In recent years, the thriving digital era has paved the way for the exponential transformation of the world's education system. Thanks to the rising influence of Education Technology (EdTech) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the science of learning, which includes the teaching and learning processes, is progressively reshaped to be more interactive, personalized and hands-on.

For years, the world has witnessed the improvements and the positive influences brought by the rise of education technology and artificial intelligence. Even though it rapidly transformed the education sector, the fact can’t be denied that these technological innovations could strengthen students’ knowledge and skills.

Lifelong learning companions

Due to EdTech and AI’s promising benefits in the field of education, a Pearson report (via Forbes) found that technology could indeed “positively transform” the different facets of education in the coming years. In fact, students will have a real-time learning experience.

These technologies could also provide opportunities so that learners have “lifelong” educational companions that could support them throughout their studies.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the impact of EdTech and artificial intelligence, technology has become an essential factor in the pedagogical realm that is why experts stressed that these changes in education should not be ignored, but should be “hastened.”

Skepticisms

There are several factors and reasons why many are still skeptical about the influence of technology in learning.

Among them are the issues of affordability and accessibility of EdTech platforms and AI or VR (virtual reality) tools, which can make learning a “truly immersive experience” inside and outside of the academic setting.

Another is the fear that digital learning can destroy the significance of human educators or teachers in the classrooms.

Even though digital media has boosted the role of human interface in education, The Indian Express stressed that technology could never be a “substitute” for a teacher, who delivers the “wholesome” learning approach.

Importance of teachers

The publication added that teachers still play an important role in modern education, especially to ensure logical and analogous transmission of knowledge to students. Teachers also ensure customized attention and provide motivation and support.

Moreover, human educators are essential in the development of non-cognitive skills such as problem-solving and lateral thinking among students. But with the help of modern technology, it can redefine the functions of teachers by turning them into “knowledge enablers and catalysts” rather than just a simple knowledge provider.

Social inequalities

Despite the disadvantages that EdTech, AI, and VR platforms can bring, several educational institutions have already taken the risk in integrating technology into their classes. As per MIT News, MIT’s Comparative Media Studies/Writing Program (CMS/W) assistant professor Justin Reich is looking for ways to transform education by providing educators with tech tools needed to serve the students.

As Reich seeks for the potential of these constantly evolving technologies in the science of learning, he also found that barriers have been underestimated, where digital learning is enjoyed mostly by the rich and famous. Reich even said “educational settings often end up reproducing social inequalities and hierarchies” despite teachers’ efforts to build a “more equitable world.”
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