may be all they need to get up-to-date with current legislation.
9. Students Love It
The combination of the internet and education is a welcome change for students today. In fact, in 2016, 6.3 million students took at least one online class. And the number keeps going up.
Many students feel online learning gives them the opportunity to learn at their own pace. This relieves the pressure many students in the classroom face.
10. Teachers Love It Too!
In the early days of online learning, employers and educators looked down on internet-based courses. But now, over 77% of academic leaders believe online learning is equal or superior to traditional classroom learning.
This has led to esteemed colleges and schools using online courses to enrich their training programs. Some courses and degrees are now only available as an online diploma.
