Here’s how technology is shaping the future of education

Technology is transforming just about every aspect of our lives, from how we communicate with others, consume news and watch movies, even to the way we purchase goods.

Despite these rapid technological changes, the education sphere is also embracing these developments, striving to meet the growing demands of the 21st century. This can be seen in the growth of online learning and the use of technology in the classroom, including computers and video games that facilitate student learning.

Technology makes education accessible to many, including those from various socio-economic backgrounds and abilities.

However, technology is not only changing the way we learn, but also the way education is taught by those in the field. Unsurprisingly for those interested in studying education, huge advancements in technology have made studying education a vastly different experience from students of yesteryear. This includes improving opportunities for communication and collaboration, among many other things.

So, whether you’re keen to become an educator or are a working professional looking to go into teaching, or someone who would like to update your credentials, these are some of the top institutions for education studies that would likely pique your interest.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS, EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS (UNO) – USA

Prospective students interested in studying education will want to consider UNO’s College of Liberal Arts, Education and Human Development (COLAEHD), which offers a variety of quality academic programmes relating to education; these include the Certification in Early Intervention, BS in Elementary Education, BS in Elementary Education – Integrated/Merged Option and the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.).

Individuals revving to make a change in the education landscape will be heartened to note that this public university, which is ranked National Universities Tier 2 in the 2019 edition of US News and World Report Best Colleges, contributes to educational research.

University of New Orleans

For example, researchers have suggested that virtual worlds can provide an environment in which individuals diagnosed with high functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can socially interact, learning to stay engaged in a simulated safe environment by enhancing their social and communication skills.

Tapping into this is COLAEHD faculty member Dr. Panos Markopoulos, who conducted a pilot study to use a virtual reality therapy environment (VRTE) to assess mental health practitioners’ perceptions of their presence in a VRTE, as well as the likelihood of using a VRTE in therapy with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Interestingly, mental health practitioners reported that they would use a VRTE in treatment with children diagnosed with ASD. This is promising as the majority said the number of times they have used interactive virtual technology was low, while the results can act as a stepping stone for future research in the area for the betterment of children with ASD.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN – USA 

This university’s College of Education doesn’t just offer education-related courses, but also conducts breakthrough research in areas such as autism, bullying, digital learning and social justice, all aimed at bridging the gap between research and practice, in addition to serving as a resource for the community, nation and the world.

For example, students who wish to learn more about the potential of technology in learning environments in formal (e.g. schools) and informal (e.g. after-school clubs) settings will be pleased to note that its Digital Environments for Learning, Teaching, & Agency (DELTA) programme focuses on the creation and research of digital environments for learning and teaching.

This includes technology-enhanced classrooms, mobile devices and immersive simulations across a range of disciplines, such as science, engineering, math and history. The programme also provides opportunities to explore out-of-school learning opportunities, such as educational applications, games, and toys.

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY – USA 

Ranked No. 19 (tie) in the US News and World Report’s 2019 Best Education Schools, Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education is changing the way people think about education through its professional and postgraduate programmes.

The institution offers a plethora of education-related courses across a range of levels including undergraduate minor, professional and postgraduate programmes. Students can expect to gain a critical understanding of the correlations between education and the development of societies and individuals.

University of California Berkeley Graduate School of Education

Students and the faculty are also expected to tackle difficult questions, such as how children, youth and adults learn inside and outside classrooms; to how schools, communities and societies advance the educational and life chances of those they educate.

In the process, students develop the necessary knowledge, skills, tools and experiences to handle those challenges.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND (UWS) – UK 

Prospective students who are keen to obtain an education degree in Scotland, UK, may want to consider studying at UWS’ School of Education, ranked second in the country for Education by the Complete University Guide 2019.

This is in addition to UWS being in the top 500 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2019 and in the top 150 universities under 50 years of age in their Young University Rankings 2018.

The school offers a range of career-focused undergraduate degrees in early years, primary education and youth and community education; Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) qualifications; as well as online master’s programmes for career-long professional development, helping qualified practitioners prepare students the challenges of a career in modern education environments.

UWS is also engaged in educational research initiatives and offers a range of full- and part-time research degree programmes.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, DURHAM UNIVERSITY – UK 

Durham’s School of Education is among the UK’s best. It is regularly featured in national university league tables, landing third in the Guardian University Guide 2019 as well as sixth in the Complete University Guide 2019, in addition to being ranked 114^th in the THE World University Rankings 2019.

The school has a vibrant research culture where staff and postgraduate research students are engaged in research within a wide range of educational fields, while it has also been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellent and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF).

The school offers education-related programmes, such as teacher training programmes and undergraduate and postgraduate courses for full- and part-time students. These include  BA (Hons) Education Studies, BA (Hons) Primary Education and Master in Education.

SOUTHAMPTON EDUCATION SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON – UK 

Proof of its academic prowess, Southampton Education School is ranked second in the Guardian University Guide 2019 while on a global scale, the university is ranked 118^th in the THE World University Rankings 2019.

Southampton also offers a variety of education-related courses from the undergraduate to postgraduate level to suit various student backgrounds and career aspirations.

These include BSc (Hons) Education degree, MSc Education and MSc Education Practice and Innovation. Prospective students who are keen on research will be heartened to note that their postgraduate programmes allow students to work alongside internationally-respected researchers.

Meanwhile, programmes here can develop your knowledge and understanding about how practice and policy are informed by theory and research, also presenting career opportunities in an educational context in public or private sectors.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International

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