How Has Technology Changed Education For Schools?

Author: Antoinette Morris

Posted: 22 Feb 2023

Estimated time to read: 6 mins

Technology has quickly become a staple in schools across the country, but have you ever wondered about the positive effect it's having? Keep reading to find out more.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of UK schools include technology in everyday teaching and learning practices with experts predicting further growth in the coming years. 

In this article, you’ll learn more about how technology has impacted education for pupils of all ages (from primary to secondary school and beyond). 

How technology has changed education over the last 20 years

In the past two decades, technology has gone through some incredible changes. For example, only 47% of UK households had a mobile phone in 2000. Today, 84% of UK adults own a smartphone (and many children and teenagers have them as well).

In the education sphere, technology has rapidly spread throughout schools and revolutionised the way students learn. Not too long ago, in more traditional education, a more conventional classroom might have one or two computers for pupils to share. Today, it’s not uncommon for each pupil to have access to their own online tools such as a computer or another smart device.

The following are some key ways that this change has improved education for the better, from collaborative learning to new educational materials: 

1. Technological literacy with computers, laptops and tablets 

Many classrooms throughout the UK provide pupils with access to devices like computers, laptops, and tablets, helping them develop their technological literacy and get comfortable using a variety of instructional materials, tools and programs for their own learning that are useful in life beyond school.

2. Use of collaborative software

Collaborative software helps pupils work together on projects, while also helping teachers stay connected, assign tasks, plan projects, and more. Students can be miles apart (when taking part in distance learning, for example) and still collaborating on the same piece of work. 

3. Easier pupil assessment 

Teachers can use assessment software to evaluate pupils, gauge their understanding of various concepts, and identify areas that need improvement. 

4. Gamification for increased engagement 

Gamification is one of the new learning models that boosts motivation and engagement among pupils, helping them learn in new and more exciting ways. Students participate actively, frequently and in ways that help them learn how to master a range of different skills. With gamified learning software available for everything from touch typing to language learning, incorporating fun into the classroom is made a whole lot easier thanks to technology. 

5. Increased communication with video calling 

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers and students had to connect via video chat instead of face-to-face in the classroom. Although most pupils are participating in in-person learning once more, video communication is still useful and won’t be going away anytime soon (39% of schools are continuing remote learning practices in some capacity).

Experts are impressed with the positive effects technology has had on education, and they’re excited to see what the future holds. 

Jim Knight (Rt Hon Lord Knight), the director of Suklaa Media & Education and former schools minister, said that the pandemic has “accelerated the evolution of technology adoption, curriculum, and other key elements of learning.” He also noted that data supports the idea of technology, including collaborative and game-based software, increasing “levels of student engagement” and leading to “improved outcomes holistically.”

FAQs: How has technology changed education?

It's not hard to see how technology has taken over the average UK classroom. However, many people — parents and educators alike — still have questions about the technology used in the learning environment and its effect on the learning process and teaching methods

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, with answers:

How has technology impacted education?

Technology has enhanced learning for pupils by providing new ways for them to learn that are more developed than conventional education. For example, with the help of gamification software, pupils who might usually struggle to stay focused or engaged in the classroom may find it easier to maintain motivation and develop new skills.

As for teachers, technology has helped them support students as well as themselves. For example, the UK Department of Education notes that the use of technology in schools has allowed staff meetings to take place online, maximising teachers’ time and improving collaboration.

In what ways is technology changing education in your school?

Technology is changing education in schools of all types and sizes. The following are some specific changes pupils, teachers, and parents have noticed:

• Communication and collaboration: Technology has provided new ways for teachers to interact with students, for students to interact with each other, and for teachers to interact with parents.
• Virtual reality: Some schools are incorporating tools like virtual reality (VR) headsets to provide more immersive educational experiences.
• Teacher-student connection: Teachers can use technology — such as assessment software — to gain more insight into student performance.

How has technology improved education?

Technology has helped teachers cater to different learning styles and support pupils who might normally struggle to keep up in an old-fashioned classroom setting.

Technology and online learning environments have also improved communication between teachers, students, and parents, making it easier for everyone to get on the same page and work together for the student’s best interests.

What are the benefits of technology in education?

Technology has changed virtually every aspect of education. The following are seven benefits it has to offer pupils, teachers, and parents:

• Instant access to a wide range of learning materials (videos, articles, games, etc.)
• Improved communication and collaboration skills
• More fun and engaging learning opportunities
• More opportunities for pupils to learn anywhere and at anytime
• Learners can develop new skills and knowledge they wouldn’t have access to otherwise
• Educational technology can improve mental and physical health with games, assessments, surveys, and other tools
• Technology in education helps pupils and teachers stay up to date with the latest developments and advancements

 

What are the 3 main benefits of technology in education?

Of the benefits listed above, the following are three of the most important benefits:

• Instant access: Pupils can easily find materials that help them develop new skills and expand their knowledge beyond what they could access in a textbook.
• Communication and collaboration: Technology helps pupils, teachers, and parents communicate in various ways, allowing for more cooperation and opportunities to clear up misunderstandings more quickly.
• Mental and physical wellness: Schools can use technology, such as online wellbeing trackers, to distribute surveys and gain valuable insight into pupil and teacher wellbeing.
  
  

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