5 ways digitalization enhances the student experience

We are in the age of digital transformation, and if you’re not embracing it, you’ll probably be left behind. For schools, this transformation or advancement towards a more technology-centred environment where knowledge can be imparted through the click of a button is the logical next step.

Why would you want students spending hours searching through books to extract relevant information on any subject when all that could be done much quicker? Digitalization has taken the world by storm for a good reason: it brings agility, innovation and novelty.

UK educational institutions need to keep up with the times and adapt to the current societal changes for a better outcome. Schools in the UK have already started adopting a policy of understanding and implementing the digitalization of education for better outreach, more accessible communication with students and faster delivery of lessons.

Here’s how digitalization will enhance student experience:

Improves accessibility

The power of technology is unparalleled when it comes to exchanging information and knowledge. Students can access books, novels, research papers and journals, essential lessons, and recorded classes.

Moreover, many schools, colleges and universities have adopted ways of creating backchannels and student portals that allow students to check class timings, pending assignments before each class, and the syllabi of each course. They can also schedule meetings with teachers, fellow students and administrative staff. Furthermore, online submissions of homework assignments, projects, tests and even exams can be done digitally.

The most successful use of digital transformation has been checking plagiarism, which has historically been a significant issue in schools. Through direct online submissions, digital platforms such as Turnitin have allowed teachers to validate the authenticity of their students’ work with evidence. This has proven to be a valuable resource, discouraging students from cheating and copying other people’s work.

The most recent and prime example of digitalization helping students by providing complete access to study materials is during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns. Schools adapted to teaching classes online using various platforms like Zoom, Slack, and Google Meet.

Develops communication

One of the key benefits of digital transformation in schools is enhancing communication. Reaching out to teachers and classmates has never been easier and/or quicker. Students can easily communicate through different channels or make appointments to meet with their instructors.

Collaborative learning is also essential to digital transformation, allowing students to cooperate and work in group projects seamlessly. Moreover, teachers have more options as to how they run their classrooms. They can divide a classroom into groups and adopt varying strategies to improve students’ learning.

One understated benefit of improved communication is the coming together of students from different regions and countries. Students worldwide can connect to discuss relevant issues and problems and find solutions.

Instructors, researchers and subject matter experts can be contacted for direct topical research. This is particularly helpful for university students seeking ideas and opinions for their research/thesis papers.

Promotes innovation

Digital transformation not only opens up many new avenues of learning to students but also creates an atmosphere of novelty and satisfaction. You have to realize that most of the students these days are inclined towards using technology in their personal lives already.

Hence, instead of treating it as a distraction, why not incorporate it and use it better? Digital learning methods allow students to feel more engaged, which makes them more active. Innovation through technology also breeds new ideas and opens students’ minds to creativity.

Interactive tools and apps encourage higher performance in students because they capture interest. Gamification is another method that is gaining some traction and can serve as fuel for innovation.

Moreover, students with special education needs who find traditional education hard to follow can feel empowered in classrooms through technological support. Students with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, etc., can now participate at their own pace.

Builds capacity

The quality of education is correlated to the performance output of students in a classroom. It is clear that with digital enhancements in the classroom, students gain a holistic perspective of understanding concepts and acquiring knowledge.

Supplementary tools, along with teachers, make it easier to develop students’ ability to comprehend and apply that knowledge in real life. Students can now solve complex puzzles, practice real-life cases, watch tutorials, etc., on their devices, on the go and in their own time. This teaches them the dynamics of a globalized, modern world and prepares them for the future.

Through digital incorporation, students can learn to adapt to the fast-paced, challenging environments they will face when they start their careers without feeling like it’s an alien concept. Getting acquainted with technological concepts will cultivate specific essential skills where they can thrive in a data-driven world.

Such techniques can inspire some students to pursue careers where they can change the world through technology.

Builds decision-making

Students are the driving force of any education system. Their participation is vital if the system has to change, advance and become more qualified. Digital modes of education make the whole participation and feedback-sharing process smoother and more manageable. Many decisions in front of students put the responsibility on their shoulders, meaning they are in charge.

Technology gives options and choices to students. For example, they can choose which assignment to do, when to study or take classes and how to use their time best. This breeds confidence and decision-making in people and makes them feel empowered through decision-making. Schools should no longer be considered academic cages but environments that allow the youth to challenge themselves and strive for a well-rounded educational experience.

You tell students that their opinions matter by involving them in crucial decision-making processes such as deadlines, grading criteria or group partners. They are bound to be more involved and interested in studies, too.

Irrespective of who you are or which industry you belong to, digitalization is today’s truth, and it cannot be ignored. The benefits are there for everyone to see, and the world continues to reap these benefits. So why should students be any different?