Digital technology has become a ubiquitous part of modern life. Laptops, phones, and tablets have become commonplace, and the way we use technology has completely redefined the way we learn.

Education is no longer simply about memorising information and content – it is about understanding and applying what has already been learned to solve elaborate problems, about collaborating with others to further supplement existing knowledge, and to be exposed to and think from diverse perspectives – all of which technology helps us to achieve. 

Now, learning does not have to stop, even when the school day is over. Instead, students can communicate with teachers or peers through software such as Microsoft Teams to ask about assignments or to clarify complex concepts mentioned in class. Internet websites can be accessed any time on tablets or computers to do research, which not only helps to improve the quality of assignments and projects but facilitates learning as well. Through video technology, pupils can listen to guest lectures from all over the world while remaining in their seats. Online collaboration platforms like OneNote also allow us to share documents to complete group projects effortlessly and propitiously. 

The introduction of ‘MaxHub’ panels at YCIS this year have garnered much attention and approval from both teachers and students. Its multi-screen interaction and intelligence-writing functions have altered how the material is learned. Instead of trying to focus on learning the content while writing down the key facts and ideas at the same time, lecture notes can now be generated into QR codes which the students can scan and download into their tablets. Students can now pay full attention to the teacher and review their set of notes at home when they have time, which makes studying much more efficient.

While the integration of technology into education does take some time to get used to, it has enabled much more productive, convenient, and effective learning. As technology continues to develop in the future, I am optimistic that the methods of learning will do so as well. 

By Joey, Year 13, YCIS Pudong Secondary

This article was first published in the September 2019 print edition of Shanghai Daily's Education Express.