Educational Technology, Digital Learning In The Digital Age

Education Technology is fast revolutionizing the concept of education itself. Educational Technology was valued at USD 17.7 billion in 2017 and is expected to cross USD 40.9 billion by 2022!

- Swati Sankhye, Chief Information Officer, MIT World Peace University

This huge spurt in this sector is due to the advantages of adapting modern technology for educational purposes. This sector will keep growing due to the proliferation of smart devices as well as a huge population under the age of 30 globally. It is feasible to imagine a future where all schools and universities are available online with regular classrooms, practicals, seminars all conducted within a virtual space, uniting individuals from across the globe while reducing the burden on educators. This also will have the side effect of refining the material being taught.

Education Technology can be applied to all facets of education. The few of its most obvious applications are listed below:

1. E-learning theory: Drawing from behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism the e-learning theory primarily encapsulated the concept of cognitive load theory among others. This theory aims at minimizing the external cognitive load while promoting as well as managing intrinsic and germane loads appropriate for the student. It has the intended effect of reducing student workload while enhancing the germane load enabling the student to learn more efficiently and coherently. Useless auditory and visual stimuli are suppressed while relevant information is passed through minimal verbal communication backed with static imagery. An intrinsic part of this theory is the efficient breaking of the subject matter into manageable and coherent section for the ease of the student as well as the educator.