Technology drives transformation in higher education

Over the past decade, technology has revolutionized higher education in Latin America, offering innovative solutions to optimize teaching and learning processes. A prominent example of this transformation is Brazil, where the use of technological resources has been shown to significantly improve student academic performance.

+A Educação Regional Academic Director for Spain and Latin America Héctor Escobar assures that in Brazil, for example, it has been observed that students familiar with technology not only They learn faster, but also more deeply and with greater ease.

This is due to the flexibility provided by technology. Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. This personalized approach is crucial for young digital natives who have been immersed in technology from an early age.

Many universities that take innovation as their educational premise have adopted various technological tools Prepare students comprehensivelyWithout the support of these technologies, academic training will be incomplete. At international academic events such as the Fifth International Forum on Innovation in Education (FIIE 2024), experts unanimously agreed that the future of university education based on the use of technology is inevitable and irreversible.

“Currently, universities have different solutions and tools to make students more prepared to complete their degrees, even today. Young people are constantly challenged by technological development If we don’t support students to engage with technology in some way, we are not training them fully. ” said experts participating in FIIE 2024, organized by Franz Tamayo University Unifranz.

Technology is advancing so rapidly that much of what is taught today may become obsolete in a few years. Therefore, it is crucial for educational institutions to adopt newer technological tools.

Escobar mentioned that in the case of Brazil, solutions such as educational platforms, virtual labs and flipped classroom methods have been successfully implemented. Allow students to digitally interact with devices and environments Facilitates more meaningful learning before practicing in person.

For example, engineering students can learn to use a theodolite (a tool used for surveying) digitally, accessing virtual labs anytime, anywhere. This flexibility is essential to your training. It allows you to practice face-to-face with more solid prior knowledge.

“Progress is so rapid that many times what we teach in the classroom becomes outdated two or three years later, and if institutions are guided only by theoretical content that is a few years old, they are doing a disservice to the training of students,” he reflects.

Today, there are a wide variety of solutions and tools to optimize the training results of students, especially in universities.

Needless to say, technological tools such as virtual reality and augmented reality have already played a vital role in education. These immersive technologies allow students to Experience complex environmentJust like a hospital, without the associated risks, students can take a virtual tour there, interact with different resources, and gain a deeper understanding of their future careers.

For example, Escobar said it would be difficult to take 50 students to a hospital to experience a critical care environment, given the risks to patients. “That is why there are technologies that are immersive and allow students to take this trip as if they were in that environment themselves (…). The content is varied, students can watch videos, infographics, podcasts, audios, and the teacher can interact with him remotely,” he pointed out.

Furthermore, personalized instruction is now a reality thanks to these tools. Teachers can Adapt your explanations to the specific needs of each student, This approach is essential in classrooms with students from different backgrounds and knowledge levels.

“If I can speak directly to a student and explain the subject matter myself, that student will understand better. These technology tools allow for this type of teacher-student interaction,” the expert explains.

Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, educational technology It is convenient and economical. In Brazil, companies such as +A Educação, run by Escobar, have developed sophisticated content at affordable prices that has benefited millions of students. Collaboration with teachers is crucial in this process to ensure that technological solutions are adapted to the real needs of the classroom.

Despite technological advances, the role of teachers remains irreplaceable. Teachers act as mediators, guiding students in the use of these tools. While some teachers may resist change, student pressure and the proven benefits of technology are encouraging wider adoption.

“Without teachers, technology cannot be used. With light and shadow, the spread of the use of technology has progressed, and today it is natural that students put pressure on teachers to accept, learn and implement digital platforms as technological tools,” the expert concluded. .

Technology integration in Latin American higher education is changing the way higher education is delivered Students learn and prepare for the future. Universities that adopt these innovations will be better able to provide high-quality education adapted to the demands of the modern world.