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Educational Technology Today

What is EdTech Educational technology, or “EdTech,” is a hybrid of educational theory and technological innovation that has emerged to meet that need. Today, with millions of U.S. students completing at least a portion of their coursework online, the need for technology in education has never been more pronounced. Depending on what purpose it is intended to serve, EdTech can take many different forms inside or outside the classroom, including educational apps and games, podcasts, learning management systems (LMS), video conferencing software like Zoom, and online discussion forums, to name just a few. Even social media platforms, which are often dismissed as time-wasters, can serve educational purposes, such as course-specific Facebook groups. When used appropriately, EdTech can make learning fun, memorable, and accessible, leading not only to better student engagement, but also improved career preparedness. There are many great books on the subject that are great for diving into the EdTech world.

Resource 1 What is EdTech  This is a university page that has a well-rounded explanation and elements of where we are today with EdTech.

Resource 2 Blended Education  Ted Talk on blended education. Discusses the best factor of educational technology is "learning the learner." Adaptive technology based on the learner is where all students from different levels can learn and succeed. The student can now be the architect on the learning path he/she takes.

Book ResourceTeach Boldly: Using Edtech for Social Good Illustrated Edition This resource has great reviews on showcases the power of narrative and bringing focus to the need for storytelling in education. Provides easy-to-implement ideas for transforming learning and classroom culture through space.

Benefits of Using EdTech The benefits of EdTech far outway the challenges. Benefits are not seen by the students only, but by the educators, and administrators. Benefits include; increase in technology literacy; an efficiency increase in research ability; students being able to learn from home; students can set their own pace for learning. In my own experience, educational technology is a great tool to strengthen and supplement lessons. Educational technology has been prevalent for many years now, and even more so now because of the pandemic.

Resource 1 25 Ways That EdTech Benefits Teachers and Students  This is a great resource on discussing the benefits that educational technology brings to the classroom. The benefit explained are for the educator and student. The top benefit, in my opinion, would be the increased collaboration with other students and educators.

Resource 2 Forbes Article  This resource describes a not so common benefit we see when we research the positives of educational technology. Interesting article on how the rise of educational technology has benefited cybersecurity learning.

Challenges of Using EdTech EdTech does face challenges in the classroom such as poor wi-fi connectivity, audio or video distortion, trouble uploading or downloading files, difficulty installing programs, slow internet speeds, lost passwords, and incompatible apps or updates. When used ineffectively, EdTech may also pose challenges to student engagement. Teacher engagement is ultimately a major component of success. In my opinion, the biggest challenge of educational technology is the amount, or way that educational technology is implemented. In traditional brick and mortar establishments, there has to be a healthy ratio of educator presence within the vast sea of educational technology programs.

Resource 1 Why Technology Can't Fix Education  This is a great Ted Talk that discusses the boom of educational technology and lessons learned. The speaker gives direct examples from different regions of the United States.

Resource 2 Higher Ed Article  This is a great resource that allows us to see what challenges the pandemic has brought, which include the factor of educational technology.

Future of EdTech The future of educational technology deals with augmented reality. This is intended for adult learners in higher education. Some examples of how this new technology can be used are the adult education field is in the medical, engineering, and educational filed. Post pandemic, more resources are being pumped into this industry to further technology. EdTech startups are flocking to the public market and the industry has had tremendous growth.

Resource 1 Article on VR, AR, and XR  Article discusses the difference between VR, AR, and XR. The future of educational technology is augmented reality and discusses the slow implementation of higher education. Gives examples of current universities in the field using this new technology.

Resource 2 Future in Educational Tech  This resource discusses the benefits in VR and AR. Discusses ways it will change educational technology in the future, as well as in our workplace and home.

EdTech and the Pandemic The pandemic had a massive toll on many industries to include education. Through the years educational technology has been brought to the forefront of learning. Many educators had to quickly and rapidly convert normal lessons that may have had EdTech as a supplement to full lessons that were electronically based. An outcome of the past couple of years is the realization that educational technology is a large part of education and is here to stay. Additionally, administrators can learn from the courses of action that they proceeded with.

Resource 1 Article on Lesson in Change- Post Pandemic  Post pandemic article that looks back at the drastic changes educators had to make during these trying times. Insightful experiences on how this affected educators globally.

Resource 2 Ed Tech Article  Article on how students are adjusting post-pandemic to brick and mortar schools. Discusses the experiences of educational technology used during the pandemic.