Harnessing Technology to Enhance Student Learning in Higher Education

The Impact of Technology on Student Learning

Technology is a powerful tool to engage students in learning if used effectively. The introduction of technology in schools has increased participation in postsecondary education, reported The National Postsecondary Education Cooperative (NPEC). Technology, especially the internet, has widened the opportunities for students to access and participate in postsecondary education. 

By harnessing the power of technology, educators can provide their students with access to a wealth of information and resources that can help them to succeed in school and beyond. Technology in and out of the classroom plays a key role in student success. 

Technology can also help to level the playing field for students from different socio-economic backgrounds. By providing everyone with access to the same tools and resources, we can help to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Finally, technology helps students engage in their learning. By using interactive online classrooms, scheduling and communication tools, educators can make learning more engaging and exciting for their students.

Higher education institutions are leveraging technology to improve student learning experiences and outcomes. Research from McKinsey & Company found that students and faculty want to continue using technology following the pandemic, and they need the support of the institutions to support the shift. 

How Does Technology Impact Student Learning?

Technology in schools refers to the use of various types of technological tools used in and outside of classrooms with the aim of improving students’ learning experience. The use of technology in the classroom has been shown to have a positive effect on student engagement, motivation, and achievement.

There are several benefits of using technology in the classroom. One benefit is that it allows students to be more engaged in their learning. When students are using technology, they are often more engaged and motivated to learn. This is because they are able to interact with the material more and they are able to receive immediate feedback.

Additionally, using technology helps students learn more effectively. When they have access to key areas of support through technology, students see improved grades and achievement, such as:

• Tutoring
• Counselling
• Advising
• Supplemental Instruction (workshops, training)
• Writing Center

Another benefit of using technology in the classroom is that it can help instructors be more effective in their teaching. This is because technology can provide educators with new ways to present information and engage students. For example, there are now many software programs that allow instructors to teach online or incorporate using technology in their lessons for an interactive experience. 

Additionally, many universities partner with EdTech software and technology providers, like QuadC , to help their students succeed. There are complete systems and tools that educators can use to create interactive lessons for their students in person and online.

Technology helps schools with scheduling, communication, lesson delivery, academic support services and critical data analytics. Using these tools helps the school faculty and leadership while providing students with an engaging and effective learning experience. 

Lastly, using technology in the classroom can also help reduce the amount of time that students spend on tasks that are not directly related to their learning. For example, if a instructor is using a software program to create a multimedia presentation, the student will likely spend less time working on tasks such as taking notes or doing research. This is because they will be able to focus on the task at hand, and they will not be distracted by other things that are going on in the classroom.

The Negative Impact of Technology on Education

While the benefits of using technology to enhance student learning are clear, there are a few challenges students and educators face.

With so many students having access to laptops, smartphones, and other devices in class, it can be difficult for instructors to keep everyone focused. Using technology in schools can create a digital divide between students who have access to the latest devices and those who don’t. This can lead to frustration and feeling left behind for students who do not have the same level of technology at home or in school. 

Finally, too much technology can have a negative effect on students’ social skills. With so much time spent communicating online or through text, some students may have difficulty interacting face-to-face. This could impact their ability to form relationships and build social skills.

The Positive Impact of Technology on Education

In recent years, technology has become increasingly prevalent in higher education. Many educators have harnessed the power of technology to enhance student learning. Technology can be used to engage students in active learning, provide personalized instruction, and assess student understanding.

When used effectively, technology can engage students in active learning. Active learning is a hands-on approach to learning that involves students in the process of acquiring knowledge. Technology can be used to create interactive learning experiences that encourage students to explore new concepts and ideas.

Technology can also be used to provide personalized instruction. Personalized instruction is tailored to the individual needs of each student. Technology can be used to deliver content that is specifically designed for each student’s learning level and interests. In addition, technology can be used to track student progress and provide real-time feedback.

Finally, data analytics can be used to assess student understanding, and schools can adopt an early alert system to catch students who are falling. Assessment tools such as online quizzes and tests can provide valuable data about student understanding. This data can be used to inform instructional decisions and improve student learning.

How Lack of Technology Impacts Student Learning

A lack of technology in schools and universities can limit student learning in a number of ways. First, it can prevent students from accessing information and resources that can be used to improve their understanding of a topic. Second, it can make it difficult for students to collaborate and communicate with each other, which can limit their ability to learn from each other. Finally, it can make it difficult for educators to effectively use technology to enhance their teaching and engage students in learning.

If students don’t have regular access to technology, their education will suffer. This can cause stress for the student, lead to adverse mental health and cause the student’s GPA to drop.

A study from Iowa University Bloomington surveyed 748 students of all races and socio-economic statuses from an undergrad university. Researchers also conducted focus groups with a small number of students who answered deeper questions about technology use and schooling.

One issue 20% of students face is access to efficient and reliable technology. This can be a problem if their laptops are old or break down often, as it can lead to lost work and less time spent studying. Another issue is having reliable access to the internet. Students who live off campus may not have access to Wi-Fi, which can make it difficult to complete assignments or do research. One option to combat this is for students to add more data to their phone plans, but this may not be affordable for everyone.

The future of education will be heavily reliant on technological advancements, so it is crucial to understand how these technologies impact student learning in order for our educational system to benefit from them going forward.

Final Thoughts

Technology has a significant effect on student learning. It has a lot to offer classrooms today. It helps to bridge the gap between students and their learning goals, giving them an enhanced and engaging experience. There are a wide range of educational technology tools that can help students perform better in class tasks. 

Those in higher education are paying attention. Everyone benefits when institutions utilize a robust framework of technology. Incorporating a system that supports the success of students inside the classroom and outside through student support services works best. 

Schools can use technology to both create and remove obstacles for students. By educating the student body on how to best use available tech tools, schools can engage and empower them in their learning. Technology can be used in many ways to support learning on and off campus, and some methods improve the outcomes of the student’s achievement. Easy access to student support services such as tutors, advisors, and writing departments creates higher student success and retention rates.