Even before the days of COVID-19, education at all levels has been quietly becoming more and more digital. Now, with COVID-19 forcing many students to learn remotely, it seems inevitable that the digitization of education will only pick up speed.
What Does it Mean for Education to Become More Digital?
Schools everywhere have been adding digital elements to their classes for years. For example, many courses in university are offered online, students in elementary and high schools use laptops, and some teachers even prefer to post their lectures online so students can access them out of class and rewind or pause when needed.
Things have been changing for some time now, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the digitization of education, most notably with many classes being run remotely through organized Zoom meetings.
What Is the Value of a More Digital Education?
In the best case, a more digital education system could lead to more effective learning, especially for younger students who have a hard time sitting still and listening to lectures for hours. Furthermore, being able to tackle the coursework and lectures at their own pace, many students may find themselves excelling in areas where they previously fell behind.
In addition to all of that, technology can also be a great resource for learning for students of any age. With a variety of exciting new technologies that can enhance a student’s learning, such as interactive programs or even something like VR, it is possible for students today to get a better and more engaging education than ever before.
Is it All Positive Though?
Despite all of the positive aspects of a more digital education system, there are also some serious drawbacks as well. For example, schools may have required technology needed for a specific course. If the school cannot give the students that technology for free, parents may see school fees rise or struggle to purchase the equipment.
Another drawback of a more digital education system is that, even though some students may learn better on their own, many students may not. Some students, for example, learn better from lectures, or have trouble motivating themselves to study on their own. This could be a problem for many students if the education system becomes reliant on digital teaching in the future.
Final Thoughts
At this point, it is inevitable that education will become more digital as the years go on. Still, there is no reason to worry yet. As with all advancements in education, all we can do is trust that the right choices will be made in regard to the digitization of education, hopefully leading to more effective learning for students all over the world.
