Top Educational Technology Trends In 2020-2021

COVID-19 has changed the way we teach and learn. These are the 10 latest educational technology
trends you don't want to miss.
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Educational Technology Trends In 2020-2021

Big Data, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) were the biggest educational technology
trends of 2019. However, distance learning has become the one trend that rules them all. The COVID-
19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we teach and learn. Students now have to get used to
distance learning via digital platforms due to social distancing. Even though some schools are
reopening, this trend may continue until 2021. The latest EdTech trends in 2020, and further into 2021
are being revolutionized with a strong focus on connectivity, versatility, and student-centered
learning. Let’s take a look at the latest top 10 trends in educational technology.
What Is Educational Technology And Why Should It Matter?

Many people can recognize that EdTech is devoting technology to promote education. It’s true, but
not sufficient. The Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) has defined
EdTech as “facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing
appropriate technological processes and resources.” On the other hand, educators who actually use
EdTech have a much simpler definition of the term. They say that it is a concept of transforming
traditional book teaching and learning to digital form. For them, the main difference lies in the way
knowledge is delivered (thanks to technology innovation) to make teaching more effective.

In short, EdTech is simply the is a process of integrating technology into education to build better
teaching/learning experiences that result in higher learning outcomes.

For example, several hospitals are training their new nurses with online safety courses by using
animation.

Why Should It Matter?

There are lots of reasons why educators shifted to EdTech, replacing the traditional paper-and-pen
teaching method. Particularly, we list some common advantages of EdTech that you can easily see
here:

Innovative Teaching Methods

Technology is an innovation of humans, so when an educator can apply technology to teaching, it is

also innovative. EdTech allows teachers to provide multimedia to address diverse learning styles, such
as animation, live video, etc. Besides, EdTech enables teachers to create online courses where students
can learn in their own space and at their own pace.
Improve Collaborative Teaching

Technology has made it possible for everyone to stay connected. Students and teachers connect,
discuss, share their opinions, and act upon situations collaboratively.

For example, eLearning is an educational tool that features collaboration by enabling students to
share and discuss. Instead of being in a classroom and listening to teachers speak for 30 minutes,
eLearning students can join an online group/platform and learn together by interacting with their
peers. In this case, teachers are more accessible and act as mentors to help students develop
themselves. This collaborative learning approach has bridged the gap between teachers and students
and also helps students strengthen their interpersonal skills.

Teaching And Learning Process

Firstly, EdTech benefits how teachers teach, both online and offline. Not always having to go to a
specific class at a specific time, students can learn whenever and wherever. Secondly, EdTech changes
the way students approach learning. EdTech makes learning more fun and exciting for students. When
we feel engaged in learning, we learn better, remember better, and also apply knowledge better to
real life. Lastly, technology makes education smarter, more effective, thus, satisfying learners’ needs
more. True educators bring valuable knowledge to learners, both in theory and in real life. But smart
educators are those who can create teaching from what learners want to learn.

To sum up, EdTech doesn’t mean teachers have to become IT experts. But it’s true that teachers can
do these fascinating things only with technology, and that’s why we need EdTech in life.

Top 10 Current Educational Technology Trends In 2020/2021

If you are an innovative educator, following the trends in education is probably not something new
but rather essential. Even with this list, however, it is still up to you to choose the most suitable
"trendy" aid for your teaching and training. Here we select the 10 latest educational technology trends
that are must-know when diving into this industry.

1. eLearning

Distance learning became the top 2020 educational technology trend overnight because of the rapid
spread of COVID-19 and school closures. This led to a rising demand for online educational platforms.
eLearning is education or training delivered electronically. It can be slide-based online activities, or it
can also be an online course that helps a business train employees in necessary skills.

With eLearning, educational content is delivered to learners through computers, laptops, tablets, or
smartphones. Not only saving time but opening many doors for interactive learning. Rather than
being in a passive experience, learners can choose what they need to learn quickly and easily,
wherever they are. They also learn through interacting directly with on-screen information through,
for instance, dragging content from one place to the next. Moreover, the decision-making scenarios
in eLearning also encourage learners to make their own choices on what they will learn next.

In eLearning, learners just soak in knowledge through reading or viewing content, it changes the way
education is delivered. Also, many eLearning courses include animation, podcasts, and videos that
create a multimodal and practical learning experience.

The last point is, although eLearning has been around for a long time, it is staying green and
continuously developing. Educators are using the advantages of technology to make learning more
effective. That’s why more and more online and blended learning courses are produced nowadays.

Variety is the outstanding feature of online learning platforms. You can teach your students in real
time (synchronous) via live stream or group meetings using Zoom or Microsoft Teams, or you can use
recorded (asynchronous) methodologies with a wide range of media and digital functions available to
enrich lessons. A good online learning platform can also be combined with a Learning Management
System (LMS) so you can keep track of your students’ learning outcomes.

2. Video-Assisted Learning

In recent years, video-assisted learning has become more and more popular as classroom displays.
The “video day” is no longer a television on a trolley being wheeled into a class. With the internet and
digital devices, every day can be a “video day.”

This trend is also booming in distance learning conditions, which students learn through computer
screens. Videos, especially animated videos, are extremely beneficial to enrich lessons and make
content comprehensible. It improves students’ outcomes and reduces teachers’ workload.

3. Blockchain Technology

The Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) from blockchain brings so many benefits to education,
especially data storage. Every time new data is added, it adds another “block” to the system, so the
storage is technically limitless. Simultaneously, the data will be encrypted and distributed across
multiple computers in the system. It makes transacting data decentralized and transparent.

Blockchain technology is used in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and ePortfolios to verify
skills and knowledge. The DLT systems will answer the problems of authentication, scale, and cost for
eLearning agencies. Moreover, it can help student applicants publish their accomplishments during
the job-seeking phase.

4. Big Data Will Get Bigger

To cater to learners’ needs, the learning experience needs to be personalized. And with COVID-19 and
online learning booming, we now have bigger data than ever before. Instructional Designers have
relevant information about learners’ experiences to customize and present the course in a suitable
format. Some information you should look for is the course’s topic, learner enrollment, learner
performance (time per course, completion, test result), and learner feedback (rating, survey).

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI now is the "in thing" in the US EdTech market. People have predicted that through 2021, AI could
become the primary trend and grow by more than 45%. So why is the trend booming in one of the
world’s largest markets for EdTech? First and foremost, AI can automate basic activities in education,
like grading. It’s now possible for teachers to automate grading of the multiple-choice and fill-in-the-
blank questions. Thus, automated grading of students’ writing may not be far behind.

Furthermore, both learners and educators could benefit from AI. For example, students could get help
from AI tutors when teachers are too busy to take care of everyone. Also, AI-driven programs can give
both learners and educators helpful feedback. That’s why some schools use AI systems to monitor
student progress and to alert teachers when there might be an issue with students’ performances.
Therefore, it’s not too far fetched that AI is a powerful assistant for in-class teaching. Meanwhile, why
don’t you help your learners get more out of the educational experience via AI?

6. Learning Analytics

The current landscape of learning analytics has dramatically expanded, especially for higher
education. Learning analytics allows educators to measure and report student learning just by the
web. From that, it’s possible for them to better understand and optimize learning.

When teachers read insights from students’ learning processes, they can improve the knowledge and
skill acquisition of their students accordingly. For instance, teachers are able to see what type of
information (text, images, infographics, or videos) that students enjoy most and use it more in their
following lessons. Also, teachers are able to notice what pieces of knowledge weren’t effectively
delivered and enhance them next time. Moreover, learning analytics helps educators identify blocks of
students who may have academic or behavioral challenges. From that, teachers could develop a way
to help students reach their full potential.

7. Gamification

If you are looking for a way to turn learning into a more fun and engaging process, gamification is the
most suitable educational technology trend. There is no reason for students not to be actively
involved in classroom games. Students can learn and practice while they are joining in on exciting
game activities. Gaming elements help create a funny and positive learning environment for learners.

The adoption of gamification is most popular in the K-12 education sector. It’s because kids are
quickly engaged in gaming videos or getting higher scores in a game. However, it doesn’t mean that
higher education or corporate training doesn't need fun elements to improve the engagement level
of learners.

8. Immersive Learning With VR And AR

The class learning experience has undergone a tremendous change since Virtual Reality (VR) and
Augmented Reality (AR) came to education. The rise in demand for experiential learning pushes
forward the development of learning with VR and AR.

Learning has become much more interactive than traditional methods. While VR provides a
constructed reality, AR gives an enhanced view of a real image. Thus, they help explain complex
concepts that plain images or even a lab’s hands-on experiments couldn’t show students. For
example, VR is pretty helpful when you are attending a medical training course. In detail, VR creates a
chance for students to experience real-world surgeries in a low-risk environment.

9. STEAM

STEAM-based programs are the new EdTech improvement over the STEM programs. This new trend
of EdTech applies meaningful Science, Technology, Engineering, Art (the new element), and Math
content to solve real-world problems through hands-on learning activities and creative design.

Concerning the advantages of STEAM, the first thing is that it helps students become increasingly
curious about the world around them. Moreover, it also creates a safe environment for the learners to
express and experience their ideas while thinking outside the box. The comfort of hands-on learning
also helps students collaborate better with others.

10. Social Media In Learning

Have you ever thought that social media would be a part of the learning process? When every
student, both young and mature, spends so much time on social media, why don’t we turn it into a
powerful tool to enhance learning?

It’s how the idea to use social media for teaching came about. Many educational institutes have
started using social media as a communication tool in which students can interact with others easily.
Students can share study materials, discuss with others in a group, or easily comment on someone
else’s post. Even an animated learning video could go viral on social media. And TedEd is the typical
example of this trend! This organization creates lessons worth sharing and posts them on YouTube
where people can easily access, find, and share the educational videos with their friends.

Social media is here to stay and build a culture of collaboration and sharing, leading to an improved
learning experience.
Conclusion

In the end, we know that there is a lot to digest when we talk about educational technology trends.
However, keep in mind that technology has seeped into education and renewed its whole teaching
and learning process. Especially eLearning, an educational tool that not only increases the accessibility
and convenience of education but also changes the learning behaviors and learners’ desires for
learning.

But here is good news, you don’t need to go alone on this EdTech ship because you have us who will
join you in bringing forth the true value of learning, inspiring learners, and making education more
relevant and empowering.
hoosing The Right eLearning Methods: Factors
And Elements
Many organisations are now transforming their learning and development programs to the eLearning domain.
But choosing the right methods for their business based on their needs is still a challenge. Choosing the right
eLearning programs depends upon many factors like proper need analysis, target audience analysis, task analysis,
topic analysis, and evaluation methods. Apart from these analyses there is the very important principle of
Learning Pyramid created by the National Training Laboratories. Choosing the right delivery methods directly
impact effectiveness and cost benefit for the organisations.

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Choosing The Right eLearning Methods

Lately, we have been using the Instructional Design model called ADDIE Model which has five phases:
Analysis, Design, Develop, Implementation, and Evaluation. My favorite is Analysis Phase which plays a
very important role in training delivery and performing all kind of analyses like need, task, topic and
training evaluation.
Learning Content Types

There are many Content Types focused on eLearning. Those are totally based on the need analysis
and the type of learners. Let us start, with the type of contents we are creating while we think
of eLearning as an option. Here are the most common Learning Content Types:

1. Learner-centred content.
eLearning curriculum should be relevant and specific to learner’s needs, roles and responsibilities in
professional life. This kind of content like skills, knowledge and all kind of learning media provided
to keep the focus on learner’s end.
2. Engaging content.
Instructional methods and techniques should be used creatively to develop an engaging and
motivating learning experience. It depends upon developing the storyboard that has to be based on
a very engaging way of learning programs.
3. Interactive content.
Frequent learner interaction is needed to sustain attention and promote learning. Scenario based
learning is a good example for this kind of learning media.
4. Personalization.
Self-paced courses should be customizable to reflect learner’s interests and needs; in instructor-led
courses, tutors and facilitators should be able to follow the learners’ progress and performance
individually.

The Learning Pyramid

Designing Learning Contents also depends upon the type of eLearning methods which we choose on
the analysis phase. Now let us know the details about the learning pyramid with following diagram:

The Learning Pyramid, researched and created by the National Training Laboratories in Betel, Maine. It
illustrates the percentage of learner recall that is associated with various approaches. The first four
levels lecture, reading, audiovisual and demonstration are the passive learning methods. In contrast,
the bottom three levels discussion group, practice by doing and teach others are participatory (active)
learning methods.

The Learning Pyramid really helps me to identify the right methods when choosing eLearning
methods. I insist you to refer to this pyramid on your analysis phase while you are choosing the right
eLearning methods.

Many types of eLearning can be created with advanced development tools, which are suited to the
needs of the modern workplace learners. There are various types of eLearning solutions that can be
employed to train the learners. Choose the type that best suits the needs of the learner, keeping in
mind the available technologies that would help them access eLearning methods. Most of the
eLearning methods are Synchronous and Asynchronous in nature, It depends upon the learner’s need
and the learning objectives you choose.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning

Synchronous Learning.
Synchronous events take place in real time. Synchronous communication between two people
requires them to both be present at a given time. Examples of Synchronous Learning are chat and IM,
video and audio conference, live webcasting, application sharing, whiteboard, polling, and virtual
classrooms. This I will not cover in detail as these are basic methods that most of the organizations
are already familiar with.

Asynchronous Learning.
Asynchronous events are time-independent. A self-paced course is an example of Asynchronous
Learning because online learning takes place at any time. E-mail or discussion forums are examples of
asynchronous communication tools. In such cases, students ideally complete the course at their own
pace, by using a Learning Platform like an LMS. Examples of Asynchronous Learning are Self-paced
(SCORM), Audio/Video, E-mail, Discussion forum, Wiki/Blog, Webcasting/Conferencing, CBT and WBT,
Simulations, Game-based learning.

Most of the Instructional Designers now choose the Learning Methods from the Asynchronous mode
of learning. Here, I present you the following areas where you can choose eLearning methods based
on your requirement and Learning Pyramid Analysis.

 Self-study.
Nowadays this is the most common method which uses wiki, blog and any reading material like ppt,
pdf files to offer the initial knowledge to the employees. This also allows Subject Matter experts to
the group of learners on the classroom training to resolve their queries and doubts.
 Video/audio tape: This is the second most common method to create demo video to train the
learners. It also helps to create one way of learning assets which help the learner know about the
basics by watching.
 CBTs and WBTs.
In this type of learning, E-Courses are made available to the learners in the form of a CD or a
Computer-based training (CBT), which can be run on the learner’s system. E- courses can also be
made available through Web-based training (WBT), which utilize the internet as a platform like  a
Learning Management System. The courses are self-paced, and the learner has no interaction with
an instructor or fellow learners. This works very well for adult learners who are more motivated to
learn, in order to learn new skills, update their resumes and attain professional excellence.
 Blended eLearning /Instructor-led (ILT).
This combines both the Synchronous and the Asynchronous ways of learning. Some training, like
soft-skills or sales training, have to have a face-to-face component in order to be truly impactful. A
blended approach works best here -where the classroom is utilized to conduct exercises and
interactions. These exercises cannot be conducted in eLearning delivery as peer interaction is
limited. Short e-courses can be created to help learners prepare a background for the lesson before
they come to class.
 Mobile Learning.
The easy availability and affordability of mobile devices has created the space for mobile-enabled
learning or mobile learning. Simply converting e-courses to mobile compatible modules is not
enough. The capabilities of the mobile device, including disk space, internet connectivity, and the
screen size has to be taken into consideration. Authoring tools like captivate 8 provide responsive
designs for the e-course. This is a huge benefit, as it cuts down the costs of production as well as
the time taken to develop e-courses for mobile delivery.
 Social Learning.
The impact of social media is very strong and it can be utilized for corporate learning as well. More
 and more organizations are realizing the true power of social learning and encouraging their
employees to interact more within themselves and other like-minded people. Employees collaborate
and network on social platforms to discuss problems, queries, and experiences. Social collaboration
platforms are also built within the LMS so that the learners do not have to discuss on public
platforms and the learning which emerges from mutual collaboration resides and grows within the
LMS.
 Simulation.
Simulation eLearning is highly interactive and relies heavily upon graphics, video, audio.
Importantly, there are often custom simulations videos or games, which could very well include 3D
components. New software training is an example of a course that often includes a high degree of
interactivity and simulations.
 Game-based learning.
Games are considered to be fun by all, but they can be a powerful medium of experiential learning
as well. Nowadays many organizations focus on the term Gamification which helps them to increase
employee productivity and knowledge by motivating them to learn with game-based courses. Such
courses focus on creating engagement and motivation for the learners to learn the things while they
play.
Choosing the right eLearning Methods, totally depends upon the proper need analysis of the
organization and upon the nature of the audiences and their collaboration methods. Knowing all of
the benefits of choosing the right eLearning methods for your needs, you may want to think about
implementing it when designing your next eLearning course. It can not only make the development
process more streamlined and productive, but it will also provide a better eLearning experience for
your audience.

0 Pros & Cons of Technology in the Classroom in

2021 [+ Free Tech Tips from Profs]
Using classroom technology is proven to increase engagement, flexibility and personalization in any face-to-
face, hybrid or online course

Top Hat Staff

■May 13, 2021
Technology in education is the biggest change in teaching we will ever see. For years, policy makers, teachers,
parents and students alike have been weighing the potential benefits of technology in education against its risks
and consequences. 

Prior to March 2020, some would say that technology allowed you to experiment in pedagogy, democratize the
classroom and reach Generation Z students. Others may have argued that technology in the classroom could
promote cheating. But after 2020, technology in education has become essential—especially as the COVID-19
pandemic forced higher ed and public schools to swap face-to-face instruction for distance learning. 

Below, we share 20 best practices for using technology in the classroom—and offer workable solutions that will
help you meet the needs of your students. You can also download our free guide, which highlights how five
acclaimed educators use technology to help their students excel in any course.

Table of Contents
1. What is Social and Emotional Learning?
2. Why is SEL important?
3. Benefits of Social and Emotional Learning
4. SEL activities for higher education
5. Stress release activities for college students
6. Mindfulness exercises for college students
7. Communication-based activities for college students
8. Conclusion
9. References

How technology can support learning outcomes for today’s students

Students are digital natives. They’ve grown up with technology; it’s woven into their lives. In fact, it’s one of
the basic 21st-century skills that they’ll need in school and the workplace. 
Technology integration in the classroom now begins during elementary school and carries through to high
school and higher education. But using computer technology in the classroom isn’t just about digital devices in
class—it relates to anything that facilitates an interaction between teacher and student. Technology in education
programs could be seen as a culprit, or it could be harnessed to improve student engagement and effectiveness
—and that’s what we’ll discuss below.

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“Digital education is generating new learning opportunities as students engage in online, digital environments
and as faculty change educational practices through the use of hybrid courses, personalized instruction, new
collaboration models and a wide array of innovative, engaging learning strategies,” says David Goodrum1,
Director of Academic Technology and Information Services at Oregon State University.

“Furthermore, a 21st century view of learner success requires students to not only be thoughtful consumers of
digital content, but effective and collaborative creators of digital media, demonstrating competencies and
communicating ideas through dynamic storytelling, data visualization and content curation,” Goodrum says.

Types of classroom technology

Education technology allows you to engage, interact with, and inspire students in and out of your class. Plus,
certain types of technology tools like podcasts or video streaming platforms can help meet the unique learning
styles of your cohort. Many of the technologies below are used to operate online education programs—
including lectures, labs, group meetings or class tutorials. Plenty of higher education institutions have already
integrated some of the following technology tools into their degree programs today.

 Learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Moodle and Blackboard allow you to

manage courses, assign homework and tests, and track student grades.
 Digital courseware such as ebook products by Pearson, McGraw-Hill and Macmillan can be used to
create and distribute teaching resources (such as textbooks or question packs) to students as a way to
create engaging homework experiences.
 Classroom response systems including iClicker and Poll Everywhere help students reflect on their
learning via polls or discussions in class.
 Virtual classroom tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom are used to host synchronous online lectures
and let participants engage in breakout rooms or ‘share their screen’ with one another.
 Remote proctoring software like Proctorio and Honorlock help maintain academic integrity by
monitoring student behavior during tests and flag behavior indicative of cheating.

This article looks at the pros and cons of using technology in the classroom. We’ll also share the advantages
and disadvantages of technology in the classroom when incorporating new digital teaching and assessment
techniques into your lesson plans.

8 pros and cons of using technology for student engagement

The pros:

1. Technology in the classroom helps ensure full participation

Online polling and other digital tools help to engage all students, including shy students who wouldn’t normally
raise their hands in class. Online engagement systems allow you to regularly check in with students for
feedback on course materials and assignments. Student insights can also be used to help spot areas where
learners might be struggling. 

Student response systems help learners measure their understanding of a topic while professors can see what
areas they need to review. For instance, iClicker offers questions that may be multiple choice or true or false.
Students are then asked to identify a correct answer to a question in exchange for participation points from a
professor. Clickers, virtual classroom software and assessment platforms like Socrative or Kahoot! can make
for great engagement tools for educators looking to enhance their lectures. Student response systems help foster
digital citizenship in the classroom and give students an opportunity to engage in class and get rewarded for it at
the same time.

Another active learning technique that education technology can facilitate is offering students quizzes (not for
credit). At the beginning of the class, students can gauge familiarity with a subject by taking a quick,
anonymous quiz on the topic you’re teaching—and this can also inform and direct what you need to focus on.
At the end of the class, facilitating the same quiz again allows all students to gauge what they do and don’t
understand.

2. Using technology in the classroom allows you to experiment more in pedagogy and get
instant feedback

Technology allows for more active learning. You can increase engagement through online polling or asking
quiz questions during online lectures, with instantaneous results. If you’re using a digital textbook, subject
matter is dynamic and timely with embedded links to relevant materials or immersive multimedia. 
Whether adding a single tool for a specific project or term, or making a more dramatic change such as a flipped
classroom, being well-versed in technology can help build credibility with students and even fellow colleagues.
Video conferencing software, live polls and discussion boards are all ways to form feedback loops with your
students. An LMS such as Moodle and polling software like Poll Everywhere can also help educators get an
instant understanding of student comprehension.

3. There are countless resources for enhancing education and making learning more fun and
effective

From apps and e-textbooks to organizational platforms, there’s no shortage of tools that can transform the
classroom. Some instructors are turning toward classroom ‘gamification,’ the use of competitive scenarios, and
the distribution of points and rewards to make the online classroom more fun and engaging. The key to ensuring
these methods are also effective is designing them to support your course learning objectives. Digital
storytelling, where students use simulations to immerse themselves in a fictional environment, can make
learning more exciting and relatable for students. Gamification also allows for interactive lessons and can
reduce passivity in the classroom. 

Some gamification activities introduce healthy competition to your class. In role play, for example, students
are asked to pose arguments on behalf of historical figures. Technology can greatly aid the implementation of
classroom games, while students may be incentivized to complete their assessments. Blended learning can also
play an effective role here, whereby student curriculum is partially delivered in person and partially via digital
means.

4. Technology makes it simple for students to collaborate and engage in group work outside
of class

Gone are the days when one student was tasked with creating a PowerPoint presentation for a group. Through
technology, students can start working on a project together in class and seamlessly collaborate, communicate
and bounce ideas off one another using social media, interactive whiteboards and more. Physical and social
barriers no longer exist, letting students work together from anywhere and at any time. Technology has also
enabled students to engage in spontaneous discussions and find instant answers to problems or questions they
may have about a topic.

The cons:

5. Technology in the classroom can be a distraction

Tech savvy students may find it hard to concentrate in class when a wide range of digital devices are around
them. It can be hard to keep students’ attention while lecturing behind a screen, but James Lang2, Professor of
English and the Director of the D’Amour Center for Teaching Excellence at Assumption College, has a
solution. Lang argues that change renews attention—meaning that if students are starting to tune out, it’s time to
incorporate opportunities for class discussions. Lang calls these moments ‘signature attention activities’ as they
are designed to spark engagement in the midst of a slump.

Matthew Numer, an assistant professor in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dalhousie
University, says in an article for  The Chronicle of Higher Education that banning laptops is an “insult” to
students. “Our students are capable of making their own choices, and if they choose to check Snapchat instead
of listening to your lecture, then that’s their loss. Besides, it’s my responsibility as an educator to ensure that my
lecture is compelling. If my students aren’t paying attention, if they’re distracted, that’s on me.” To Numer,
students glancing at their mobile devices may indicate that a course’s curriculum and instruction needs to be
revamped.
This makes the notion of creating a structure and culture of respect all the more important from day one.
Identify specific projects, opportunities for breaks and your intentions for participation and engagement using
technology in the classroom. Creating expectations and guidelines for students—and sticking to them—will be
important for them in respecting your boundaries.

6. Technology can disconnect students from social interactions

Many people are skeptical of technology and what it does to students’, and everyone else’s, ability to verbally
communicate.

By creating assignments in class that use both technological tools as well as oral presentations and group
collaboration, student learning has the potential to become more dynamic and interactive. Participation can also
go beyond verbal communication. Consider how your LMS, discussion board or live chat can be leveraged to
increase student engagement.

7. Technology can foster cheating in class and on assignments

Students have always found ways to cheat, but the digital age makes it even easier—from copying-and-pasting
someone else’s work to hiring an essay-writer from an online essay mill. Here, digital technology could end up
hindering students’ professional development.

While technology could be seen as yet another avenue for cheating, it’s possible to structure assignments and
exams in a way that makes cheating difficult. Alternatively, you can make exams open-book and focus on
problem-solving and mastery rather than retention. Some classroom software allows you to set questions that
are subtly different for every student, making them focus on the technique rather than the answer. Ed tech
software such as Turnitin is already well-established in most higher education settings. With COVID-19, some
institutions have relied on proctoring software to maintain academic integrity from a distance. These assistive
tools can help professors maintain academic integrity. 

8. Classroom technology doesn’t necessarily make students more accountable

While it can certainly help, technology use in the classroom doesn’t always mean students are more likely to
stay on top of their deliverables. For example, it can be tricky to know if your students are viewing the full
lecture recordings or coming to class having completed their assigned readings. Social media and other ed tech
platforms don’t necessarily indicate completion. Some LMS providers may show if a student has opened a file,
but that only says so much. Whether students have reviewed, absorbed and are able to retain that information is
a question that—like traditional learning materials—not all classroom tech can solve.

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7 pros and cons of using classroom technology to increase flexibility
The pros:

9. Technology can automate a lot of your tedious tasks

Automation can speed up tedious, time-consuming tasks, such as keeping track of student attendance and
performance. Engagement tools can help streamline grading for writing assignments, discussions and
participation, as well as answer common student questions, which otherwise could seem daunting due to their
objective nature.

The canonical example of this? One professor at Georgia Tech coded an artificially intelligent teaching
assistant. ‘Jill Watson’ was able to answer a selection of student questions and pass any that she couldn’t
handle to a real person. Integrating technology in the classroom has the potential to reduce the amount of
time spent on minor tasks.

10. Technology in college classrooms gives students instant access to fresh information that
can supplement their learning experience

There is value in having textbooks and course materials that are always up to date, which can even include
additions suggested by students. This also fosters a more collaborative learning environment—students can
share information, work together on group projects and interact with their instructor online. Collaboration
between professors and their students is put into practice through a learning management system (LMS) such as
Moodle or Blackboard, where professors upload new content for students to review online. 

Educational technology enables students to engage in an ongoing cycle of learning: before, during and after
class. Student response systems such as clickers can also help learners apply their understanding of concepts
covered in class and can indicate areas that need to be reviewed. For Generation Z, technology is arguably the
best way to meet student needs. Demian Hommel, Senior Instructor of Geography and Environmental Sciences
and Marine Resource Management at Oregon State University, uses a classroom response system to poll
students every few minutes during lectures. “Using technology to help students understand the trends and
patterns that are going to affect them is transformative,” he says.

“Using technology to help students understand the trends and patterns that are going to affect them is
transformative.” —Professor Demian Hommel

11. Students have the choice to learn in real time or at their own pace

Using technology in the classroom has given students more choice in, and control over, their learning
experiences. Learning tools have also given professors the flexibility in how to deliver their lectures or labs. For
instance, students can tune into live-streamed lectures hosted at a specific time, while others can view lecture
recordings on their own if they’re unable to attend a live session. Plus, real-time lessons in online learning can
help students feel a great sense of belonging and camaraderie that would otherwise be lost. 

Asynchronous learning provides a new level of flexibility for both students and educators. For example, instead
of waiting for students to show up at your office, host your office hours via Zoom and let your students know
that they’re free to drop by during a given time frame. Additionally, technology can be used to help students
take asynchronous tests. Just make a test available on your LMS for a 48-hour period so that students can take
their assessment at a time and place that works for them.

12. Address the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines with thoughtful technology
use

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for ensuring your course delivery meets the needs of all
students. It’s the ultimate way to provide flexibility in how, when and where learning takes place. The three
tenets of this framework are providing multiple means of engagement, representation and expression. 

In order to represent content in a variety of ways, you might consider complementing a textbook reading with a
podcast. Alternatively, multiple ways of expressing students’ understanding could mean offering students
learning opportunities through journal articles or video reflections. Finally, multiple forms of engagement might
mean gauging students’ interests at the start of the term through icebreakers or a student interest inventory—and
then use these insights to tailor your units of study accordingly.

The cons:

13. Lesson planning might become more labor-intensive with technology

The task of adapting technology into your classroom can seem daunting or overwhelming. In many ways
though, using technology can become as natural to you as any daily activity.

When you’re choosing classroom technology, it’s important to engage with the software vendor and make sure
you have the appropriate level of support in place. Some questions you should ask include whether they
supply training or onboarding, and what their reliability statistics and support functions are. After all, you don’t
need to be the person all the students come to if the technology goes offline.

The most important factor is to allow yourself time to learn how to use a new ed tech tool and make sure you
ask for, and receive, the support that you need.

14. Students don’t have equal access to technological resources

An online education should be accessible to students. But some students can’t afford iPads or even the
textbooks required for class. Others simply do not have reliable Internet access. Point these students in the
direction of your institution’s library or community resources, or create assignments that allow them to work in
groups and share resources. You might also consider using open educational resources (OER), which provide
a cost-effective alternative to the traditional college textbook. Don’t make technology the focus of your class,
and don’t make it a barrier. Incorporate it in a holistic and inclusive manner—and ensure you do your part to
find equitable learning solutions.

15. Technology in education can create privacy concerns

Video conferencing or web-hosting solutions have brought with them some concerns around data protection.
For example, do platforms offer end-to-end encryption in basic plans provided to students? Social media
handles set up as part of a tutorial or learning activity can also lead to student information being accessed by a
wider audience than intended. What’s more, Zoombombing—disruptive intrusions into a video conference call
—became a common occurrence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And though they maintain academic integrity, remote proctoring solutions can make test-takers feel
uncomfortable. Students may not want to have their homes shown in front of a proctor and being monitored can
increase stress and anxiety.

Make Every Lesson 

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5 pros and cons of using technology to aid instructional design 

The pros:

16. We live in a digital world, and technology is an essential life skill

Being digitally literate is more than obtaining “isolated technological skills,” according to the NMC Horizon
Report: 2017 Higher Education Edition. Rather, it’s about “generating a deeper understanding of the digital
environment, enabling intuitive adaptation to new contexts and [the] co-creation of content with others.” Here,
the traditional whiteboard is almost extinct, while technology has never been more essential in the virtual
classroom. Creating presentations, learning to differentiate reliable from unreliable sources on the Internet and
maintaining proper online netiquette are all vital skills that students will learn to develop in the classroom. 

Technology use can also help universities deliver a better return on the investment students pay for their
education—as well as make learning relevant to a primarily Generation Z audience. Mobile technology in
classrooms is a must-have if students want to be prepared for almost any career today. Student achievement
may be boosted if they have the means to continue working on projects outside of the classroom.

17. Classroom technology is a cost-effective alternative to traditional course materials

Technology can help save students hundreds during a semester. Rather than asking students to buy a copy of
five different textbooks, some professors might want to direct students to their institution’s library or adopt
open source textbooks. 

Using technology in the classroom has its benefits for the environment as well. Institutions can reduce the
amount they spend on ink and paper by distributing important documents in a centralized digital location. As
opposed to asking students to buy a print book from your campus bookstore, authoring your own digital,
interactive book can help students save big. Katie Thompson-Laswell, Senior Instructor of Human
Development and Family Science at Kansas State University, was able to save her students $70 on course
materials in the spring 2019 semester. Two years later, new cohorts of students continue to enjoy a low-cost,
interactive homework experience from anywhere.

The cons:

18. The quality of research and sources students find may not be credible

The Internet is a blessing and a curse. Your students may need guidance on identifying legitimate and unreliable
sources. Many colleges have writing centers that can help with this. You can also use OER—ranging from
lecture notes, examinations, assignments and textbooks—and adapt them to fit the needs of your course and
students. How can you tell if content is written by a competent authority? Use these tips to find effective
OERs. Top Hat’s Marketplace—filled with hundreds of low-cost, interactive textbooks—is also a reliable
source of OER you can use, regardless of your discipline or teaching modality.

19. Some classroom technologies could eventually replace professors

Classroom technology has helped position educators as a ‘guide on the side’ versus a ‘sage on the stage.’ But
that shift in the role that professors play has the potential to put them on the sidelines—especially with online
learning. Technology has automated many learning processes such as grading. With asynchronous online
learning especially, it’s possible that students could now have little-to-no interactions with their educators
compared to their experiences in the traditional classroom.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which prioritize unlimited participation and open access, let students
gain an unrestricted learning experience without a professor present. Platforms like Coursera let students watch
on-demand video lectures from leading universities and companies for a fraction of the cost of a university
degree. These platforms even offer selective degree and certificate programs. Other platforms like LinkedIn
Learning prioritize skill-based learning, which allows students to complete courses or learning modules at their
own pace—without the guidance of an instructor.

20. Institutions’ lack of IT support can make it challenging to evaluate and implement new
classroom technologies

Where do you begin if you’re new to teaching? Educators may understandably feel overwhelmed when
adopting new tools and platforms to meet the needs of their Generation Z students. While colleges may have a
site-wide license for a particular LMS, educators are often left to their own resources to decide how to bring
their material to life. Depending on the scale and quality of instructional design services offered at their
institution, this can be a lengthy and uneasy process.

How classroom technology can help you meet your teaching goals next
semester 
This past academic year has highlighted the essential role that technology plays in student learning. No matter
where you’re teaching next semester, the best practices for using classroom technology below can help make
your course more engaging, interactive and active. For additional advice, download our free guide on how to
effectively use technology in your next face-to-face, hybrid or online classroom.

Teaching Goal Best Practices

1. Use frequent polls to make sure students pay attention—and to hold them
accountable
2. Begin lessons with a game or icebreaker to encourage focus and collaboratio
Eliminate distractions in class from the start of class
1. Adopt a flipped classroom model where students can view lecture modules a
complete quizzes in advance of live lectures
2. Complement live activities with self-paced exercises such as blog posts or vi
Allow students to learn at their own pace journal responses, which students can share in your LMS
1. Incorporate an anonymous discussion board during in-class polls
Create a classroom environment where 2. Ask your teaching assistants to respond to, and acknowledge, students’
students feel comfortable speaking out contributions in and out of class
1. Adopt or author your own digital interactive textbook that includes
comprehension questions throughout
2. Keep a digital repository of discussion board prompts or quiz questions and
Help students stay accountable for their quiz students on these concepts in future homework assignments to check for
learning outside of your classroom subject mastery
1. Consider employing low-stakes, multiple choice quizzes that can be auto-gra
Provide instant feedback on student 2. Grade assignments using a built-in rubric in your LMS and provide personal
performance feedback upon student request

Technology in the classroom: The final verdict

It’s clear that the benefits of technology in the classroom outweigh the cons. But the key to technology in the
classroom is always going to be the teacher-student relationship, because that’s where the education happens.
Technology can be a highly effective tool, but that’s all it is—a tool. In today’s hyper-connected world, sensible
use of technology can enhance education. By using technology as an aid in the classroom, educators can create
memorable and impactful learning outcomes for their diverse group of college students. For best practices on
how to integrate technology in your classroom next semester, download our free guide packed with tips and
tools five professors have used to give their course delivery a boost.