1. Change in Education

1.2. Introduction

Education does not exist in a vacuum; it is a part of our lives. Similarly, technology is an integral part of our lives. However, we often face the reality that technology stays outside the school doors. Teachers are told that they should and need to transform their education, adapting their teaching to the latest trends and possibly using technology to support and enhance their teaching.

The year 2020 forced a majority of teachers to truly recognize the strengths and potential benefits of using technology in teaching and to close or minimize the digital skills gap. It was not an easy transformation, but the urgency of the situation was so intense that sooner or later, teachers had to figure out how to (digitally) deliver content to learners, build interactions, and make learning effective. In many cases, it was a significant change from the way they were accustomed to teaching.

Reading digital text differs from traditional reading; the multimodality of materials can be beneficial for both teachers and learners. Different online tools offer immediate feedback to learners, and simulations, as well as the application of artificial intelligence, can develop and support understanding. Virtual learning environments, learning, and content management systems can help teachers observe individual students' development, analyze their needs, and progressively individualize teaching. "Smart teachers" should feel confident in the role of online educators.