Technologies, neuroscience and education

Aided by rapid developments in technologies, there has been an explosion of knowledge about the brain in the past two decades. This neuroscientific knowledge is increasingly penetrating the field of education. This chapter covers topics at the intersection of technologies, neuroscience and education. First, a brief overview is given of the technologies that have enabled discoveries about the brain relevant for learning. Second, the chapter elaborates on how a better understanding of the brain has made pertinent impacts for practice and policy. Finally, the chapter discusses emerging technologies for the future of education. While most work has been done overseas, relevance to the local classroom contexts will be made appropriately.

Neuroscience and education have traditionally been separate disciplines with different, sometimes conflicting, underlying philosophies and approaches. However, intersections between the two are increasingly being developed. Leslie Hart, a psychologist, argues that designing educational experiences without an understanding of the brain is like designing a glove without an understanding of the human hand. This chapter addresses this important need to optimise learning experiences using neuroscience knowledge.