Education and learning are processes that we all engage in our lives, whether consciously or subconsciously. These processes furnish us with information that we deal with and apply to our daily lives.
Information technology (IT) speeds up the process of information delivery, thereby improving our ability to learn and be educated. In addition, IT helps general education and learning in the following ways.
It provides access to more educational resources
With IT, it is easier to gain access to academic information and educational resources at any point. For example, students can quite easily be provided with audio and video classes with computers and the internet. As a result, lectures can be taken without actually visiting a physical classroom. In addition, assignments and tasks can be doled out via email or class forums. This form of learning is called electronic or internet learning (eLearning).
With IT, the access to the educational information is also instant, because the distribution and transfer of the information is prompt. Mobile phone apps, for example, make this possible. Students no longer need to borrow books in libraries since they can download ebooks on to devices.
Full time and group learning is enabled
IT has enabled full time learning, group learning, and long distance education. With the advent of eLearning and the removal of the physical classroom barrier to learning, students now have full time access to information 24/7. This is powered by the internet accessible to virtually everyone around the globe and the unlimited resources available on the worldwide web.
Furthermore, this learning can be done in groups, without missing out on any of the perks of group learning. Group discussions in learning forums are facilitated without the fear of self-expression by the students. Text and video chats between participants are also added benefits to the IT enabled group learning.
In addition, with online education and online course websites, students on one end of the globe can participate in a course held at the other end of the world. This long distance learning has allowed students in less developed parts of the world to enroll for educational programmes in more developed countries, whilst also having access to their state-of-the-art learning facilities.
This is possible because internet facilities are relatively cheap and affordable. Now, students no longer have to worry about moving from home country in the bid to pursue higher education. A peculiar example is the proliferation of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) by various educational agencies. Interestingly, many of the MOOCs are free and cover a wide range of disciplines.
Audio-Visuals
Another way that IT has enhanced education is through the use of audio and visual information for easier and faster learning. Students don’t get bored with the audio and visual aids in the presentation on learning materials. This is opposed to the traditional blackboard and text notes. Instead, students find learning and education enjoyable. The visual presentation and illustration of information using aids such as projectors help with concept appreciation and memory.
These massive improvements that IT and eLearning have brought to education and learning has raised the question of whether eLearning will replace traditional learning techniques or augment it. It is believed that online learning will complement traditional learning rather than replace it, as both are essential pillars of the educational system and play key roles in the achievement of effective learning outcomes for students.
Benefits Of Trainings And Certifications In IT
Seeing the enormous impact of IT on education, getting trained and certified in IT is a no-brainer and hugely beneficial. The certification shows your dedication, technical competence, and comprehensive knowledge of the technology.
The benefits of such trainings and certifications include: better chances and added advantage for getting hired, being retained on the job, gaining promotions. Candidates with IT certifications have a competitive edge over those who do not.
When you consider the volatile nature of the present economic environment, certifications tend to spell the difference between those who keep job and those who don’t. In addition, certifications and trainings attract promotions to move up the corporate ladder and higher paying job chances. All these are so because getting certified and trained in IT speaks to the desire of the trainee to invest in herself and enhance own skill sets.
Certifications also improve networking opportunities and increase professional credibility amongst peers. This is in addition to improved overall level of productivity, service, and support offered to end users and customers in the IT domain. This leads to better user experiences and customer satisfaction. In turn, the customers are loyal, return for more business and patronage, and may even end up being promoters and ambassadors of the brand. As a result, there are better returns on investment and lower costs.
The infographic here presents facts about IT powered eLearning and the impact it has on education as we know it.