Technology: a cycle of innovation, education and inspiration
Progress cannot be stopped.
It’s inevitable. From the moment the first caveman banged two rocks together and made fire, humankind has moved forward in thought, technology and education — each aspect inspiring the other in continuous cycle of curiosity and discovery.
Technological improvements have been inspiring progress throughout society since the bronze and middle-ages, through the industrial revolution and the information age to now, where AI and machine learning are opening a new spectrum of possibilities to study, learn and improve upon.
During medieval times, technological improvement used to bypass the lower classes and go straight to the church or the landowners and aristocracy. Later it was used by working classes but controlled by the bourgeoisie and upper-classes, but now through more accessibility to education more people have the opportunity to be educated in tech and use it to improve their lives — with decent public funding to ensure this.
Huge leap forward
Recently, huge leaps forward in technology have begun to inspire both the way that we teach and the way that we study, specifically in institutions of higher education. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR) augmented reality (AR) and machine learning (ML) are all factors currently being explored, seen as the future of education.
Admittedly, in comparison to more traditionally commercially-minded industries, the education sector has been slower than other industries to pick up on the opportunities. The more forward thinking institutions have, however, started to adopt more tech-forward solutions across a number of processes, procedures and departments and it’s undoubtedly beginning to make a significant improvement.
Personalised and accessible
AI has allowed universities and colleges to provide personalisation of learning matter at such a scale that students are able to benefit from tailormade programmes, dashboards or systems.
Software allows educators to create true differentiation for each unique learner, saving time for both students and teachers, giving a significantly improved quality of learning to fit each individual need needs.
Distance learning has undergone a transformative journey, thanks to the rapid advancements in technology. Higher education has experienced a significant enhancement across all levels, with the integration of various technological tools such as learning management systems, smart classrooms, and online courses. Among these innovations, virtual distance learning has emerged as a game-changer, providing unprecedented opportunities for education regardless of geographical constraints.
Paving the way for creativity
One of the notable contributors to this evolution is the implementation of VR and AR in education. These technologies have paved the way for creative teaching materials that go beyond traditional methods. With the potential to generate computer-generated images and seamlessly blend physical and virtual environments, VR and AR offer a three-dimensional learning experience that captivates students’ attention and enhances their understanding of complex concepts.
A report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) sheds light on the positive impact of VR on learners. According to the report, 40% of VR learners exhibit increased confidence in applying the knowledge they’ve acquired, while experiencing a remarkable 150% improvement in engagement during classes. The potential of immersive technologies to not only convey information effectively but also to foster a more interactive and dynamic learning environment, could be limitless.
Igniting curiosity in the classroom
Meanwhile, the XR Association (XRA) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conducted a study revealing that 77% of educators believe immersive technologies ignite curiosity and significantly improve engagement in the classroom. The ability of VR and AR to create new, stimulating educational experiences goes beyond the boundaries of textbooks and boring lectures, offering students a more vibrant, interactive and personalised approach to learning.
As these technologies continue to advance, the landscape of education is likely to witness a paradigm shift. The integration of VR and AR in distance learning not only addresses accessibility concerns but also contributes to the development of a more confident and engaged student population. As we embrace the future of education, the fusion of technology and learning is set to redefine the traditional classroom experience, making education a more immersive and enriching journey for students worldwide.
Examples of tech inspiring engagement
As investment into these technologies continues, more and more examples of the transformative potential of immersive technologies arise again and again — and across all faculties and disciplines.
Medical education, for instance, has embraced the use of headsets to provide students with unprecedented access to surgeries, CT scans, and X-rays. Through VR, professors can guide students through complex medical procedures, offering an immersive learning experience that enhances their understanding of real-world scenarios. Not only can this contribute to the development of practical skills but can also foster a deeper connection between theoretical knowledge and its practical application.
Similarly, fields such as Family and Medical Leave (FML) present opportunities for tech-driven innovation. Virtual worlds created through immersive technologies allow individuals to practice and refine their skills in realistic situations. This not only enhances their proficiency in handling real-world scenarios but also instills confidence through repeated, risk-free practice.
The marriage of technology and education in FML can stimulate provocative thought and imaginative responses to problems, nurturing a mindset that is adaptive and solution-oriented.
More than nuts and bolts
In the realm of engineering, 3D printing technology has revolutionised the learning experience. Students can now witness their creations come to life quickly and easily, providing a tangible and visually stimulating representation of their ideas.
Prototyping processes are accelerated and restrictions associated with traditional methods are reduced. The result is a more ambitious approach to design and innovation, as students are empowered to explore creative solutions without the constraints of traditional manufacturing processes.
Scores up with VR and AR
An illustrative case comes from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, which has been at the forefront of VR adoption. Students who participated in virtual reality learning experiences at the college achieved an average final test score of 85, surpassing scores obtained through in-person instruction (78) and traditional online methods (81).
The use of VR not only elevated academic performance but also contributed to increased attendance and engagement, demonstrating the profound impact of immersive technologies on student outcomes.
Ever-evolving landscape
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology stands as the key catalyst for nurturing students’ adaptability throughout their careers. The instantaneous access to information that technology provides equips learners with the tools to stay abreast of the latest developments in their respective fields, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Hi Tech solutions have the ability to expose students to intriguing and novel problems, encouraging curiosity, creativity and risk-taking — a dynamic approach to problem-solving not only enhances critical thinking skills which in turn cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.
Inspiring the ‘Startup Generation’
As we witness the rise of a startup generation, the integration of technology in education becomes instrumental in empowering more individuals to explore and embrace entrepreneurship. In this symbiotic relationship between education and technology, we find the seeds of innovation and adaptability that will shape the future workforce and contribute to the ever-expanding realms of knowledge and possibility.
Progress is inevitable — and I’m excited to see where it takes us.
