Introduction:
Technology in education has grown rapidly over the last few decades, revolutionising the way we learn and teach in a variety of ways. It’s no surprise, then, that many of today’s students and teachers use digital tools and services to learn, and it’s only natural that this technology will continue to evolve, improving our educational experience. In this article we look at 15 interesting facts about the technology in education and how it is enhancing the way we learn and interact with one another.
Fact 1: 70% of K-12 Schools Say Technology Helps Student Achievement
According to a 2018 report by the American Institutes for Research, 70 percent of K-12 schools believe that the use of technology has improved student achievement. This suggests that technology in learning is more than just a distraction for students, but can actually help them become more engaged and successful learners.
Fact 2: 91% of Colleges Now Use Online Learning
In 2015, the US Department of Education reported that 91 percent of colleges were implementing some form of online learning for their students. This number continues to grow, and it is no surprise that education at the post-secondary level increasingly uses digital tools to supplement and enhance traditional classroom learning.
Fact 3: YouTube is Used for Learning in Over 75% of Schools
A 2014 report by Common Sense Media showed that over three quarters of US schools were using YouTube for educational purposes. This was due largely to its convenience and cost-effectiveness, and it’s likely that this number is only increasing. YouTube is a great tool for learning, with a range of resources relating to almost every subject at any educational level.
Fact 4: About Half of All Learners Use their Smartphones for Learning
According to a survey conducted by Pearson Education in 2017, just over half of all learners use their smartphones to access educational materials, videos, and other resources for learning. With the increasing portability and affordability of smartphones, this number is likely to grow in the future, enhancing our access to educational materials.
Fact 5: 74% of High School Students Use Social Media for Learning
A 2014 study of 44 countries showed that almost three quarters of high school students were using social media for learning. This could be anything from posting questions to join or starting forums or discussion boards for their peers to ask questions and exchange ideas.
Fact 6: 70% of Teachers Use Web 2.0 Tools for Learning
Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, and social media are increasingly popular among educators, with 70 percent of teachers now using them to facilitate learning. Not only do such tools provide a great platform for teachers to communicate with and engage their students, but they are also a great way to access a range of resources and ideas, as well as providing a forum for collaboration between educators.
Fact 7: 84% of K-12 Teachers Use Technology for Classroom Learning
In 2019, a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics found that 84 percent of K-12 teachers used technology in their classrooms during instruction. This could include anything from online quizzes to digital textbooks or programs.
Fact 8: 69% of Educators Believe Technology Enhances Creativity in the Classroom
According to the same survey, 69 percent of educators believed that technology had a positive impact on students’ creativity. This is largely because digital tools and services provide students with access to a range of resources that help to fuel and direct their creativity.
Fact 9: 73% of Teachers Believe Technology Enhances Student Engagement
A 2015 study by MDR showed that 73 percent of teachers believed that technology had a positive impact on student engagement. Technology can offer a variety of ways to engage with learning, be it through collaborative activities or by making use of educational resources provided online.
Fact 10: Online Video is The Most Commonly Used Technology for Learning
In a study conducted by Google in 2017, it was found that online video was the most commonly used technology for learning amongst K-12 students. This could be anything from videos created by teachers to explain a concept to clips from YouTube used to illustrate a point.
Fact 11: 72% of K-12 Schools Emphasize Technology Skills
A 2018 report from the American Institutes for Research found that 72 percent of K-12 schools were placing an emphasis on technology skills. This is largely due to the fact that technology is becoming more and more important in day-to-day life, and so teaching students about its benefits and risks is essential for the future workforce.
Fact 12: 63% of Teachers use Digital Gamification
In 2019, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 63 percent of teachers used digital gamification in their classrooms. This is a great way to allow students to learn or practice skills in a fun and engaging atmosphere, and it also encourages collaboration amongst the class.
Fact 13: Over 85% of Teachers Believe Technology Enhances Collaboration
The same study found that over 85 percent of teachers felt that technology had a positive impact on student collaboration. Digital tools and services make collaborative learning easier, both in and out of the classroom.
Fact 14: 95% of Students Use Technology to Support Their Learning
A 2019 study by the International Association for Education Technology found that 95 percent of students used technology to support their learning. This could include anything from access to online resources to aid revision, or simply using Google to find answers when stuck on a topic.
Fact 15: 72% of Educators Believe Their Students are Tech-Savvy
A 2016 report by NPR revealed that 72 percent of educators agreed that their students were tech-savvy and comfortable using technology. This is likely due to the fact that students now grow up with access to a range of digital devices and services, so it’s no surprise they’re able to proficiently use them from a young age.
Conclusion
Technology is revolutionising the way we learn and teach, and it’s clear from the facts discussed here that its presence in our classrooms is only increasing. From the use of online video and digital gamification to students accessing learning resources via their smartphones, technology is helping to create a more enjoyable and hands-on learning experience.
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