Educational institutions have largely embraced technology and implemented it in key learning areas to modernise their operations for a digitally savvy audience. Students now have access to a digital toolbox – ranging from online courses and textbooks to educational websites, videos, games, apps, predictive analytics, immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), 3D interactive virtual simulations, blockchain, sensor-based IoT and even artificial intelligence (AI) – from which to enhance their learning process and make it fun at the same time. Schools are also using EdTech to monitor student activity, facilitate course management, report grades, and promote communication between educators, students, and their families. 

The use of EdTech has increased significantly over the last few years. As schools and colleges shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, students had to resort to taking classes online, making the use of a digital platform necessary to be able to learn. Post-pandemic, it has become evident that Edtech has a prominent future in classrooms. Recently the popularity of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, has prompted widespread interest in the use of such technology in the classroom. Bolstered by favourable government policies and initiatives, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to embrace digital tools and innovative approaches to enhance learning and teaching and it is no surprise that the UAE is home to the world’s first AI university, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, which is a graduate research university focused on AI. Schools in the UAE have also demonstrated great ambition, adaptability and resilience in embracing EdTech and investing in the upgrade of their education ecosystems for a digital-first mindset and to prepare students for a knowledge-based economy of the future. 

A survey conducted by the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) during an AI-focused event in 2023 revealed that 77% of young learners (aged 12 to 15) consider AI literacy and skills as essential for their generation and for securing employment after completing education. This finding also aligns with the UAE’s mission to promote AI education as part of its broader national goals to enhance AI aptitude among youth, ensuring they are equipped for the evolving job market.

Educators have witnessed tremendous benefits with EdTech

_{Some of the ways teachers have found it useful are:}

1. Enhanced Teaching Efficiency

EdTech tools like automated grading systems, lesson planning apps and digital grade books save teachers significant time on administrative tasks. Platforms such as Google Classroom and other learning management systems (LMS) provide instant grading for multiple choice questions and other objective assessments. Digital attendance systems can help teachers quickly mark attendance which saves valuable classroom time and reduces paperwork. Digital lesson plans provide interactive and engaging resources and templates which help teachers customise their teaching to fit their curriculum. This allows them to focus more on instructional activities and personalised student support.

A study by McKinsey & Company, a global market research agency, indicates that between 20 and 40 percent of teachers’ current working hours are spent on tasks that could be automated with existing technology. This equates to around 13 hours per week, which could instead be dedicated to activities that enhance student outcomes and improve teacher satisfaction.

2. Access to Additional Resources

Teachers can access a vast array of educational resources such as high-quality cloud-hosted multimedia content, and interactive activities, which can be easily integrated into their teaching and can help students learn more effectively. This not only enriches the curriculum but also makes lesson planning more efficient. For example, virtual field trips can take students to places they might never visit in person, such as historical sites, museums, and even other countries. Online learning software also enables students to conduct scientific experiments using online tools. Students can utilise these learning materials anytime, anywhere, enabling them to study at their convenience, review lessons, and complete assignments according to their own schedules. Edtech tools are so rapidly growing in popularity that in 2021, the e-learning market in Saudi Arabia alone was valued at $1.6 billion, with projections indicating that it will more than double by 2027, according to a report titled “Middle East and Africa EdTech and Smart Classroom Market Forecast to 2027,” published by ReportLinker.

3. Personalised Tailored Instruction

EdTech enables teachers to curate adaptive learning experiences and create personalised learning plans for students that cater to the individual needs of each student. Technologically driven interactive learning tools adjust to each student’s pace and learning style, which is useful to adult learners as well who may be working alongside learning. Adaptive learning platforms use data analytics and AI algorithms to assess individual student needs and adjust instruction accordingly, helping teachers to better address diverse learning styles and abilities within their classrooms. This personalised approach ensures better comprehension and retention of knowledge, helping students learn more effectively and stay engaged with the material. Personalised learning has shown to increase student engagement, as students are able to progress at their own pace and focus on areas where they need the most support. It is also worth noting that some students need special conditions and adaptability to master certain topics and tasks with ease. In modern academia, the use of web technologies helps promote inclusion and equal access to knowledge for students of all aptitudes. In response, many institutions have developed different curricula to better provide equal opportunities for all participants.

4. Feedback and Assessment Support

Digital tools can support and guide student progress and provide instant feedback from teachers, helping students understand their strengths and areas for improvement immediately, which fosters a more continuous and tailored learning experience. Many EdTech platforms generate detailed student progress reports which can be shared with students, parents and administrators with minimal effort, freeing up time for teachers to focus on instruction and support. This can lead to more effective learning and better academic outcomes. Such tools can also facilitate easier and efficient communication between teachers and parents through messaging apps and online portals which reduces time spent on phone calls and meetings.

5. Enhanced Student Engagement

Traditional teaching methods, such as lectures and textbooks, can sometimes fail to capture students’ attention. In contrast, EdTech tools like interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and multimedia presentations make learning more dynamic and engaging. Moreover, technological tools such as gamified learning apps, interactive simulations, and virtual classrooms make learning more engaging, enjoyable and motivational for students. Studies have suggested that students are more engaged when using interactive EdTech tools in the classroom as these tools allow for real-time interaction and active participation, which can significantly enhance the learning experience.

6. Better Collaboration and Skills Development

Online collaboration tools enable students to work together on projects and assignments, fostering a sense of community and enhancing social skills. Beyond academic and vocational skills, students also develop life skills, including digital literacy, problem-solving, creativity and teamwork through the well guided use of learning technology. Tools such as Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom enable students to communicate, share resources, and collaborate among themselves and with teachers in real-time. Some studies in the United States of America have shown that educators observed improved student collaboration and communication skills when using EdTech tools. Teachers can facilitate and monitor these collaborative activities, making the learning process more dynamic and interactive.

7. Environmentally friendly

As textbooks become digitised, less paper is needed which is good for the environment. Also, students can work remotely over vacations or via online classes which causes lesser physical trips to schools and tuition centres, thus reducing the collective carbon footprint of teachers and students. Having said this, it is important to consider that while EdTech is largely praised for being environmentally friendly by reducing paper usage and minimising physical transportation, there are significant counterarguments related to its environmental impact, especially concerning energy consumption and electronic waste. The widespread use of EdTech requires extensive digital infrastructure, such as data centres, servers, and internet connectivity. These facilities consume vast amounts of electricity, often powered by non-renewable energy sources. As the reliance on cloud-based services and digital platforms increases, so does the energy demand, leading to a sizeable carbon footprint. EdTech relies on devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, which have a limited lifespan. As technology rapidly evolves, students and institutions frequently upgrade devices, resulting in substantial e-waste. Improper disposal of these devices can lead to toxic materials polluting landfills, negatively impacting the environment. Therefore, it is important for the educational community to utilise Edtech responsibly while making efforts to minimise its adverse effects.