Higher Education is a tertiary education that leads to an award of an academic degree. It is a most probably the final stage of formal learning that happens after the completion of a school education. In recent years, technology has put on a massive appreciation within the research realm, and it has become a vital need for the academic institutions to implement the latest technology in their curriculum for providing a quality education. Also, the iGen – those born in or after 1995, cannot live without technology. The use of technological innovations across industries is noteworthy today and the education sector turns out to be the most influenced. The integration of digital technologies into campus for Digital Transformation is not only for a wealthy institution, it is a must for all institutions nowadays. In 2023, this trend is expected to continue growing as technology continues to advance and become more integrated into the educational process. An Education Institution could survive in this competitive world only if they provide such quality Education. Quality Education is determined by various factors; the most important factor is that the institution which implements recent technological developments and address the increasingly complex challenges that our future generations face, attracts a greater number of students. Social media is used as a communication tool, where students can interact with their peers and faculty members and share educational videos, images, and eBooks, they can share study materials, opinions, projects etc.
In the present scenario, higher education systems have taken various forms. After the pandemic, the technology has shaped higher education learning in a new creative way; we have various methods of learning – MOOC, Video Lectures, Google Classrooms, Virtual Classroom, hybrid mode of teaching etc. Yes, higher education system is highly influenced by pedagogical innovation and educational technologies. Some of the technologies that have a large impact on education are Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Cloud Computing, Gamification, Blockchain, Chatbot, Internet of Things, Machine Learning etc.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) uses computers to perform all tasks that needs to be accomplished traditionally by human intelligence and the technology helps to process large amounts of data in ways that humans cannot. It is the most transformative technology of this century and its reshaping education. Some intelligent tutoring systems can provide personalized learning experiences for students with different abilities. AI helps tutoring in the form of bots, for eg.
Chat-GPT for chat that conforms to the intelligence level and speed of the learners to achieve their academic goals. Online learning systems adapt the pace of teaching to match students’ -needs, supports language translation, monitor whether paying attention in class are using facial recognition and many other applications. 47% of the artificial intelligence is embedded in learning tools a report says.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented reality (AR) are two technologies becoming increasingly important within education systems. VR is a system enabled environment with scenes that appear to be real. It gives the user an immersive experience in the specific environment. It assists in developing and delivering content using VR aids and it allows users to step into a virtual world, ancient histories, visit remote areas, experiencing things using their own eyes and in another perspective, it helps in training for difficult and dangerous tasks such as conducting repairs in hazardous environments and also in training doctors to perform surgery. Thus one can get a close look at things that are not practically possible. It also helps children with intellectual disabilities to practice everyday skills and allow students to immerse themselves in whatever subject they’re learning about.
Augmented Reality (AR) is a virtual thing which can be experienced in a huge way as a real time environment. Augmented reality requires a device (e.g., a phone, tablet, or a headset), as it involves superimposing computer-generated images onto what the user is actually seeing. The advantage here is that it can provide real-time information that allows students to see an enhanced view of real images, historical events sitting in the class itself. In schools, AR textbooks are becoming available that contain images, and models shown live when looked through a smartphone camera, enabling students to get a closer, more in-depth view at anything like the internal functions of the human body.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology is a digital transaction log that is protected from hacking or alteration by a network of computers. The technology provides a safe means for people to communicate directly with one another. This method is quite beneficial since it can prevent system hacking. Data is sent more securely thanks to it. Therefore, we may apply this technology in the educational sector to secure the sensitive data we manage from kids. This technique is quite helpful since it can guard against system hacking. The use of this technology is increasing as governments talk about centralization and when databases or information need to be distributed or collaborated on. Aside from managing tests, examining students' credentials, and confirming diplomas, among other things, blockchain is useful in many areas of education. It helps students by eliminating the need for the mediator, while using blockchain one can upload an assignment and the technology makes sure that it is not lost.
Data Science
Data science is a strategy for analyzing and interpreting data that has applications in many different fields. Data science applications in education helps Educators spend their time with students and need more time to analyze data and Data Science help them to a greater extent. Existing programming, statistics, and content skills to develop data models help educators do their jobs better by actively applying it in educational settings to amplify student outcomes. It is used to ensure data security for all the stakeholders. Some data scientists focus on developing database design, evaluate, and analyze data to produce reports that are easy to understand for teachers to understand. Therefore, in order to manage and preserve their data, educational institutions require something more substantial than software. Education transforms the learning process and provides new tools for educational institutions to track and enhance students' engagement and performance in order to make better predictions. The ML-enabled personalized approach helps to make education more inclusive, accessible, and engaging.
Internet of Things
A technologically advanced campus equipped with cutting-edge tools, equipment, and software for management, teaching - learning, and collaboration is referred to as a smart campus. Advanced pedagogies, evaluation, increased productivity, and personalized learning environments with smart school features are all made possible by IoT.
Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing makes it easier to access and retain data. Cloud computing will continue to be a crucial tool for schools, because cloud-based books are accessible from anywhere, it also enables students to save money on pricey books. To maintain data security, cloud computing provides robust authentication features. It also facilitates easy collaborations among students and teacher through Learning Management System (LMS). LMS enables the instructor to upload assignments and contents on the cloud server, which is accessible to all students. It is more convenient to solve team tasks and share information and multimedia using cloud services. The cost of these cloud services is another perk; it is significantly less expensive than purchasing specialized software for every school device.
Advantages of Technology
There are many advantages of using technology in education; it makes communication with all stake holders easily. All data are digitized through technology and can be used for assessment and analysing, which improves the quality of teaching and learning process, making it more effective and time-efficient. It makes education literally lighter with, - ease of access anytime, from anywhere. Early exposure to new technology facilitates better learning - for higher education students, and computer-based assessment makes it simpler for teachers to valuate students’ understanding.
Conclusion
The current situation necessitates that educational institutions embrace the use of technology in curriculum delivery in order to make it interesting and useful for today’s tech-savvy students. Nowadays, it is a trend to choose a specific course like Data Science, Cyber Security etc., instead of a regular course like Computer Science or Computer Application. Thus, new technologies provide more innovative, interactive, and engaging learning experiences for students. Experts predict that global investment on digital education will exceed $350 billion by 2025, demonstrating the expanding importance of technology in the education industry. Hence, gradual curriculum updating is crucial since students’ demands change as time and technology progress. In all, integration of technology is a crucial step in making learning efficient and collaborative, which will prepare students for the future.
About the Author
Dr. Jai Ruby is working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Applications and Research Centre, Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu. She has over 22 years’ of experience in teaching field. She has published scores of papers in peer reviewed journals of national and international repute. Her research interests include Data Mining, Neural Network and Mobile Communications.