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Global expenditure on educational technology is expected to hit US$342 billion (HK$2.66 trillion) by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum.
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EdTech, the term used to describe digital technology and processes that facilitate learning, has advanced considerably. But so far it has not consistently and significantly improved the quality of learning experiences and educational outcomes.
With the delta and Omicron coronavirus variants raging around the globe schools may have to end in-person learning again. Kindergartens and primary schools in Hong Kong have suspended all in-person classes since January 14.
Will educational technology capitalize on this development and embed itself further - in and out of classrooms?
EdTech falls into three main categories: teachers, parents and students.
There is virtual classroom software for teachers, such as Vedamo, which is an interactive virtual classroom platform with tools for gamification, classroom management and lesson preparation.
For parents, there is tech such as Remind, a classroom-friendly communication tool to help them stay on top of what is going on at school, from class assignments to extracurricular activities.
Most important are techs for students, ranging from tools such as WolframAlpha, an online mathematical software, to platforms like Mindspark, a cloud-based application on adaptive learning.
Technology can help shape the future of education in at least three ways.
First, educational technology enables an optimum level of blended learning.
Throughout the pandemic, the debate within the educational sector has been whether virtual learning is superior to traditional classroom-based learning.
While there is no complete consensus among teachers, parents and students, it is probably undesirable to conduct 100 percent of learning virtually.
Students who are entirely out of the classroom have suffered learning loss, behavioral challenges and mental health issues - not to mention the additional burden placed on parents of having to carry out supervision during a workday.
Nonetheless, many educators appreciate the usefulness of virtual learning and adopt a "blended" form of learning - a mix of physical or online classes.
This is an ideal structure for many as it uses various educational technology in and out of the classroom to facilitate interactive learning experiences.
EdTech used during in-person lessons may enhance the interactive collaboration of group learning, and its use at home may help students learn at their own pace.
Second, educational technology presents an opportunity to personalize learning.
Applications like AI-enabled chatbots are powerful machine-learning data analytics that can help students with periodic assessments and intelligent tutoring technology support.
Sophisticated learning tools like Mindspark can even make recommendations based on individual learning history and help students assess interests and skills in various subjects.
It can also help teachers recognize the capabilities, pace of learning, and problem areas of individual students, enabling them to provide help and guidance accordingly.
Third, educational technology can help students to showcase their understanding of concepts in a multitude of creative ways.
The need for written reports and thick project files for student assessments could become a thing of the past. For example, students are periodically assessed through websites like Google Classroom and create their own e-portfolios.
Teachers, course developers and instructional designers should take note of the benefits of educational technology and use it appropriately.
Dr Jolly Wong is a policy fellow at the Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge
