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Educational inequality blocks the development of millions of talents. However, thanks to modern technologies, it is possible to level the playing field for all students. Find out how modern e-learning platforms and supporting teaching applications break down geographical and social barriers!
How do technological solutions level the playing field?
Educational disparities are a problem for all modern societies. Students come from different backgrounds and from families with different material or social status. As a result, they have unequal access to education, and inequalities and divisions only deepen.
However, modern technology opens up completely new possibilities in this matter. Thanks to digital solutions such as learning platforms, online learning tools or teaching support apps, education can become accessible to everyone - at least to some extent.
In short, technology allows for a level playing field for students from different backgrounds. It also ensures high quality of education regardless of location or financial status.
The Role and Impact of Technology on Educational Differences
Not all students have equal access to modern technology and high-speed internet. Today, such limitations directly translate into unequal educational opportunities.
An international UNICEF study found that in 2020, only 16% of children and adolescents from the 20% of the poorest households in their countries had access to the internet.
Children from poorer families or smaller towns often do not have a computer or a stable Internet connection at home. This limits their ability to use online learning resources, e-learning platforms, or participate in remote learning. As a result, the gap in educational outcomes and achievement with peers with better access to technology is widening.
Digital skills
The digital competences of students and teachers are also crucial. Their absence, especially on the part of teachers, makes it difficult to implement technology in the teaching process. The solution is to invest in improving the skills of using technology in education among teaching staff.
Online educational resources
Unequal access to high-quality, free online educational resources also contributes to the widening of educational disparities. Students who do not have access to such materials at home are at a disadvantage compared to their peers. Therefore, it is important to create and disseminate open educational resources that can be used by all students and teachers.
Technological support for students with special needs
Modern technology opens up completely new possibilities to support students with special educational needs, such as disabilities or learning difficulties. Customized computer programs and applications can overcome barriers to access to education.
For example, blind and visually impaired students can use screen readers, audiobooks, or special braille displays. Educational platforms and apps, on the other hand, allow you to adapt the materials and the pace of learning to the abilities of each student.
Technological solutions for educational equity
E-learning and online courses
The rise of e-learning and online courses is eliminating geographical barriers and some of the economic problems of accessing education. How? Pupils and students from small towns or poor families have the chance to learn from the best teachers and at renowned universities. All thanks to educational platforms and open knowledge resources on the Internet.
Educational tools & apps
There are many apps and tools to support the individual needs of students. Programs for learning mathematics, chemistry or physics with visualizations and simulations make it easier to understand more difficult issues. Language learning apps, on the other hand, with the ability to listen to recorded dialogues and conversations with native speakers, help you practice your hearing and pronunciation.
Language learning platforms
Modern language learning apps use audio and video recordings from native speakers. This allows students to practice listening comprehension and correct pronunciation and accent. As a result, learning a language is more accessible and accessible, regardless of origin or financial status.
Adaptive learning systems
Modern educational systems using AI are able to adapt the teaching process to the individual needs and learning styles of each student. They analyze the progress of learning and choose appropriate exercises, examples, and pace. As a result, education is more personalized and learning outcomes are visible to the naked eye.
Check out our dedicated LMS solutions for modern education.
Case study: successes and challenges
VR technology allows for the creation of an interactive environment that can be particularly helpful in educating children with autism spectrum disorders. That's why an Erasmus+ funded project has developed VR materials for future teachers who work with such students.
And in our backyard? The Digital Student Programme has contributed to reducing the differences in access to technology among Polish students. Thanks to the cooperation between Amazon and the Digital Poland Association, thousands of tablets and Kindle e-readers have been delivered to schools. Thanks to this, children who previously did not have access to modern equipment could start using interactive learning tools.
Technology can be a tool to improve the quality of education, but it faces many obstacles. The main one is the unequal access to hardware, software and high-speed internet among students from different backgrounds and regions. Another challenge is to raise the level of digital competence of teachers so that they can effectively use technology in teaching.
The impact of technology on teachers and teaching methods
If technology is to be effective in bridging the gap in education, teachers need to be properly prepared for the changes. It will not be possible without training to improve their digital competences - both in the use of educational tools and platforms, as well as in the methodology of teaching using technology.
Such solutions are already appearing in many places around the world. In the U.S., for example, the Digital Promise program has been created to offer teachers resources, tools, and networks to support their development in this direction.
The development of technology is also changing the traditional role of the teacher. It ceases to be only a source of knowledge and a one-sided transfer of information. Instead, he increasingly becomes a mentor and guide who helps students navigate the maze of educational materials available.
The teacher suggests interesting sources, teaches critical thinking and information selection, and motivates independent learning. We can already see the benefits of these changes in the teaching model.
Education policy and institutional support in the context of technology
Without proper training, educators will not be able to use new opportunities in practice. Therefore, training and postgraduate studies to develop their skills in this area are essential. This translates into greater opportunities to use innovative teaching methods and improve the quality of education.
Building partnerships between the public sector and technology companies is also a promising model. For example, Microsoft, Dell, and Apple are involved in various educational initiatives - some of which even include providing hardware, software, and training. Such cooperation increases the access of students and teachers to modern technologies.
The future of education in the world of technology
What will change in the coming years? Certainly, technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence or machine learning will have a greater impact on education. Educational games are already being developed that use VR to simulate real chemical or physical processes. Adaptive e-learning platforms are also developing, which use AI to select personalized content and teaching methods.
At the same time, such rapid development brings with it new challenges. It is important to ensure equal access to technological advances among students and schools of all levels of affluence. It will also be necessary for teachers to continuously improve their digital competences so that they can effectively use the potential of new technologies. Otherwise, the educational distance may increase even further. Hence, the importance of education policy and targeted action in this area is crucial.
Bet on modern technological solutions
Modern technology opens up completely new opportunities for education to bridge gaps and provide equal opportunities for development. By promoting access to online educational resources, as well as the development of e-learning platforms and tools supporting individualization of teaching, it is possible to overcome geographical, material or social barriers.
At the same time, deliberate action is needed to fully exploit the potential of technology. It is essential to ensure that all students and schools have equal access to new technologies. It is equally important to continuously improve the digital competences of teachers. Otherwise, educational disparities may be widened. That is why a well-thought-out state policy in this area is crucial.
Use modern technological solutions in your educational institution!
