What are the benefits and limitations of using educational technology in different contexts and settings? (2024)

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Formal and informal education

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Online and blended learning

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Low-resource and high-resource environments

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Here’s what else to consider

1 Formal and informal education

Formal education is typically structured, standardized, and accredited, while informal education is more flexible, self-directed, and experiential. Edtech can support both types of education by providing diverse and relevant learning opportunities, resources, and feedback. For example, edtech can help formal education students access online courses, digital libraries, and interactive simulations that complement their curriculum and interests. Edtech can also help informal education learners pursue their hobbies, passions, and goals through online communities, podcasts, and games. However, edtech can also pose some challenges for both types of education, such as ensuring quality, validity, and recognition of learning outcomes, as well as balancing autonomy and guidance of learners.

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Dorothy Rittenberry

Military & Educational psychology
The biggest thing that says whether the tech is positive or negative in both formal & informal settings is the student's learning style. Without understanding the student's learning style, you cannot match the student to the right tech in either setting; using the wrong tech for the student becomes a huge liability. Students who struggle with executive function skills will not do well using online instruction; they need more supervision/guidance. On the other hand, for language based learning issues tech is immensely critical. The two biggest issues (I see) in education today is (1) the concept of one-size fits all and (2) the mandate to achieve specific high levels of a skill that is not important to their talents/interests/ future jobs.
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See Also
How Does Technology Impact Student Learning?How Has Technology Changed Education | Purdue Online Technology Definition, Limitations & Disadvantages - Lesson | Study.com

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Julie D.

eLearning Trainer/Developer at FNTI First Nations Technical Institute
Edtech can be great for providing options for formal assessment: adaptive quizzes, video/audio recordings, and multimedia projects are a few examples. For informal settings, it's important to leave room for learner buy-in to better engage learners to take ownership of their learning and explore new content. For example, learners can be given the option to join online forums or discussion boards related to their interests. They can be given access to a collaborative calendar to add both virtual and in-person events where everyone can network and expand their knowledge based on their needs or goals. I encourage educators to reference informal learning opportunities during formal instruction. This will create a better learning outcome for all.
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2 Online and blended learning

Online learning is a mode of education that relies on the internet and digital platforms to deliver instruction and interaction, while blended learning is a mode that combines online and face-to-face elements. Edtech can facilitate both modes by enabling flexible, convenient, and customized learning experiences that suit different learners' needs, preferences, and styles. For example, edtech can help online learners access synchronous and asynchronous communication tools, adaptive learning systems, and multimedia content that enhance their motivation and retention. Edtech can also help blended learners integrate online and offline activities, such as flipped classrooms, project-based learning, and peer assessment. However, edtech can also create some difficulties for both modes, such as maintaining learner engagement, participation, and satisfaction, as well as managing workload, time, and resources.

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Mark Pugh

Educator at Lipscomb Academy
Having taught in both blended and online environments, a powerful tool that the teacher should use is the ‘comment’ section or box. When a student is working remotely, they need to see that the instructor is actually engaged with their work. They’ll be more engaged and you can personally connect with them.
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3 Low-resource and high-resource environments

Low-resource environments are those that lack adequate infrastructure, equipment, and support for education, while high-resource environments are those that have abundant and advanced facilities, devices, and services for education. Edtech can benefit both environments by bridging gaps, addressing needs, and creating opportunities for learning. For example, edtech can help low-resource learners access low-cost, low-bandwidth, and mobile-friendly solutions, such as SMS-based quizzes, offline e-books, and solar-powered radios. Edtech can also help high-resource learners access cutting-edge, immersive, and innovative solutions, such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. However, edtech can also introduce some problems for both environments, such as exacerbating inequalities, marginalizing groups, and disrupting systems.

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James Frank

Assistant Director of High School Programming
As a 57 year old veteran of secondary and college computer courses, I feel compelled to provide a different perspective. By it's very nature, edtech is problematic for instructors. Edtech is in a constant state of change. Learners have an instinctive sense of using technology. As we age our technology adaptability starts deteriorating. Once we master a particular technology it becomes obsolete. This is the curse of becoming an educator today. For 25 years I felt ahead of the curve with technology, now I struggle to even understand how streaming television operates. It is daunting to try to teach students and prepare them for careers that I am completely unfamiliar with how the field even generates revenue.
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Linda Brimmer

Retired Educator
When technology in schools is used properly it is highly effective. So let’s define properly. Technology is expensive. Districts must have the means to support tomorrow’s hardware and software needs. Secondly, teachers must have support through professional development to learn how to use technology for teaching and learning. Local tech coordinators are used to support educators. Teachers training teachers works too but that takes time and rewards.Lastly, and most importantly, we need educators who teach students to follow tech values. Districts should have students agree with technology contracts, making the students responsible for proper use of equipment, software, and copyright laws. Technology is only as good as the person using it.
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4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dorothy Rittenberry

Military & Educational psychology
The greatest thing about informal education is that is is catered to the student from the beginning. Technology enhances their ability to reach other resources and learn the skills when they are developmentally ready (not when they are told they have to understand it). In the formal setting, technology can (if used properly) significantly improve access for student with language based disabilities. My son has severe written expression disorder but it has been so misunderstood by the schools that he graduated without being able to produce a quality written product despite a 149 IQ. Understanding what technology helps with what needs is a critical skill that is not addressed in most of the educator education programs.
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