The Covid-19 pandemic, and the quarantine which was introduced in many countries, forced the whole world to use modern technologies in an unprecedented way. Although at first, it caused inconvenience not only to teachers but also to students, at present, we can say that it was a colossal breakthrough in education. For years, modern technology was not given much attention, especially in the field of education, but now this field is only growing and paid way more attention than before. Thus, since all countries in this field are at a similar level – in the starting position – at the same time, this is a huge opportunity. Despite the fact that there are many opinions in society regarding the integration of modern technologies in education, nevertheless, everyone seems to agree that technologies help to manage processes better and enable easier access to information, knowledge, and learning.
Education is the beginning of everything, and the best investment that a person makes in a broad sense is in learning, in his own growth, and in the cultivation of another who is around them. According to researchers, in addition to dedicated teachers and educational leaders, the use of modern technologies and equipment is also of great importance for educational results.
The education system, like the family, is the environment in which we spend a large and important part of our lifetime at. Now that we live in an environment characteristic of change, technological development, as well as economic and geopolitical uncertainty, we must learn how to be independent creators of our lives, able to find solutions that are innovative in nature and that surpass our own fixed ideas of “I”, on a daily basis. The ability to adapt and master several specialties during one’s life, discover new activities and create value for others is essentially what leadership is all about.
Such behavioural characteristics require other personal qualities than just being a follower. It is said that leadership is 80% personality and 20% technical skills and knowledge. Therefore, the educational system is expected to be a space where the courage of a young person to act, try, make mistakes, and learn from their mistakes should be flourished, as well as to feel valuable, able to learn new things throughout their life and to build resilience when facing obstacles towards a goal. Soft competencies influence our potential success on the path of higher education and lifelong achievements no less than traditional knowledge.
Image from Skillstork.org
Technology in education is a tool that provides access to the necessary information, enriching the learning space with digital tools, where experiments and other activities can be experienced. Such technologies create a mental and physical experience which enrich the physical one, helping students to understand and absorb knowledge in a variety of different ways.
Of course, with every blessing comes a curse and in terms of education it is necessary to ensure that young people can use digital technologies effectively and safely. Recently, policymakers have focused on risks related to students’ personal well-being, such as cyberbullying and internet addiction, as well as risks related to data privacy, making security a key issue in digital education policy (European Commission, 2017a), it is important not only to ensure that young people acquire the necessary digital competencies, but also to be able to take advantage of the opportunities that technology can provide in the educational process in a safe and skillful manner (Cachia et al., 2010).
References:
- https://www.svietimonaujienos.lt/technologijos-svietime-daug-geriau-nei-tai-ka-mums-siemet-teko-isbandyti/
- https://www.vz.lt/ismani-lietuva/2022/10/31/inovatyvios-svietimo-technologijos-kaip-jos-igalina-ugdyti-ateities-kureja#ixzz87Lepb3zk
- European Education and Culture Executive Agency, Eurydice, Bourgeois, A., Birch, P., Davydovskaia, O., Skaitmeninis švietimas mokyklose Europoje, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2797/54771
- Cachia, R. et al., 2010. Creative Learning and Innovative Teaching: Final Report on the Study on Creativity and Innovation in Education in the EU Member States. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
- European Commission, 2017a. Better Internet for Kids. Annual Report 2016-17. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.