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The educational system is developing at a fast speed now. It comes with a lot of research, the application of new technologies, and finding new objectives. Progress is, of course, a good thing, but it comes with a lot of misconceptions about education and its role in society.
Some people believe that technology and many digital helping services are bad. But it is not true; it is quite the opposite. Students now can benefit from many options, like the use of devices and computers to conduct research and get professional help from “write an essay for me” services. Let’s debunk other myths about modern learning.
1. Devices Are Distracting
For many years, it was believed that devices such as smartphones are distracting and should be banned from a classroom. Of course, they can be used for cheating while the test is in progress. But it is the only and rare case of when they should not be used. Nowadays, smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices are used in the classroom to help both teaching and learning.
There are blended curriculums and completely virtual programs that are available now. The technology makes the academic process more inclusive for those who cannot attend traditional classes. It also makes the process more interactive with EdTech solutions. Different games and software can also help students with learning difficulties or specific conditions.
2. Basic Knowledge Stays the Same
Society develops rapidly along with technology. And the understanding of basic knowledge also changes almost every year. Once it was a basic knowledge to read, write, and do basic math. Nowadays, basic knowledge is a lot more practical.
The focus of modern education is on the implementation of knowledge in real life. And the skills that are now counted as basic include the use of technical devices, creating digital presentations and content, or having an understanding of cybersecurity.
3. Students Should Be Divided by the Learner Type
This myth persisted in pop culture for quite a time. The idea that there are 4 learning types, such as auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and reading and writing made people think that students can be divided by this factor. But the recent research shows that the academic process is much more complicated than that. Of course, some people might be more responsive to pictures than audio, but there is no correlation between this and increased academic performance. It might just mean that some will prefer to listen to the audiobook instead of reading. But it doesn’t give them any benefits except comfort.
4. Dividing Students by Abilities
Ability grouping is quite a contradictory idea. Some think that it can solve problems of self-paced learning and individualization of the educational process. Others see no significant evidence that it actually works. Dividing individuals by their abilities hasn’t shown any definite advantages. And it is, in fact, quite problematic. First of all, it adds to the practice of segregation. Secondly, the lower ability groups tend to get less qualified teachers.
5. A College Degree Guarantees a Successful Career
This is an old myth that some people still believe in. They put a lot of value on higher education and getting a degree. Although higher education is a great opportunity and can be a perfect start to a prominent career, it gives no guarantees whatsoever.
It is connected to a lower unemployment rate (college degree holders have a 2.0 rate where the average for the USA is 3.6). But it doesn’t mean that a person without a degree cannot achieve anything. In the modern world, it is perfectly possible to build a powerful career without acquiring a college degree, so it is a matter of individual choice. Of course, except for industries that do require education, such as Healthcare, Law, or Education.
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6. It Is All About Technology Now
Technology is great in many ways. It is integrated into the educational process almost in any part of the world. But it is not the main subject of education. It is just a tool that helps to achieve deeper learning. If the device doesn’t result in a better learning experience, it is useless for schools and colleges. No matter how fascinating new software is, it plays the same role as a white board, desk, or pen – its main function is to help people learn.
7. Students Are Passive Learners
The main points in modern education are collaboration, communication, and interaction. Students are not just vessels that learn all the information they are given by professors. They need to participate in the discussion, build their point, and make decisions. It is all about developing critical thinking and analysis skills. In the modern age of information, it is essential to approach any data or opinion critically. That’s why education is not one-sided anymore.
In Summary
The modern educational process combines technology and a more personalized approach to the learning process. It is all about the practical implementation of the theories, learning critical thinking, and being able to benefit from digital means. It is more accessible now and challenges the understanding of the basic knowledge concept. But at the same time, the role of a college degree in a professional career has decreased for many industries. And the technology serves as a tool, not the objective of learning.
