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Modern technology has changed the way education is done and run. It has come with immense opportunities, but also a few challenges. The advent of telecommunication and virtual forums to hold classrooms have become the in thing, and there’s no going back. The question should be how to navigate the digital space and the growth it offers. There are many areas to maximize, including doing less workload as a student because of available platforms where one can easily get information, custom dissertation services, and other school work services. Read on for a discussion on how to go about the digital frontier when it comes to higher learning.
The digital age has made information accessible, almost freely, on a worldwide scale. Classrooms today use the help of technology, and even lecturers are warming up to it. As much as information is available, it doesn't mean that learning is easy, as one still needs to be educated and schooled. It is the dynamics of how this schooling has changed or been altered that must be looked at, to utilize the power of technology in learning and delivering more quality education. Here are some of the opportunities provided by telecom in higher education:
- Enhancing Teacher-Student Relationships
Teachers can connect with their students in a way that’s unlimited by the classroom walls. Telecommunication has enabled this, with things such as online class management tools and video conferencing platforms. These platforms are not limited by one’s physical location and therefore distance is no longer a hindrance. Online learning has become possible, such that students from different continents can access lectures and their instructors in the same way those physically in class can. Education has also enabled more students to learn, for example, those from third-world countries, those with disabilities, etc. It is also very convenient as classwork and assignments are sent via online platforms, and teachers can mark and grade online. This allows the students to schedule their time better as it is flexible.
- Making it Easy for Educators
Teachers have benefitted especially after COVID-19 forced the world to seek innovative ways to continue learning and other things. Teachers have experienced easier and more flexible working patterns, sometimes working from home, less paperwork, and easier part-time teaching. One can almsot record a video at home and send it, and one can reach their students without having them report to school or wait for the weekend to be over to meet in class. The assessment task for educators has also become easier, as one can use some platforms like Microsoft Teams to monitor assignments, track the learning progress of students, give feedback, etc. This saves the time used in doing these things manually. It also levels the playing ground for students, especially those who may not be as outspoken in public and in physical classrooms.
- Access to Learning Materials
The days of borrowing library books, forgetting to return, and paying late fines are over. There are massive resources instantly available simply by using a search engine. Digital libraries and online materials are now available for learners. Universities have also provided databases where active students can access digital materials like ebooks, journals, articles, etc. Students who miss class can now go back and listen to a recording of the class, teachers who miss class can record a class and send it to the students, etc. With technology as well, one can access a wide range of subjects and therefore can meet their specific academic requirements. Another aspect of modem learning materials is that they can be customized to be interactive, making learning even more fun. For example, a video can be animated to grab the learner’s attention, or one can use things like games, quizzes, etc. Students are also able to tell which information is updated and which one is not, and can even get real-time examples for their projects, from across the world.
What is The Way Forward?
Telecommunication has presented the world with great opportunities when it comes to higher education, and the best way forward is to embrace it. It has even allowed students to access online help with their hard assignments and dissertations, without having to break the bank. With education brought to the palm of the student’s hands, the possibilities are endless. Apps, games, and all sorts of multimedia content can now be used for learning. Access to experts in different fields whose work is not easily published has also been helpful. It is like having access to mentors without having to leave your home, and most often, without having to pay a mentorship fee!
Students can now access learning in their own time, from wherever they are, and in a way that engages them beyond what a book could do. With less travel and commuting by students, it could also contribute to a greener environment. All in all, there’s no end to the benefits and the positive impact telecommunication has had on higher education. Now is the best time to pursue higher education.