Education is a global need. As the world develops, so does the need for good education to be able to be attainable for everyone. The real challenge presents in the form of small, rural areas that are often too far-flung for good instruction and the development of knowledge to reach.
The children here are the ones who suffer because they have less chances of getting a good education, especially those who come from families that live below the poverty line.
On top of this, not every place would be fortunate enough to have a school. Some students would have to travel far just to be able to reach an educational facility.
Best technological innovations that are changing global education
1. Access to electricity
It might be difficult to imagine that there are still some places that do not have a reliable source of power. The lack of stable electricity can inhibit education because students will have limited study time; they will have to be restricted to read only during the daylight hours. On top of this, any type of computer and internet system would need power to function.
On the positive side, most governments of small nations who still experience problems with electricity have acknowledged this and are working to solve the problem.
2. Energy-providing toys
In connection with the electricity problem, these toys are being developed to transform kinetic energy into actual usable power. This will encourage children to also do physical play activities instead of only pure screen time.
It is proven that physical activity should be included in an educational curriculum for it to be deemed successful. These toys provide both sustainable power by interactive and fun playtime for the children.
3. Internet Connectivity
This is also a real need that many communities are not able to freely access. Although there are a number of online schools that offer courses and digital learning, they will not be an option for people who cannot logon to the internet.
The big names of the internet world, such as Google, and Facebook are on the case. They believe that providing wireless internet to rural areas will greatly improve their chances of getting proper instrumentation and education. This innovation also helps when it comes to papers writing because of ease of looking for the right information.
By the way, one more big advantage is writing services like Pro-Papers. It helps a lot for students who have a lack of time but desire the good grades.
4. Skype
The ability to communicate with people is an integral part of any type of learning. Skype is now being used as a tool for experts to impart knowledge to people that live in different countries.
English as a Second Language, or ESL, uses skype and other communication tools to have students, no matter how old, learn English. The teachers are usually based in native speaking countries and the students are able to learn the language more effectively.
5. E-learning tools
These are education tools that are loaded onto computer hard drives. This is an innovation that does not require the use of internet connection, so it solves that challenge, but still would need power to work. There are some e-learning libraries that are small enough to be powered by a battery or solar panels, these tools can be used in the absence of a stable power source.
6. Networked tablets
These are networked laptops and computers that are used to track and monitor the progress of students as they go through various reading materials. They are meant to target the problem of illiteracy. These computers are connected to a syllabus that also includes assessments and tests to ensure understanding and progress. They are also planned in such a way that reading at home is also encouraged.
7. Voicemail
This is another innovation that targets the population that does not know how to read. Voicemail messages can be used as a tool to teach. The students will use their auditory senses to get the instructions, and effective learning can still be achieved. It is a marvel how simple cell phones can contribute to education, but then again technology continues to evolve and in turn, how it is used.
8. Text Messages
Like voicemail, text messages are now being used outside of what they were originally meant for. To use this in an educational perspective, old stories are being retold and rewritten using text, to improve illiterateness. This new way of teaching spelling and grammar is also a wonderful way to preserve traditions and to retell stories to children.
9. Digital education tools
With digital education, the ability of students to learn can come from any medium, at the comfort of their own homes. Some digital education tools are subscription based, and can be accessed through a television. It is a fun way to get children to watch insightful learning videos. Most of these would, like the e-learning tools, have a set curriculum that provides key learning blocks for future milestones the children will be set to achieve.
10. Shipping containers as classrooms
In countries like India, a major problem would be overpopulation. There would be a lack of space in the classrooms, therefore only a certain number of students would be able to fit inside. These shipping container classrooms, that are equipped with internet connection inside, will provide education to 3,200 students.
11. Innovation Spotters
It is reassuring to note that there are many organizations that are taking root around the world to try and solve this problem. These groups all have one thing in common: they are trying to change education and try to make quality learning available to all. Groups like the Global Innovation Fund, WISE and the UNICEF Innovation Fund all contribute to this cause. They truly believe that getting good education to the entirety of the population is the way to push forward toward a better world.
Technology has continued to shape the structure of education. These innovations have evolved, and along with it, education has since upgraded itself as well. As we see more changes and improvements with the technology we use, who knows what levels of education will be reached by future generations.
