Possibility of Education Opened up by EdTech

Leveraging the power of technology, the potential of education can be opened up to address challenges that teachers have and enhance the learning of students to equip them with skills for the future.

Developing skills for future
Importance of non-cognitive skill

EdTech can enhance not only the acquisition of knowledge but also the development of “non-cognitive skills” that cannot be measured on an academic scale. These skills are gaining attention as they are seen as the basis for continuous adaptation to new age and the realization of meaningful life outcomes. Non-cognitive skills, also known as social-psychological skills, include those related to oneself, such as the ability to persevere (grid), the ability to learn, and self-esteem, as well as those related to relationships with others, such as working with others. It is important to note that these skills are not inherent in children’s personalities or traits, but can be developed through learning.

In learning with e-learning materials, students can raise self-management skills by setting the learning target and learning independently, and grit to complete through challenges.  Then, by experiencing reaching the target and getting the reward, students can nurture confidence and self-esteem that their efforts can lead to success. These skills support students to continue to learn and conquer challenges in the future.

Changing evaluation with leveraging data

In using e-learning materials, evaluation from teachers continues to be an important part to increase engagement with students and raise students’ motivations for learning. In fact, the use of technology enables teachers to find new good points of students and praise them differently and effectively. For example, digital tools provide the data of the progress and the amount of learning, and the changes in score, so teachers can praise students not only by the score but also by the amount of effort and the changes from the previous time. Such awards are especially effective for low-achieving students who usually do not get rewards for the performance. By recognizing effort, students become more motivated, learn more, and ultimately achieve more. This experience of being recognized for one’s efforts can lead to the development of non-cognitive skills such as self-esteem.

Making the evidence-based decision on education

Not only the evaluation, but the accumulation of data also supports improving education activities. Technology can provide a deeper understanding of students’ learning behaviors such as amount, timing, and frequency of learning, and connect these data with their achievement. By analyzing the data, teachers can identify whether students learn on the right track or if any issues require interventions. Also, the integration of multiple data, such as learning contents and transition of learning behaviors, can help teachers consider actions to improve students’ performance. The analysis of data can be also utilized for education improvement at the school level by comparing by class basis.

Solving social issues

The quality of education influences student’s opportunities for the future.  Improving the quality of education and access to such education can help children become economically independent in the future and reduce disparities in society as a whole.  EdTech has the potential to respond to a wide range of students’ challenges, for example, low achievement, special educational needs, school refusal, and poverty. Technology enables education to grow each different strength and cover different weaknesses. When students enjoy learning and can develop their academic skills, they can accumulate successful experiences, gain confidence, open up their own possibilities, and expand their future opportunities. These changes can contribute to solving inequalities in society.

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