Technology for Education
Enhancing learning with IBM Watson
Technological innovations have become prominent and necessary to solve many of the problems we face in society today. As with many other economies, the educational sector is evolving with the help of technological advancements. Today, it takes just a few seconds to find a term inside an encyclopedia, access books, and resources in libraries virtually. The use of technology in education has made information more accessible and highly available.
With only a computer (laptop, tablet, or smartphone), learning can take place beyond the classroom. Students can access instructors, resources, assignments, and tests anywhere and anytime over a network, be it the Internet, a campus area network, or a local area network.
The application of technology in education is also subject to criticism. The possibility of replacing human instructors with digitalized educational programs is a growing concern. However, the use of technology as an assistant or support for the teacher could resolve these concerns. Besides, providing students with more flexibility in obtaining academic assistance when a human instructor cannot be physically present.
Changes in Education in the Digital Age
The evolution in education in the digital age serves as a precursor for a massive revolution that lies ahead with various emerging technological advancements. For instance, the introduction of digital media in the classroom has brought forward many changes in teaching practices. Most importantly, the changes in the roles and needs of teachers, as well as learners, have become very prominent with the prevalence of digital technology in education.
Education in the digital age also aims at developing bridges with gaming to ensure better engagement of learners. For instance, games like Call of Duty and Assassin’s Creed can help students in learning history. In the digital age, well-designed games can offer different productive opportunities for engagement by placing value over strategic thinking and cooperation.
Also, there is a need to train educators to use technology effectively for instructing students.
Furthermore, education in the digital age relies largely on digital inclusion. Thus, implying the provision of equal access to all learners.
The Effects of the Transformation
In the book, Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology: The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America, by Allan M. Collins and Richard Halverson, the introduction of technology in education has severe implications. While discussing the changes in the delivery of knowledge in the digital age, it is imperative to reflect on them.
- Technology in education provides more flexibility for experimentations in pedagogy and obtaining instant feedback.
- The use of technology in education provides more opportunities to ensure full participation by students. For instance, students with introvert tendencies could engage more effectively with digital learning platforms. Also, teachers get ideal tools for monitoring the progress of each student. Using insights provided by these tools, they can identify and focus on the areas in which students struggle the most.
- The diverse assortment of resources available in the digital age could encourage interactivity and learning.
- Moreover, technology in the classroom provides students with instant access to updated sources of information to support their learning experience.
However, the introduction of technology in education may result in the loss of some things too.
- First of all, the adoption of technology in education may limit the possibilities for students who struggle financially to continue their education.
- The use of technology could discourage students from social interactions with their peers.
- Also, planning lessons could be effort-intensive using technology. Instructors would need to be well trained to use a variety of software to prepare diagrams, charts, and illustrations.
- Students can face difficulties in recognizing proper sources of research and study materials.
- Furthermore, the use of technology in the classroom could lead to distractions.
IBM Watson Education
The IBM Watson Education team focuses on using AI to improve learning outcomes and implementing solutions that can help students succeed. The platform relies on the Watson AI technology and digital trends to assist teachers with tools that can help improve their performance and effectiveness. The goal of the platform is to facilitate continuous learning. A set of tools is given to each individual to help them thrive in school and beyond.
Let us take a look at the different ways in which the IBM Watson Education team uses AI to enhance learning in this digital age.
Personalizing Educational Content
The IBM Watson Education team leverages AI to obtain a 360-degree view of students with a clear impression on their academic, social, and behavioral interactions. With these observations, each student’s educational content can be customized based on where they are. Each student’s lessons, activities, and assignments are designed individually in a manner that works effectively for better learning outcomes.
Enhancing Early Childhood Vocabulary Development
The IBM Watson Education team has developed a tablet-based vocabulary learning application. The application enables instructors to build vocabulary in young children and also helps them identify areas that require additional focus.
Intelligent Tutoring
The IBM Watson Education team uses AI to track students’ progress. Instructors can use these insights to adapt their conversations and methods with their students. Also, instructors can use these insights as drivers for improvement.
The Next Step
A close look at how the IBM Watson Education team is transforming learning experiences indicates how much technological innovation can increase the chances of success for students. The increasing affinity between younger generations and digital technology creates new ways for large-scale adoption of technology in the educational sector.
The role of technology in education cannot be stressed. However, technology should only be view as a support tool and not as an alternative to the conventional education system.
Another prominent aspect would be the profound attention on driving collaboration and engagement in the learning environment rather than a dull, instructive classroom experience.
👉 Follow me, Fru Kerick.
👉 Subscribe so that you never miss a story.
👉 Save $10 on your Medium membership. Read unlimited stories. Thank me later…
