Evolution has seen many challenges. The education sector has been party to it. Nonetheless, industries across the globe far and wide have experienced an evolution of technology in the way they include it in their daily processes. This has set the bar high for efficient results and growth fulfilment far and wide.

It all started in the 1920s with the radio coming forth as an incredible way to leverage education in the classroom. Thereafter, the realm continued with the evolution of the overhead projector being introduced in the 1930s. Technology in the classroom has gained strength with every passing year.

EdTech as we talk stands for educational technology; that is the combined use of computer hardware, software, and educational theory and practice to facilitate enhanced learning. The global edtech market size sits at USD 142.37 billion currently (Grandviewresearch.com). It is only expected to surge to greater heights in the years to follow.

The Advent of Personal Computers:

Education has been an ever-evolving sector, with an undermining ripple impact on qualitative addition in the teaching-learning pedagogies. This has only led to an advanced and revolutionized way of educating the students of today.

Computer, coined as ‘The Man of the Year’ by TIME Magazine in 1982; laid the foundation of immediate learning capabilities. Toshiba reigned with its introduction of the first mass-market consumer laptop in 1985; followed by Apple’s then-famed Mac. In 1993, the World Wide Web was brought to the masses which exploded into the frenzy of newfound research and communication methods. By 2009, 97% of the classrooms had one or more computers and 93% of classroom computers had internet access (Purdue University).

Advancements in Educators’ Skills:

• Personalized teaching
• Making lessons more enjoyable
• Access to advanced learning resources
• Increased collaboration
• Better preparation by students for the jobs of tomorrow
• Gamification of learning
• Planning ahead
• Enhanced student connect
• Technology-aided instruction and intervention
• Improved self-monitoring
• Flexibility in teaching
• Exclusivity in education
• Enables global reach

Latest Advancements in Educational Technology:

Tyton Partners Survey found that 49% of students were using Artificial Intelligence writing tools in the fall of 2023; as against 27% in the spring of 2023. Isn’t that an incredible number to showcase the impact of advanced edtech tools on learning? With Generative AI taking over the scene across the global sectors; education is projected to experience an even greater advancement.

Students today are rarely without some form of computer technology; 83% own a laptop, and over 50% have a smartphone (Purdue University). This is a clear indication of an era of digitized learning; where over a click of a button, or even artificially intelligent techniques at play; can guide you through the educational journey. Computers in the classrooms, class blogs and Wikipedias, wireless classroom microphones, mobile devices, digital video-on-demand, online media, study tools, digital games, and popular software for teaching and learning such as graphic calculators, MS Excel, MS Spreadsheets, Mat Lab, Auto shape, and many others are paving the way to enhanced learning for the kids of tomorrow.

Future Trends:

• Augmented and Virtual Reality
• Artificial Intelligence
• Personalised learning
• Cloud Computing
• Social Media
• Adaptive Learning
• Collaborative Learning
• Automated Assessments
• Microlearning
• Blockchain Technology in Education
• Wearable Technology
• Digital Content Platforms

With such incredibly loaded educational technologies to unravel in the years to follow, the education sector is sure to advance with an ever-rising graph in the future.

Final Word:

The Global Education Technology market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate through the next decade (LinkedIn). Education is advancing at a stupendous rate with learners making tremendous strides in reaching their educational milestones. This is a great opportunity to make way for even-advanced educational technology to reap higher benefits for teachers and students alike.