Edtech is essentially any kind of technology used in classrooms to improve the students’ learning experience.
Edtech being used as a further learning tool has been around for a long time. In previous years, the technology used in classrooms included overhead projectors, copying machines, and mimeographs.
Nowadays, more advanced EdTech exists with tablets, interactive whiteboards, and online apps incorporated into lessons to supplement and strengthen the students’ engagement and learning.
Not all technology we have ends up in a classroom, of course. Not all technology is necessary or even helpful. However, if a form of technology can advance education, it will be introduced into classrooms.
How Does EdTech Help Students to Study?
Understandably, many parents feel hesitant about EdTech being in classrooms. After all, isn’t technology supposed to be a distraction rather than a learning tool? Well, yes, in a way. But used correctly, it can be used to help students study more effectively in the following methods.
1. Extra Teamwork
There are two ways EdTech can create extra teamwork and collaboration in classrooms. Firstly, many classrooms now use cloud-based apps that allow students to ask each other for help on current homework before uploading their work.
Secondly, many online learning games and activities allow students to solve problems together while using individual devices.
2. Changing Structure
Previously, students would listen to a lecture in class and then work on projects as homework. However, now, students can watch a lecture at home and work on projects together in class. This creates far more dynamic classes and reduces the stress of extensive or complex homework tasks.
3. 24/7 Access to Learning
It’s not healthy for kids to consume too many hours of learning each day. Too much becomes counterproductive and prevents students from advancing in their knowledge.
However, because EdTech now allows students to access learning tools and resources any time of the day, students can learn when they are in the right environment, well-rested, mentally ready, and so on.
How Does EdTech Help Teachers?
One of the toughest parts of teaching is ensuring that every student is learning the same thing at the same time.
However, given that there are often around 30 kids in a classroom, all of whom learn in different ways from one another, it can be impossible to end a lesson with all students understanding or learning the same amount.
But this is where EdTech can be a huge benefit for teachers also. With the right EdTech, lessons can be catered to and personalized to individual students. This means that the same information can be taught using various methods, and students can learn in the way that best suits them.
In addition, technology can be used for automated grading, saving teachers huge amounts of time. It can also help teachers go paperless, and finally, 70% of teachers previously said that it enriches the classroom experience.
What Are the Possible Risks of EdTech?
The downside of using EdTech in classrooms is the possible risk of hacking and data harvesting by cybercriminals. Like all technology, if it connects to the internet, this risk is ever-present.
In most cases, when cybercriminals steal data from organizations or individuals, this is used for financial gains such as identity theft or emptying bank accounts. Being the victim of fraud and cybercrime can have a devastating effect both mentally and financially, so it’s paramount that anyone using EdTech in their classroom do all they can to minimize the risk of hacking.
How to Lower These Risks
Before you panic, look below at some quick and simple steps on how you can lower the risks and keep everyone’s personal information safe.
1. Install Antivirus Software
One of the most effective and common steps is to install antivirus software on all your devices. Antivirus protects devices from malware, viruses, Trojans, ransomware, and other malicious programs designed to hack and steal data.
If you don’t already own antivirus software, check your options before deciding on which to use thoroughly. Unfortunately, some antivirus software is fake and only harms your device!
2. Install the Best VPN
A VPN or virtual private network is there to encrypt your private data, hide your IP address and allow you to use the internet safely. Since your activity and information are safely hidden, cybercriminals will not be able to see what you’re doing or steal any information.
By choosing the best VPN available and connecting before using your EdTech, you’ll have far greater protection on your device.
3. Let Others Know
Telling your students and colleagues about security steps and possible risks ensures that everyone using the EdTech is fully aware and can then minimize the risks on their end. If everyone works together and installs their own antivirus and a VPN, all information and data can be secure.
The Benefits Are Worth It
The benefits of EdTech for students and teachers are far greater than the risks. Especially when there are simple steps such as installing an antivirus and the best VPN option to help minimize the possible risks and keep every classroom safe!
