Of the many challenges facing educators today is the fact that our world is an ever-changing and rapidly evolving one as technology and an expanding global society become more and more prevalent in all that we do. Never before in history have we been more connected to one another via digital mediums. From our laptops to our iPhones, social media and apps, how we communicate has been heavily influenced by the rise of technology across the globe. Further, technology has infiltrated our classrooms in profound ways. Not only do presentations call for technology, but with the rising use of iPads, Chromebooks, online/ blended learning approaches, and various media platforms in education, it is clear that technology is continually emerging all around us. It is also expected to be a part of students’ learning experiences according to national and state standards. Thus, it is not only important, but crucial, for educators of today to wisely -- and purposefully -- incorporate technology into instruction in order to facilitate students most effectively on their learning journeys. As 21st century learners and educators, it is critical for all involved in education to understand and utilize the skills which are needed most in this current climate. It is the specific four skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity - the 4Cs - that have been highlighted as “the basic skills that all students need in the 21st century” (National Education Association, 2014).
Over time, many have questioned the role of technology in education and instructional teaching because technology in education is a developing field that many researchers are yet to venture into. Since its advent, technology has greatly transformed human life because it has widened the focus within which man operates because of making his efforts easier and attainable. Introducing technology in the education sector has been viewed as a move towards progress because it has greatly transformed a sector that was initially viewed as being conservative. Currently, educational institutions are outdoing each other in matters technology because each wants to be considered progressive. Moreover, with the advent of the digital era, it is expected that educational institutions should be on the forefront in the implementation of technology because most of these institutions provide the hubs that act as the research centers. In addition, university professors and other stakeholders are usually at the center of these innovations, and thus a failure of an uptake of technology in these institutions is a mockery of the view that educational centers are technology hubs (Collins & Halverson, 2009). With this in mind, this paper is aimed at exploring education and instructional technology in the future.
As it states in “Importance of technology in schools”, technology has allowed students to learn while being able to be creative while developing new skills to get a better understanding of how things work and why (Centre for education,2008). The new evolution in classrooms can provide students with valuable information that will be vital in the future when trying to obtain a career. Technology is a big part of today generation, which affects how students are growing up. Today’s generation is so technologically savvy that it makes sense to implement it in schools. This will allow students to learn about systems, applications, etc. that they can utilize on a daily. With many advances in technology, it has helped inspire students to “think outside the box” and form questions and ideas, on what they have learned.
In the modern era of education, technology is held in high esteem with educators, students, and parents. The innovative waves of instruction are taking a hold on schools across America. Positive results are being seen. Studies and test scores have proven that progress follows proper implementation of technology in schools. The outdated practices of using textbooks as primary information and sitting behind your desk and lecturing are over. Students must be stimulated in a multitude of ways; however, the most diverse and innovative ways of presenting crucial information is through technology.
In a world where technology consumes a great deal of what we do and how we do it, it makes sense that teachers should evaluate what role this tool should have in the classroom. What can be used as a very useful and beneficial tool to students can often become a hindrance to learning if not used properly. When done correctly, technology opens up a whole new world of resources for students in the classroom. For example, I have seen teachers use technology in their classrooms to do virtual field trips, interactive web quests, as well as math/reading games on the computer to supplement classroom material. Technology can also be used for instructing students as a provider of scaffolds for struggling students. Some students that do not focus well during direct instruction from the teacher can use technology (such as a computer) to do interactive activities that cover the same material as the lecture, only using a more stimulating medium. This concept is also true when it comes to supplementary work for advanced learners. Often students who are advanced finish projects and assignment early, leaving them with nothing to do but distract their fellow students. However, if the student is permitted to use technology (such as a computer) to do some supplementary academic work through a web quest, or educational games. Like Aziz states in his article, I agree that technology is a help to students, when implemented correctly. When implemented incorrectly, we see things such as teacher laziness, student laziness, low test scores, as well as apathy from teachers, as they expect technology to do the job of teaching for them, which is NOT its purpose. Overuse of technology in education runs the risk of "dumbing down" students (Berry and Postman) through over stimulation as opposed to actual productive instruction. ere, I will discuss my personal philosophy technology and look into its role in the teaching and learning process as well as to what extent it is used in my classroom.
Online classrooms and their effects : One way that would change the way we turned in class work would be google classroom. As it would allow classrooms to have a virtual classroom where they could have access to assignments and class information that would provided by their teacher. Teachers would be able to create assignments with a specific due date which would alert the student via email. The introduction of google classrooms and other online homework submission services it would mean that the students would have to have access to computer from home or school. This would mean that schools would soon have to include access to computers and wifi into their classroom. Exposing the students to not only google classroom but applications that are widely used in the world outside of school, such as microsoft word , power point presentations and many more. Not only would online classroom submission applications added to public schools but also colleges with the use of blackboard.
In America and many other countries, technology has impacted our daily lives in many ways. Many people use technology for communication, education, business, or personal use. The technology industry is growing rapidly to the point where we are surrounded by technology everywhere we go. It is even almost unheard of to not have an email or a cell phone today. Parents should not limit their child’s technology access because our society revolves around technology. If parents limit their child’s technology access, students may fall behind in school, be unsuccessful in their careers, and fail to adapt to America’s rapidly changing culture.
The research behind technology in education demonstrates numerous types of techniques and devices that have been found to affect the success of students and teachers. Why do students and teachers only succeed when utilizing certain technologies? To answer this question, technology as a whole has an immense impact on education, but the technology must be integrated correctly and effectively into the classroom in order to be triumphant. Proper integration of technology will lead to success in the classroom.
The inspiration to review flipped classroom as a topic of exploration stems from this author’s interest and expertise in using technology and how it can be used to engage and enhance the classroom environment today. Most high school seniors were born during the millennium and they grew up simultaneous with the birth of smartphones, youtube, myspace, facebook, snapchat and instagram. With the increase in technology on a daily basis, one begins to ponder what is the future of education and the type of instruction that is necessary in the classroom to prepare students. Flipped classroom became an interest because it involves using online lectures to provide teachers with more time in the classroom on activities that will strengthen the skills needed for the 21st Century.
Well before college and career, at the grade school level, there too is a growing demand for students to have access to integrated subject learning experiences. Because integrated subjects are the more accurate renditions of reality that feels most natural to students’ lives, lessons are more transferable to their real world experiences, which makes it easier for students to obtain, understand, incorporate, and modify or alter knowledge. Further demand for integration of technology is also sought in upper childhood, childhood, and even early childhood institutions as technology becomes a more core essential part of students’ lives as well as their potential academic and career futures. In a time driven by email and virtual communication, it is now just as important that a student know email or online communication etiquette just as much, if not more, than it is that they know how to write and send a letter by post. The demands of the grade school institutions for evolution of the system to meet knowledge needs are increasingly being served as new teachers are being taught to serve those demands through their higher education institutions; however, those same higher education institutions refuse to evolve their systems to also meet those demands.
Students relay on technology a lot. Since technology has improved the education in many different ways, they stopped thinking and using technology instead. There is a lot of online recourses that helps the students understand the concepts better, but they take it as they cannot study without. For example, they use calculators instead of doing the math in their head. Furthermore, it makes them think-less and limited. It contributes in increasing the plagiarism homework. Also, when it comes to reading, some students have applications or websites that read for them while they are relaxing. It would make them sort of not improving their vocabularies and forgot what they have learnt in short way. Also, it could be a main distraction way for
Education is also another field in which technology has expanded. It has opened up thousands of resources for students to access while at school and even at home. “In the past, teachers relied on actual meetings to interact with their students. It was only during physical meetings that teachers could deliver learning materials and instructions to learners. However, nowadays, this kind of absolute dependence on physical meetings is gone. It is easy for teachers and learners to stay in touch via email and other internet-based services such as file-sharing and Instant Messaging applications.” (Raza, 2017)
For thousands of years humans have walked the earth without the constant aid of a cell phone, nowadays it seems that people couldn't last a day without them. As technology has made its way into our schools, offices and households, it has also made its way into our brains. Every day our brains are trained to seek speed and efficiency in all aspects of life, and technology is providing it the means to do so(Nicholas Carr). One of the most incredible tools that technology provides is access to immense amounts of information at a moment's notice, which is why technology has quickly been accepted as a tool for academic use. The only problem is, not everyone is using it as they are expected. Because of the versatility of technological devices and the services it offers, it can both be the greatest tool, and the greatest distraction.
For years people have been searching for a more efficient way to learn; ways such as flashcards, textbooks, and agendas. Unfortunately, these techniques are not always reliable, or easy to access. Luckily, due to recent tests, educators have discovered that the use of technology has surprisingly proved as a more effective class source. After this study many schools and educators began to use technology as an everyday in-class resource, but there are still many teachers who fail to see technology’s impact. Those who do not use technology do not realize that technology can be compatible and convenient in any environment, is constantly being updated with new resources, and it helps give students a better understanding of a specific class
The world we live in today is surrounded by new and innovative technology there are new phones and computers coming out every day. Kids are exposed to technology early on and it tends to become an integral part of their lives. From daily activities to educational programs and so you can find technologies everywhere computers, internet, TVs, and other technological components at any school, household or even electronic playground. Technology is amazing and has made everyday life much easier, but "the disruptive nature of technology" takes a turn when it comes to children. However, some people believe that technology is a good approach when it involves education and that it is a faster more effective way to impact their future educational performance. Some people even believe it is an essential need to know how to work technology. Consequently it takes a dark turn on developing kids "Dr. Aric Sigma, a leading psychologist, said "The problem with this generation is that we accept there should be limits on the consumption of many things, such as sunlight, or sugar and salt, but screen time is not something that is thought of as consumption. It's important to impose boundaries, rules, and limits."" In 2016 important leaders from political leaders to businessmen go for "annual meeting to discuss the world's big issue", and in 2016 the most overreaching issue was technology and how it impacts the world. This is an issue that should be acknowledged and addressed regularly by especially adults because they are the one raising the future generation. And "while technology can be an incredible thing, it is obviously important to maintain a balance between the cyber world and real world" and should be regulated by not only at home but at schools and libraries too.
Today’s school systems show an increase towards technology enriched environments. From K-12 schools into college, students are relying on technology now more than ever. Classes, homework, in-class work, and the majority of the books are available in an online setting. I understand colleges using technology to help keep the class connected and for a learn at your own pace setting, but in K-12 teachers are in the same building Monday through Friday and the school distributes books to students. Moreover, replacing textbooks and school work with laptops is unnecessary in the K-12 education system.