A Guide to Digital Transformation in the Education Sector

EdTech, short for Education Technology, refers to a branch of technology that is used to enhance classroom learning. This may seem like a broad definition, but EdTech really is just that. From digital whiteboards to online curriculum management systems and specialized tablets, EdTech covers the gamut of products and philosophies to bring education practices into the 21st century.

This is where the digital transformation of the education sector comes into play. Think back to your own education – chances are that chalkboards, overhead projectors, and bulky textbooks were all present. Conversely, thanks to the overall digital transformation of the education sector, chalkboards have been replaced with digital whiteboards, overhead projectors have been replaced with interactive front-of-classroom displays, and bulky books with digital tablet-based versions. The difference is obvious and is entirely facilitated by these EdTech devices.

The EdTech revolution isn’t simply the purchase of a few products on the part of a single teacher, but rather a large investment, both in size and scope, made by a school or school district.

As is the case with any sector-level transformation, there are opinions and they are usually binary between ‘good’ and ‘bad’. With that mind, in the context of digital transformation in the education sector, those in favor usually point towards the prospect for increased experimentation, resources, efficiency, and life skill development.

Experimentation and Feedback

On-the-fly quizzes and up-to-date lesson content are two factors in which EdTech is more dynamic than the old ways. The fact is, considering EdTech’s always-connected status, teachers have been given the tools for infinite experimentation and near-instantaneous feedback.

• Want to test out a new learning tool? No problem.
• Want to ensure that your students are understanding new material? Give them a quiz.
• Realize that your lesson material is slightly out-of-date? Update it seamlessly!

The fact of the matter is that, when it comes to the digital transformation of the education sector, you can experiment whenever you please and can act on the results however you see fit.

An Abundance of Resources

When it comes to EdTech, teachers will never have to worry about resource limitations. When an interactive whiteboard’s native software is taken into account with its Internet-connectivity, resources are practically infinite. These may range from media integration to live annotation and gamification, but honestly, the only limitations are the teacher’s creativity and technological literacy.

Automation and Efficiency

The development of young and not-so-young minds may be the goal of education, but unfortunately, it’s not the only focus. The truth is that teaching is filled with annoying but necessary side tasks that ultimately distract from the goal at hand. This includes grading, attendance, communicating with students, and all the busywork of education.

However, through EdTech and the digital transformation of the education sector teachers can delegate those administrative distractions to their newly-acquired EdTech tools. As a result, those properly using EdTech devices may find that their day-to-day teaching experiences are much more efficient.

Life Skill Development

No matter how you feel about technology’s presence in our modern world, it’s here to stay. Whether you’re looking for a job or trying to communicate with a friend on the other side of the world, the use of technology has gone from a quirky hobby to a necessity in a matter of years. That’s where Edtech and the education sector’s digital transformation plays a large role. By exposing students, especially the younger ones, to this technology, they will be set for life. In practice, manifestations include source literacy and digital presentation creation.  As such, by considering technology use a life school, there’s no better time to learn than when brains are still developing.

There are, of course, detractors of digital transformation in the educator section offering very real concerns including the potential for in-class distraction, the possibility of unequal access between students, and the lack of digital source oversight.

Distractions, Distractions, Distractions

Detractors of the education sector’s digital transformation highlight the fact that screens are addictive and don’t see screens as beneficial for the classroom. From a certain perspective, one can almost see their point – students are already easily distracted, how would the inclusion of ‘fun’ technology not exacerbate things?

The answer, of course, lies in the hands of the teachers. If they’re able to properly communicate boundaries and limitations for device usage, with an emphasis on respect, there’s no reason that this potential pitfall can’t be overcome.

Unequal Access

Inequality, in all its variations, is rife in our society. Furthermore, considering the costs associated with modern technology, not every student could possibly afford it. This is why, if Edtech and the overall digital transformation of the education sector are to succeed, then classes need to provide students with all the necessary tools and materials in a universal manner. Conversely, teachers do not necessarily have to implement EdTech on the individual-student-level, but rather can limit it to front-of-classroom tools.

Source Reliability

In an era where anyone can publish anything, and the truth has become a matter of opinion, the reliability of online sources can be described as, at best, opaque. Without the literacy that comes with proper education and experience in the matter, deciphering the truth from the biased falsehoods contained within internet sources can be very difficult. That’s why, although young people may appear to be innate technological gurus, there’s no replacement for old-school research instruction and guidance.

The digital transformation of the education sector is happening and as is necessary when it comes to this sort of thing, you should have an implementation plan ready to go. This is true for both the administrators who will have to plan this transformation and the teachers who must enact it and be taught to use the EdTech products. Focusing on the latter group, we think that proper strategic implementation must involve consideration of the students themselves, the still-important lesson plan, the continued use of non-digital resources, and the so-called educational triangle.

The Educational Triangle

In the modern era, education contains three major tenets – teaching, learning, and technology. Forming a sort of ‘educational triangle’, it’s important that no one tenet outweigh the others. This can go for teachers that see the introduction of technology as an ‘easy out’ from putting in the hard work. When it comes down to it, the ideal scenario comes the three come together in unison, when teaching is augmented with technology and makes the learning process to efficient and effective.

Know Your Students

Education has never been a ‘one-size-fits-all’ institution. Different students have different learning styles – what works for one student or classroom at one time may not work for other students or classrooms at other times. This goes double for the integration of EdTech in the classroom. A feature that works incredibly well for detailed lecture-based learning, for instance, may not be as effective when dealing with younger students that require a more engrossing approach.

Lesson Planning is Not Antiquated

The digital transformation of the education sector, although indicative of the modern age, has not fully eliminated the ways of old. Importantly, lesson planning has remained just as important is it was in decades past. Flashy EdTech tools and visual aids mean nothing in the face of an improperly planned lesson. At the end of the day, remember that these tools are meant to enhance your lesson rather than to replace it.

The Use of Non-Digital Resources

Just because it is exciting to use the brand new EdTech tools, don’t forget that the old resources are still present, effective, tried, and true. Paper, scissors, and glue, for example, may not be the pinnacle of high tech, but there’s always a lesson to be taught about building something with one’s own hands. In short, there are plenty of ‘things’ one could use in conjunction with EdTech, and they shouldn’t be forgotten. Who knows, their effect may be surprising.

Before starting any major EdTech projects your school should start by clearly understanding your current educational digital DNA.

Take this free 5-minute online quiz to see where you currently are on your digital transformation journey and steps you can take to keep moving forward!