Enhancing Learning in the Digital Age

John Yuen, Chief Technology Advisor, BME Innovation.

AI generated image of "AI learning"

Hello World! I am very excited to share with you how technology is advanced in the last two decades in the area of education and the benefits it brings to both educators and learners.

Technology has revolutionized various aspects of our lives, and education is no exception. In recent years, the integration of technology in education has transformed traditional teaching methods, making learning more interactive, personalized, and accessible. From virtual classrooms to AI-powered tutoring systems, technology is reshaping the educational landscape and enhancing the learning experience for students of all ages.

I can still remember how Google changes my own study in the university in around year 2000. With the use of search engine, we can easily accquire knowledge over the Internet. We no longer need to turn over pages in books to look for information. Encyclopedia is gradually replaced by Wikipedia.

Yeas later, I start to teach in the university. Interactive platforms like Mentimeter allows teacher to do quiz or live poll with students in real time. The gamification of classes makes teaching and learning more interesting and effective. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) brings education to everyone around the world. MOOCs offer the advantage of accessibility, allowing individuals from anywhere in the world to access high-quality education without geographical constraints. They also provide flexibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace and fit their education around their existing commitments.

During COVID-19, many classes and lectures are cancelled. Teaching and learning are disrupted. Technology has brought the concept of a classroom beyond physical boundaries. Virtual classrooms enable students and teachers to connect and interact in a digital space. Through video conferencing, collaborative tools, and interactive whiteboards, virtual classrooms simulate the traditional classroom experience while offering additional benefits. Students can participate in discussions, work on group projects, and access educational resources from anywhere, breaking down geographical barriers and opening doors to global learning opportunities.

In 2020, we saw the opportunties of how chatbot, and later on generative AI, can be used as a tool to teach and learn. We applied it to medical education. We believe that there will be a lot more to explore with the latest development of generative AI. Stay tuned!