In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, adopting new technologies brings forth a lot of considerations that institutions must conscientiously address. Moreover, the integration of new tools demands careful consideration from instructors. Hence, educational institutions and educators must stay current, given the evolution of digital technology in education.
What should institutions consider before adopting new technologies?
Institutions must consider various critical factors, including data security and privacy, as well as the potential for ethical implications. For educational institutions, establishing data security and privacy protocols is essential. One practical approach involves implementing data encryption techniques to shield sensitive information from unauthorized access. Canadian institutions have shown heightened caution about potentially housing data beyond their borders. This concern is rooted in the possibility that Canadian student data may reside on cloud servers in the United States (Klassen, 2011). Furthermore, a proactive assessment of the ethical ramifications is essential in adopting new technologies. This entails formulating ethical guidelines that resonate with the institution’s core values. Furthermore, institutions need to consider the issue of students’ familiarity with online learning. While certain students excel in online learning environments, others may face challenges for various reasons, including a lack of necessary support (Haleem et al., 2022)
What should instructors consider before implementing new tools or approaches to teaching in their practices?
Before incorporating new tools or approaches into their teaching practices, instructors should examine whether these tools align with their learning objectives. They should consider whether the tools are a good fit for their teaching course and whether they can contribute to improved student learning outcomes. Instructors can also explore the experiences of other educators who have successfully used similar tools to enhance learning. This research can help instructors adapt and tailor these tools to better suit their course content and objectives.
What hidden motivations may impact the adoption of new technological tools? How could these motivations impact the future of education long term?
Hidden motivations for institutions to adopt new technologies can include a desire to streamline their workforce and achieve more tasks with fewer employees. Additionally, the adoption of new technologies can serve as a demonstration of the institution’s commitment to staying current and offering up-to-date and engaging learning experiences. This strategic approach seeks to attract more students by showcasing its alignment with modern educational practices.
Reflection
I selected this learning activity because I found Rheingold’s insights on the education system and its evolving perspective intriguing. Given my interest in online learning and my experience as an online student, I wanted to shift my perspective and explore how educational institutions are adopting future technology. I’m also curious about how instructors adapt their methods to match these technological advancements. This endeavour will provide me with a better understanding of the current role of technology in education.
References
Picture: https://www.changefactory.com.au/our-thinking/articles/embracing-the-digital-future/
Klassen, V. (2011) Privacy and Cloud-Based Educational Technology in British Columbia Vancouver BC: BCCampus.
Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Qadri, M. A., & Suman, R. (2022). Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A Review. Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 275–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004