What is the Role of Computer in Education?

In this dynamic and fast-changing world, technology has brought in some crucial changes for the benefit of mankind. today, almost all the spheres of our lives are influenced by some or the other technological advancements. And education is no exception to this. It is evident that our lives in this technology-driven world are dependent on machines, gadgets, devices, and technology at large. And all thanks to the pandemic, most of us also know how devices and the internet are the best aids for our students to learn.

At the time of the global pandemic (in the year 2021), only 8% of rural and 24% of urban students used the online medium to study regularly. However, after the pandemic online education is becoming a popular medium to carry on the teaching and learning processes.

Despite a vivid e-learning experience, many of us still do not know the exact role of computer in education. So, let’s delve into this topic in great detail. And figure out how does computer helps in education?

Indian students studying online regularly

What are the General Benefits of Computer in Education?

In this age of information explosion, computers help us to gain immense knowledge. Through the internet, we can access the best quality resources. And the best part is that all this is readily available at our fingertips. The advantage of technology in education has also brought down the cost factor.

Students and stakeholders can access numerous resources. And that too at a price that is lower than the regular hard copy material. Internet technology has also revolutionized the world with 100% online schooling. This new paradigm has added flexibility to our student’s lives. And has also improved the efficiency of the entire schooling system. Other than these advantages, EdTech has also helped our differently-abled students to thrive safely in the mainstream system.

What is Computer Education?

Computer education helps students to acquire the necessary skills to use computers. This also helps them to be digitally literate, i.e. they become capable of using devices like laptops, desktops, or smartphones. In India, 25% of the rural and 61% of the urban population were digitally literate (as of 2022).

The knowledge of computers helps students to hone their skills and prepare for a promising career option. In this age of digitalization, computer education helps students to improve their knowledge related to their respective career pathways. All in all, it lays the foundation of an advanced level of study (academic disciplines or specialization courses, etc.). There are multiple benefits of a good quality computer education in schools. But the ground reality in Indian schools tells us a different story. By the year 2021, only 41.25% of the schools in India had computer access.

Must Read:- State Wise Literacy Rate in India 2023

Here’s a quick look at the facts that speak about the access to computers in Indian schools.

Percentage of schools in India with access to computers

How does Computer Help in Education?

Maintaining Continuity-

We have already experienced the advantages of technology in education during the pandemic. During the peak of Covid-19, 95% of Indian students were affected due to school closures. And this number was around 1 billion. At this time, all of us learned a valuable lesson in life about preparedness for the unforeseen times. Virtual learning was the only savior. And the use of computers helped students and stakeholders to connect with each other, in whatever best manner they could.

Computer in education helped us to remove the physical barriers to learning. In fact, it also helped students to continue with their education even if they were far away from their school’s location.

Graph showing percentage of students affected due to school closure

Improves quality-

In our traditional schools, we battle with many issues related to student-teacher ratio, teaching quality, access to resources and student engagement, etc. EdTech has the power to improve the quality of education by providing equal opportunities through high-quality virtual resources. Today, the best accredited online schools are at par with traditional institutions. And they provide superior teacher handholding to students in small class size.

21^st century skill building-

For a stable career and a fulfilling life, our students need to cultivate the skills that are relevant in today’s world. There is a crucial role of computer in education. Because it helps students to hone these skill sets. And prepares them for the global workforce. Collaboration, communication, critical thinking, imagination, cooperation, and teamwork, are the stepping stones to success in this skill-driven world.

21 century skill building using computer in education

Fun elements-

The interactive learning experiences through virtual mediums make learning fun and enjoyable. Students grasp concepts better. And they also tend to learn more in less time through the use of immersive technology.

Top 10 Uses of Computer in Education

1. High-Quality Resources

Multimedia-rich virtual resources are highly engaging for students across all age groups. These resources add great value to a student’s learning. And also help teachers to create a better educational experience.

Do you know that the online supplemental education market (primary and secondary) grew at a CAGR of 60% by the year 2021?

Similarly, the online test preparation market was another category that grew with a CAGR of 64%.

2. Flexibility

Most stakeholders have already acknowledged the role of computer in education. As it brings in a unique opportunity to study without any time and location limitations.

3. Digital Skill-Building

The knowledge of technology also helps in developing essential digital skills in students. They learn how to use technology safely. And eventually, they also develop skills that are relevant to the workforce.

4. Data Management

Other than the advantages of computer education for students, technology is also a great boon for school management. It helps the school faculty to keep records, timetables, and prepare results. In addition, it also reduces human efforts and chances of errors to a great extent.

5. Researching

The next use is related to research that can enhance one’s knowledge. For both students and stakeholders, search engines are a great source to research topics/studies, etc.

6. Eliminating Learning Gaps

The intelligent mechanisms of technology also help in tracking/monitoring student’s performances. This in turn highlights the learning gaps. And eventually, these can be eliminated through an action plan. The use of technology is also a great support for students who are differently-abled. Through the power of assistive technology, such students can learn better without being intimated in the presence of their normal peers.

7. Collaborating with Stakeholders

In the present time, most traditional and online schools have their respective official websites. They make use of technology (online portals) to share important updates, intimate parents about important information, share admission details, and release lists/reports that they wish to make public.

8. Smart Classrooms

ICT (Information and communications technology) in education supports the students’ learning in a number of ways. Smart classrooms offer a number of opportunities for students to study through PowerPoint presentations, graphics, animations, and videos (through a projector).

9. Time-Saving

Making use of computer in education also saves a lot of time while creating content (documents, videos, presentations, etc.). It is also a wonderful tool to proofread the created content. And simplifies the toughest tasks seamlessly.

10.Training

At the higher levels of formal education, computer is used for training and upskilling purposes. Students can prepare for their tests/assessments virtually. And many of these are also conducted through the online medium.

Final Thoughts

With the growth of technology, we are experiencing a paradigm that has the potential to create amazing educational experiences. This boon has added great dimensions to the teaching and learning processes. And the years to come will see more of such values add from the fascinating world of technology. We hope this write-up helped you to explore the role of computer in education.

Thanks for Reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is computer education?
In simple terms, computer education helps students to build the skills that are required to work on a computer. It is the foundation of learning the advanced level tools of computers that are essential for general career success.

How does a computer help students with disabilities?
Students with disabilities face challenges in matching the pace of their traditional peers. In addition, such students are also easy victims of school violence. Online learning resolves all these and many more challenges for such students. In the present time, there is a lot of advancement in assistive technology that also helps students with disabilities to learn better.

How does computer helps in education?
A computer is a great support in carrying out the teaching and learning processes. It enriches the educational experience. And also helps to run all the school operations smoothly. Technology simplifies even the toughest of tasks for the users. All in all, a computer creates a great impact in improving the overall school processes.

What are the 10 uses of computer in education?
Here’s a list of the 10 uses of computer in education
1. High-Quality Resources
2. Flexibility
3. Digital Skill-Building
4. Data Management
5. Researching
6. Eliminating Learning Gaps
7. Collaborating with Stakeholders
8. Smart Classrooms
9. Time-Saving
10. Training

What is the Role of Computer in Education?

What are the General Benefits of Computer in Education?

What is Computer Education?