- EURASIAREVIEW.COM - A la une - 15/07/2024 14:50

From Books To Bytes: The Role Of Technology In Shaping Future Education – OpEd

The era of revolution marks the beginning of big changes. As we step into the fourth industrial revolution, technology becomes a powerful tool that can influence what we think and how we act. As Robert Winthrop White once said, "Technology shapes society and society shapes technology." The modern world is changing fast, and this has sparked a long debate about the good and bad sides of technology. You can easily see how education has changed over time, from using paper to tech touch, Technology has completely transformed how we teach and learn. Educational technology has brought us many tools, ways of learning, interactive multimedia, and most importantly, artificial intelligence (AI). AI has changed our world by making information just a click away. Online learning platforms have made it easy for anyone to access education. With technology playing a bigger role, we're getting more engaging and creative content, multimedia in classrooms, easy-to-access information, and opportunities for lifelong learning. The internet and online courses are giving the next generation the skills they need. AI helps us understand data better, and technologies like virtual and augmented reality create exciting learning experiences. Plus, educational apps and games add another fun dimension to our education systems. Some of the future trends of technology in educational industry are as following: The internet acts like a magic wand, changing how we learn. It gives us almost unlimited access to information, from books and articles to videos and journals. This means that learning isn't just confined to classrooms anymore. It opens up a world of equal opportunities for everyone, no matter where they come from. It's like a big, inclusive space where everyone can find what they need to learn and grow. Personalized learning means each student can learn in their own way. They can choose what works best for them, which helps them figure out what they're good at and where they need to improve. It's like finding your own path to reaching your goals. After COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for E-learning platforms expected to gain even more traction. Hence E-learning provides vast amount of knowledge and also E-learning seems to be good for the environment as it cuts over 85% of carbon dioxide emissions, Studies suggested that E-learning can lessen energy consumption by about 90%. E-learning can reduce the required time for students to learn the material by 25%-60% compared to traditional learning methods. When we compare traditional methods of learning with the use of technology, we see some clear differences. Traditional ways can sometimes lead to distractions and lack of focus. On the other hand, technology grabs our attention with its attractive features and encourages exploration and self-discovery. According to a survey of 1,400 educators, many believe that future classrooms will focus more on personalized learning, where students can set their own pace and choose what they want to learn, guided by tools like artificial intelligence and video-based lessons. Teaching methods have evolved over time, the LMS system provide easy access to learn, the educational apps like Digiskills, SABAQ, Taleemabad, are some of the key examples in Pakistan, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic pushing us towards digital learning. This shift has shown us the power of online education, global collaboration, teamwork, and improved communication skills. From schools to universities, technology has become an essential part of education. Technology-driven communication is at the core of learning now. Through things like virtual meetings, projects, conferences, and assignments, students can collaborate with each other and with teachers to improve their skills and learn new things. Technology has opened up a new era where learning is more interactive and engaging. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) make learning fun and memorable by encouraging students to think critically and participate actively. AI the mastermind of technology has been around since the early days of computers and the internet. In our quest to create something exceptional and powerful, AI has emerged as a key player. In today's digital era, AI has opened up countless possibilities. It has the ability to unlock vast amounts of data and information, promoting lifelong learning, global collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in education. Because AI is accessible and user-friendly, students can learn at their own speed and according to their own preferences. It's like having a tool that gives you access to a world of knowledge and helps you learn in the way that suits you best. Several innovative examples of how AI is already revolutionizing education systems are outlined in the report: UNICEF's Accessible Digital Textbooks initiative is employing AI to develop digital tools that support diverse learning needs, particularly benefiting students with disabilities by providing customizable, inclusive, educational resources. In Brazil, the Letrus programme uses AI-driven feedback mechanisms to significantly improve literacy skills across socioeconomic statuses in hundreds of schools. Kabakoo Academies in West Africa harness AI-enabled virtual mentors to provide personalized learning experiences and mentorship, preparing young people for self-employment in informal economies. The Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Education develops AI-powered digital textbooks tailored for diverse student proficiency levels, aiming to enhance personalized learning and reduce the reliance on private education. The UAE Ministry of Education co-develops an AI-powered virtual tutor to enhance personalized learning, aiming to improve academic performance and promote educational equity across diverse student populations. The chatbot in which the students and computer build up there interactions which has benefits like memory optimization students can tract their performances while reducing workload, As the OECD, Trends Shaping Education report stats “The future will be about pairing the artificial intelligence of computers with the cognitive, social and emotional capabilities of humans, so that we educate first-class humans, not second-class robots”. Even though technology offers numerous opportunities and has made our lives easier, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. For example, not all students have access to the same technology, creating a digital divide where some are left behind. Another issue is how young people sometimes misuse technology, getting distracted instead of focusing on their studies. Perhaps the most concerning challenge is cybercrime, which poses a significant threat to our future. It's crucial to address these challenges, protect our data, and find solutions to make technology safer for everyone. As In an era where technological advancement is reshaping the landscape of education, the convergence of emerging technologies and OER presents unprecedented advancing global education. This was the focal point of the discussion at the UNESCO OER Dynamic Coalition Webinar organized during ‘Open Week’ 2024 with expert’s explored synergies, challenges and future prospects in the area of AI, Blockchain and OER. In which they stated that “the question is not whether to embrace Blockchain or AI, but rather, how to effectively utilize these technologies to advance our educational objectives.” Anthony Fischer Camilleri (Senior Partner and Project Manager, Knowledge Innovation Center, Slovenia). It's difficult to understand that technology is meant to serve us. We need to be mindful of our limits and use technology for positive purposes. It's also important to remember that while technology is shaping the future, it doesn't replace the education system. Instead, imagine technology as a secret treasure map that leads us to a world of knowledge and discovery.