The education systems worldwide started facing a unique kind of evolution at the beginning of the 21st century when computers began making an entry everywhere. Now, as the internet is growing, the education systems are undergoing another shift. In some ways, education is becoming increasingly democratic and accessible, and on the other hand, it is still leaving a huge chunk of people out of the loop.
In the past few years, we have seen a generation of students raised by the internet enter the formal education system. Mobiles phones and apps still had not made a strong entry until the pandemic forced the use of technology more and more. Now, classrooms all across the globe are dependent on apps like Zoom, MS teams, etc.
Here is how mobile apps can benefit education:
1. New learning techniques
With new apps, new learning techniques can be developed for young children and adults alike. For young children, interactive apps can be made to play in healthy competition with their peers. For adults, a few such games already exist. For example, a game Mimo teaches coding in a game format and keeps the score of your learning.
2. Democratised education
These days, the number of people who have phones and access to the internet is more than those who do not. This means that the internet and mobile apps can be an excellent way to reach many people. But for that, we have to make sure that the internet is as democratic as big companies claim they are trying to make it.
3. Personalised learning
With the help of a mobile application, education and learning will become highly personalised processes. Not everyone learns at the same speed. Everyone has a different skill set, and they want to learn a different thing. Similarly, many love learning amongst a group of people, while others do not thrive in a group environment. We have seen in the past that one size fits all in education does not work. Mobile apps can help change that.
4. Reduced costs
Education costs are skyrocketing at every academic level. College Tuition debts are breaking students even before they can start earning. In such a scenario, mobile apps can help a lot to reduce the cost of education. Cost of books, cost of travel etc. everything can be saved if suitable apps are developed.
5. Higher sustainability
Between books, notes, exam sheets and travelling to school and college campuses, many resources are being wasted. By using apps, pdfs and online formats in exams, many of these resources can be saved. Getting an education at home will also prevent the burning of fossil fuels on a regular basis.
To conclude, the future of education is entirely up to the development of technology. Technology has overtaken so much that education needs to be updated too. Education, just like technology, needs to evolve every day. However, the current steps are very necessary to be in the right direction. They ensure that education is accessible to everyone and can be acquired out of the classroom just as well.
