The COVID-19 is seeping through the world and changing the way we work, learn and travel. From restaurants to fashion, this pandemic has affected all kinds of industries all over the world. Even the sector of education hasn’t been able to escape the grasp of this global pandemic. Over 188 countries have shut down schools. Over 90% of the student’s population are confined to their homes due to these school closures. But the good news is certain technologies can come to use in education during this pandemic.
Students can continue pursuing their degree or study a new course without having to leave their homes. So, let’s check out the top three technologies that can make education easier, even in this pandemic.
Online courses
Initially, only 5-15% of students who opt for online courses end up earning a certificate. However, online courses gained widespread recognition since 2012. Even instructional designers have designed scalable learning experiences that students can successfully finish. Several admissions have been called off and students have been sent home from the university due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Thus, many universities such as Clemson University and the University of Virginia started including online courses in their curriculum.
What are the benefits?
- You don’t have to make unnecessary trips to the library because course material is also available online for the online course.
- Online courses are more affordable than the traditional system of education.
- The best thing about online courses is that you can attend those classes at your convenience. You don’t have to get essay help as well since the deadlines are usually flexible.
The coronavirus spreads through human contact. Thus, it was essential to shut down schools and colleges. But that shouldn’t stop you from continuing your studies. USA has already brought forth a wide variety of courses like ESL Online, E-Diplomacy, English Language, etc.
Personalised learning
With more and more students staying at home, personalised learning is the best educational approach to customise learning for each student. Professors or instructors can provide a learning plan to each student based on his/her academic interests, strengths and weaknesses. You may learn some subjects or acquire certain skills at your own pace. It is not possible for your teachers to guide every student individually at school or college. But, they can embrace this technology when students are studying remotely.
What are the benefits?
- Improves the knowledge of students. As per a study by the Gates Foundation, personalised learning improved students’ math test scores as compared to the marks obtained through traditional teaching methods.
- Makes targeted teaching easier for professors. They will have enough time to guide each student according to his/her learning pace.
- Lets the students build self-advocacy skills. You can speak up about your academic interests or challenges without having to worry about what other students might think.
Only a few schools and colleges have implemented this approach amid the coronavirus outbreak. Personalised learning not only customises education but also brings out the potential of every student. There are four models of personalised learning. Your school or college can pick an appropriate model and begin the whole process online.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
97% of students would like to study a VR course. 7 out of 10 teachers want to use VR to evoke experiences relevant to your study material. So yes, virtual and augmented reality technologies can help students in this pandemic situation as well. Let’s say you are an architecture student. And you want to know more about Roman architecture. Amid this pandemic, you can’t step out of the house. But, what if you could experience the architecture right from the comfort of your home? AR and VR can make education so much smarter and faster.
What are the benefits?
- These technologies can help you learn the spatial structures and all their functions easily.
- Looking at the things you read can help you memorise the chapters faster.
- AR and VR technologies enhance creative thinking and keep students engaged even while they learn difficult topics.
Virtual reality glasses, for example, illustrate everything you read in a book. You can learn about the whole world through 3D maps without having to stand in crowds. There are certain subject-specific AR apps like Elements 4D that can help you gain an in-depth understanding of your subjects.
Wrapping Up,
These are the three main technologies that are gaining momentum in education during this pandemic. Online courses make it possible to acquire your degree even in this pandemic. Personalised learning approach makes it easier for you to learn at your own pace. And AR and VR make learning easier in this situation. If your educational institution hasn’t implemented any of these technologies yet, don’t worry. They will, soon.
Author Bio:
Henry Howkins is an assistant professor at a reputed university in the United Kingdom. He helps students write APA referencing and citations at MyAssignmenthelp.com. Henry loves to spend time with his daughters whenever he is free.
