Beyond the Classroom: Emerging Technologies to Enhance Learning

Book excerpt: National Education Policy 2020 states that India is a global leader in information and communication technology and education will play a critical role in this transformation. Technology and education at all levels have a mutually beneficial relationship since technology itself significantly contribute to the enhancement of educational procedures and results.In the field of education, technology is also putting a drastic change and making the way of learning and teaching much easier and more innovative as compare to the olden days. Especially during the time of pandemic, technology played a very crucial role in the field of education. It makes people aware about the technical world. The first education policy of the twenty-first century, National Education Policy 2020 attempts to address the many expanding experimental imperatives facing our nation. In order to create a new system that is in line with the ambitious goals of 21st-century education, including SDG4, while building upon India's traditions and value systems, this policy suggests changing and remodelling every element of the educational structure, including its regulation and governance. The National Education Policy lays particular emphasis on the development of the creative potentiality of each person. One of the endless tasks of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) will be to classify imperative technologies grounded on their implicit and estimated timeframe for dislocation, and to periodically present this analysis to MHRD. MHRD will formally identify those technologies whose emergence necessitates reactions from the educational system based on these inputs. Keeping in mind the recommendations of NEP 2020, this book is the attempt to highlight the new emerging technologies of the 21st century which help the teacher and the students to understand the concept and importance of these emerging technologies. This book provides a comprehensive understanding of the emergence and evolution of new technologies in the field of education to enhance learning. It consists of 11 chapters which includes Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - provide predictive analytics and individualized learning experiences and have the potential to completely transform the education industry. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality -these two cutting-edge technologies provide immersive and interactive learning experiences and are becoming more and more popular in the educational sector. Data Analytics or Learning Analytics -with its ability to provide insights on student performance, engagement, and learning outcomes, data analytics is becoming more and more significant in the educational field. By analysing data from different sources, educators can identify trends, predict student success, and implement evidence-based strategies to improve teaching and learning. Microlearning and Mobile Learning -they represent a paradigm shift in the Indian educational framework. They align with the national goals of digital India and education for all, promoting a more democratized, flexible, and learner-centric approach to education. Internet of Things (IoT) - often termed as "Smart Education," encompasses a wide array of applications that transcend traditional learning methodologies. It aims to transcend traditional boundaries, enabling a seamless blend of physical and digital learning spaces, which is especially pivotal in a country marked by diverse socio-economic and geographical landscapes. Gamification and Game-Based Learning - with their inclusive and adaptable nature, offer a more personalized and engaging learning experience. This is particularly relevant in a country like India, where digital access and literacy are on the rise, paving the way for digital learning solutions to make a substantial impact. Electronic and interactive textbooks - these digital resources have revolutionized the way educators teach and students learn, offering dynamic content that goes beyond the static pages of traditional textbooks. Active and Collaborative Learning - in the realm of education, active learning is not just a methodology but a paradigm shifts that champions student engagement as the cornerstone of effective learning. This approach, significantly beneficial in the Indian context, challenges students to interact with the material, engage in higher-order thinking, and apply knowledge in varied scenarios. It's an approach that transforms classrooms from silent note-taking environments to vibrant interactive spaces where students question, discuss, and explore subjects deeply. This book examines the current state of these new technologies from several educational perspectives, highlights some of them, and discusses both their established and potential educational benefits. In addition, it provides an in-depth discussion of recent developments and future challenges from many different perspectives. This book is an informative resource for scholars, policymakers and researchers in pedagogy, educational technology, digital learning, communication and education research. The book content equips educators at all levels with essential information required to adapt to emerging technologies in order to improve teaching, student support and learning outcomes. Syed Hasan Qasim