An evolving education landscape

…significance of technology in education

Education has since time immemorial been present. Well, how did this even come about? In prehistoric times, education happened informally through oral communication. The ancient Egyptians, for instance, traveled to study plant and animal species.

However, ancient civilization led to a gradual shift from informal to formal education. History was preserved through hieroglyphics and cave writings.

Before colonialism, education in Africa was deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, with learning taking place within local communities and through oral traditions. Grandparents sat under moonlit skies, surrounding a bonfire and passing on knowledge to their grandchildren who served as beacons to guide the future.

This form of education emphasized practical skills, cultural values, and the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next. Currently, knowledge is preserved in thousands of books, and individuals are educated daily.  From cooking to eating, to bathing, and even playing, one shows a tinge of knowledge in education. Even the first step a baby takes is learning one way or the other.

Ancient civilizations, such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and China, had systems of formal education, including schools, academies, and temples where students were taught various subjects, including writing, mathematics, religion, and philosophy.

These early educational institutions laid the foundation for the development of formal schooling systems in later centuries. It is without doubt that a myriad of schools exists now in the world today.

Universal access to quality education has improved social and economic equality. Individuals can gain the knowledge necessary to pursue various career paths, and equal opportunities are gained.

A society that invests in its education increases the potential for entrepreneurship and the springing out of new technologies. Educating one generation has a positive ripple effect on the next generations because parents who obtain quality education tend to prioritize their children’s education.

Ancient learning, with its timeless wisdom and enduring relevance, serves as a cornerstone in the evolution of education beyond the classroom.

By delving into historical educational practices and age-old philosophies, students gain a profound appreciation for the foundations of knowledge and the enduring principles that have shaped human understanding over centuries. This exploration not only fosters a sense of historical consciousness but also nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving abilities rooted in the wisdom of antiquity.

The education landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advancement and changes in societal needs.

Technology has become an integral part of our lives, from online learning platforms to digital textbooks and educational apps, technology is affecting our traditional way of teaching and learning. But what exactly is the impact of technology in education and how can it be harnessed to improve education?

Before, students were able to access quality education only in schools but now, with the help of technology students can personalize their learning.

Educational platforms like Khan Academy can help students personalize their learning by creating their learning schedules at their own pace and adapting to the student’s needs and abilities.

Digital textbooks also provide students with a wide range of information about a particular topic as they are frequently updated.

This empowers students to take their education into their own hands, explore vast ranges of topics, and delve deeper into the ones they are interested in. This helps reduce learning gaps and ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Collaboration and communication with the help of technology has also enhanced education. Students through these educational websites connect with other students and professionals in their field of study, enabling them to ask questions and share ideas on related topics.

It also exposes students to diversity as they connect with students from other countries and cultural backgrounds. Teachers are also accessed easily on these platforms as schools have incorporated these educational platforms in their teaching and learning, allowing students to ask their teachers any question at any time in the comfort of their homes.

The presence of assistive technology is bridging the gap of education between physically impaired people who didn’t have access to formal education earlier due to their health conditions. Now they can engage in distance learning without having to leave the comfort of their homes. It has made education more inclusive.

And the inclusion of educational games on these websites have made education more fun and interesting. Students who used to spend their time playing video games will now be spending their time on these educational platforms playing games which does not divert their focus from education.

Students are prepared for the digital age workforce due to the involvement of technology in everyday educational activities. The world which is currently a global village has so many fields and aspects where technology is used. Hence, the familiarity gained by students make coding, multimedia and data analysis a quintessential aspect in their lives.

Technology in Education has enabled students to have personalized learning experiences and comfortable and effective distance learning opportunities. This is tailored to the individual’s passion, interests, and likes. Artificial intelligence can help to provide good educational resources to students based on input data.

Moreover, technology has made it possible for students to learn wherever they are, and at their own convenient time which provides more access to education and more effective learning techniques. An interesting aspect of technology is that it is widely open to innovation and incredibly creative minds of every standard and every background.

Education plus technology has come to stay and it’s for good. We believe artificial intelligence has come to make life easier and very interesting. These brilliant inventions open the door for more explorations and life adventures for young minds.

Albert Einstein said, “I am not intelligent, I just spend more time with the problem than others”.Africa can be great and the solution lies in innovative education. By innovative education, we mean finding passion at an early age, learning about our ancestors, and consequently having the drive to be practical and creative for the development of Africa in all aspects of life ranging from technology, culture, science, and more.

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