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5.3: The Influence of Technology on Learning

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    Section Learning Objectives
    • Identify ways in which technology positively influences learning outcomes.
    • Explore research and evidence supporting the impact of technology on student engagement, motivation, and achievement.
    • Explore specific examples and case studies showcasing successful technology integration in educational settings.

    Technology's Power to Enhance Learning

    Walk into many classrooms today and you'll see students captivated by learning games on their classroom tablets, collaborating on projects using online whiteboards, or embarking on virtual field trips with VR headsets. While technology has often entered schools with more hype than proven results, research makes clear it holds enormous potential to positively influence learning when thoughtfully implemented. 

    Let's explore some of the key benefits technology can offer and see real-world examples of it enhancing engagement, comprehension, and achievement. Some benefits:

    • Increased Engagement and Interest: Educational games, simulations, and multimedia creation activities are more engaging than traditional textbooks and lectures. They motivate students by involving them in problem-solving and creative tasks, leading to better understanding and retention.

    • Improved Motivation and Attitude: Using technology like tablets and interactive whiteboards in classrooms enhances student enthusiasm and attitudes towards learning. These high-tech tools, familiar from their use in entertainment, make education more enjoyable and relevant.

    • Deeper Understanding and Retention: Interactive tools such as videos, animations, 3D models, and virtual reality help students visualize and interact with complex concepts, leading to better comprehension and memory retention.

    • Accommodate Different Learning Styles: Technology supports diverse learning styles by offering varied tools like videos for visual learners, text-to-speech for auditory learners, and interactive projects for tactile learners, enabling personalized instruction for different needs and preferences.

    • Develop 21st-century skills: Using technology in the classroom provides students with opportunities to build vital skills needed to succeed in today's world and in future careers. These include:
      • Digital Literacy - Using computers, mobile devices, apps, and online platforms teaches students the technological fluency required in higher education and the modern workplace. From word processing to spreadsheets to creating multimedia, technology boosts essential digital skills.
      • Creativity & Innovation - Designing projects and products using digital tools allows students to think creatively and problem-solve. Tools like graphic design, video editing, animation, and programming enable students to be innovative and express themselves.
      • Critical Thinking - Educational software and games that require analyzing data, seeking solutions, and making decisions promote critical thinking abilities. Virtual simulations also encourage experimenting, iterative problem-solving, and causal reasoning.
      • Communication & Collaboration - Online tools provide venues for students to practice professional communication skills and teamwork. Writing emails, sharing workspaces, video conferencing, and participating in discussion boards - technology facilitates group work and peer learning.
      • Information Literacy - The internet and digital databases offer access to limitless information. Using these resources in projects teaches research skills and discerning reliable sources. Technology enables locating, evaluating, and synthesizing information efficiently. (Almazroa & Alotaibi, 2023)

    Watch this 9 minute Ted Talk which explores and explains more benefits of technology integration in education.

    The Benefits of Technology in Education (Uyen Nguyen Thuc). TedxTalks. [Video: 9:16. Closed Captioned] 

    Many studies have shown interactive digital learning tools grab and hold a student's attention better than traditional static textbooks and lectures. Educational games and simulations get students actively solving, exploring, and experimenting. This immersive involvement increases time spent learning critical concepts. A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that mobile-assisted seamless learning environments had positive effects on students' success and motivation in a secondary school 7th-grade mathematics class algebra unit. (Pocan, et. al., 2023)

    Beyond engagement, technology tools like video clips, 3D models, and science simulations help students deeply comprehend complex or abstract ideas they struggle to understand from traditional instruction alone. Visualizing and interacting makes challenging topics more concrete. Students also remember concepts better when they are active participants rather than passive listeners. A study published by eLearning Industry in June 2023 found that the use of technology in education can lead to increased knowledge retention and the development of critical thinking skills. The study highlights that technology can make the learning process more enjoyable and engaging, leading to better outcomes for students.(Joshi, 2023).

    Real schools showcase impressive success stories. A systematic review by NCBI (2022) found that technology use can have a positive impact on cognitive development, particularly in areas such as language and literacy, when used appropriately. (Ricci, et. al, 2022)

    The key is not just having flashy gadgets, but integrating them thoughtfully based on curriculum goals. Do this, and technology can amplify student learning and development in powerful ways. While technology is not a "magic wand" solution, but when it is well-designed, thoughtfully planned, and implemented well, it supports the teaching and learning expertise of the instructor and enhances knowledge retention for the learner.

    References

    Almazroa, H., & Alotaibi, W. (2023). Teaching 21st Century Skills: Understanding the Depth and Width of the Challenges to Shape Proactive Teacher Education Programmes. Sustainability, 15(9), 7365. MDPI AG. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su15097365

    Joshi, S. (2023, June 21). The role of technology in education, post pandemic. eLearning Industry.

    Poçan S, Altay B, Yaşaroğlu C. The Effects of Mobile Technology on Learning Performance and Motivation in Mathematics Education. Educ Inf Technol (Dordr). 2023;28(1):683-712. doi: 10.1007/s10639-022-11166-6. Epub 2022 Jul 5. PMID: 35814805; PMCID: PMC9253263.

    Ricci RC, Paulo ASC, Freitas AKPB, Ribeiro IC, Pires LSA, Facina MEL, Cabral MB, Parduci NV, Spegiorin RC, Bogado SSG, Chociay Junior S, Carachesti TN, Larroque MM. Impacts of technology on children's health: a systematic review. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2022 Jul 6;41:e2020504. doi: 10.1590/1984-0462/2023/41/2020504. PMID: 35830157; PMCID: PMC9273128.

    Uyen Nguyen Thuc (2023). The Benefits of Technology in Education . TedxTalks. YouTube. 

    This page titled 5.3: The Influence of Technology on Learning is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Nasreen Rahim and Renee Albrecht (Open Educational Resource Initiative at Evergreen Valley College) .