Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Learning and Academic Excellence

From spreadsheets to digitising data in computers, technology has come a long way, and educational institutes have benefitted greatly from it. However, the use of computer applications was previously prevalent to accelerate administrative activities.

It wasn’t until the resurgence of online learning that institutes began adopting e-learning platforms. Although teachers used PowerPoint projections and other such mechanisms in the past, integrating assistive educational technology has become vital in the current scenario.

How Can we Leverage Technology for Enhanced Learning and Academic Excellence

1. Video-based Learning

The conventional teaching method requiring face-to-face interaction will always be relevant, but teachers can enhance it with other techniques. For instance, videos are one of the most common multimedia platforms students use daily.

Whether checking our favourite dish’s recipes or learning the dos and don'ts while visiting a new country, we can find videos online. Furthermore, a recent survey reported that Youtube has more than 2.6 billion monthly active users daily.

Therefore, video-based learning has become a standard medium for online training, and students also use it as a part of their learning process. Video-based learning uses videos as a means of explaining different topics and can be divided into the following:

• Animated Explainers - Animated videos can be used to explain complex or abstract topics, making it easier for learners to understand and process them.
• Expert-led Videos- Experts provides in-depth information and explanation of varied topics.
• Interactive Videos - Adding interactive elements to the videos enables students to impact the content based on their decisions.

2. Collaboration Tools

"Technology has led to isolation and continues to hamper students’ social health" is a recurrent complaint expressed by people. But in reality, everything has pros and cons, and it is in our hands how we deal with something and not let it consume us.

One can say the same about technology, especially in the context of education, wherein we can use it to analyse facts and test their accuracy. Similarly, teachers can use learning management systems that come with collaboration tools to facilitate classroom activities.

Moreover, students no longer need to rely on physical books or notes; instead, they can exchange resources through online apps. On the other hand, teachers can implement group assignments and tasks where learners divide responsibilities and work accordingly.

Likewise, video-conferencing tools are appropriate for conducting group discussions and debates. As a result, it helps build strong social skills, confidence levels, and communication abilities, ultimately contributing to academic excellence.

3. Research Activities

How many years did it take to build the Eiffel Tower? Questions like these or more complicated ones often confound us enough to search for the answer online. And it takes less than a few seconds to find the correct answer; such is the power of technology.

On the contrary, when students do an assignment, they must conduct proper research work and collect adequate information. Thankfully, they don’t require to spend hours in the library to find the relevant books and documents.

Plenty of verified research papers, videos, and content is available online that students can use to use in their projects. Therefore, when teachers assign a topic, they can conduct independent research and compile the necessary details.

In the long run, it helps students to take ownership of their learning and sharpens their analytical abilities.

4. Flexibility

Trapped under the burden of overbearing academics, students undergo stress and anxiety and hesitate to talk about it to their parents. The competition to be the best in class and the pressure to stay ahead in all aspects of school often affects the student’s well-being.

Therefore, NEP 2020 envisions an education structure wherein students will have multiple entry and exit points during their higher education phases. Furthermore, it is an excellent strategy that provides students flexible course completion period.

Likewise, teachers use the e-learning platform to facilitate a flexible learning environment where students can learn at their pace. In contrast, the conventional educational system forces students to try and keep up with the rest of the class.

As a result, students with low understanding levels suffer; flexibility in learning ensures students master a concept or learn a skill at their convenience. In effect, there is no skipping over difficult areas of studies, rather attempting to comprehend them and asking for teachers’ intervention.

5. Comprehensive Feedback

Results or report cards towards the mid-term or annual term’s end and mid-class and impromptu question and answer allow teachers to check students’ knowledge. But are those the only way? Aren’t there any other ways?

Teachers can employ several techniques to check students' continuous progress and gauge their interest. For instance, formative assessments are an effective way to test their current knowledge and understanding.

Similarly, they can implement suitable pedagogies with the help of learning management systems to figure out their strengths and weaknesses. Also, teachers can provide assignments and online tasks, which they can evaluate accordingly.

Furthermore, they can provide instant feedback, helping learners to gain insight into their shortcomings and strengths.

6. Better Teaching Methods

Blackboard teaching and long lectures continue to have their use, but it does not mean we cannot incorporate modern ways of instruction. In fact, institutes must continuously update their teaching and learning techniques.

But what constitutes excellent teaching? Teachers have instructional styles that are unique to them and differ from each other; however, it becomes an issue when monotony and passive learning overtakes the classroom sessions.

That is where innovative teaching methods come into action; teachers can use various assistive learning tools to identify learning gaps. Furthermore, they can do the following:

• Implement inquiry-based learning in the classroom, helping to engage students in experiential learning.
• Use gamified content helps students retain information and increases engagement and academic excellence.
• Establish a student-centric learning environment, which helps to establish personalised learning and improved critical thinking.