Schools wouldn’t have been able to learn remotely without massive help from technology. It’s difficult to imagine a world where learning reverts back to single-room classrooms and outdated textbooks. Luckily, schools leveraged technology to bring education from qualified teachers into each of their students’ houses. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other video conferencing services help parents ensure their children’s education doesn’t stagnate during the pandemic. 

Teachers that didn’t see the benefits of online programs before Covid are now accustomed to the software and find the value they provide to their students. Now, teachers are more likely to implement them into in-person classes. The changes Covid caused help the education industry try new approaches and keep the new tactics even after the pandemic subsides

Online Learning Is a Staple in Classrooms

Covid forced teachers to rely on computer programs for students to complete their work instead of using pencil and paper. As teachers become more comfortable with education technology, they will continue to press the administration for continued access to online programs when all learning returns to the classroom. 

Online programs use AI programs and data science to approach teaching differently. An advantage of online learning is the ability to tailor lessons to individual students rather than a generic lesson for the entire class. 

This differentiated instruction will help students learn at the appropriate level rather than leaving students bored with the skills they already possess or completely lost because they lack prerequisite skills. These programs will reduce teachers’ workload by providing relevant and top-tier education while teachers can support students individually. 

Students Have Easier Access to Their Teachers (or Other Resources)

Since Covid reduced face-to-face interaction, students and teachers are increasingly communicating with the teachers through messaging apps and video calls. This trend helps students get help when they need it and allows teachers to be in two places at once. As teachers and students become comfortable with the new communication mode, they can spend more time communicating. 

Students With Diverse Needs Are Getting More Help

Technology is helping students with learning disabilities get more out of education. Assistive technology helps reduce the workload of special education teachers and provide constant help for students who operate differently than their peers. 

Technology helps students with blindness, deafness, and speech impairments communicate and receive information in accessible ways. These new technologies are helping students learn at a faster rate while building more understanding. Non-disabled people often don’t think of the difficulties that seemingly simple tasks can present to a person with disabilities. 

Not all of this technology is incredibly expensive; even the most basic Google Chromebooks are equipped with audiovisual assistance. Students who struggle with dyslexia or other processing disabilities can use their voice to type instead of using a keyboard. Assistive technology is helping students achieve new heights.

The Best Education Is Available Everywhere

The Internet is connecting students to the best teachers in the world. Websites like MasterClass provide access to courses created by people at the top of their fields. The skills you can learn on MasterClass could teach you hard and soft skills while offering more nuance than a generic class from your local university. You can learn chess from Grandmaster Garry Kasparov or storytelling from any number of New York Times Best-Selling authors. 

Even formal education is available on the go. There are more master’s degrees available online than at any point in history. Quality institutions are helping people attain higher degrees of education without leaving their homes or leaving their jobs. Not only are online degrees less hassle, but they are also extremely flexible, giving people the ability to take classes during their busy schedules. 

Education is expanding outside of the classroom and jumping off the page and onto the screen. Youtube is becoming a free class to meet all of your do-it-yourself projects as well as professional goals. Even the professional networking site LinkedIn offers dozens of courses that can help boost your resume. Covid is only accelerating the learning tools available.

Conclusion

Even though the pandemic slowed educational progress in the short term, the things teachers are learning through this process will help them transform educational practices to make a greater impact on the students they see every day. Teachers tried new tactics during the pandemic and will hopefully continue to experiment with new technologies for the sake of improving student achievement.