The Importance Of Technology In Education

An article posted in Jamaica Gleaner headlined “Technology Can Improve Learning”, (The Gleaner, 2012) explains the importance of technology in the teaching-learning process for students in Jamaica. The article proposed that there would be a significant turnaround in pupils’ performance who are usually considered as the poor performer. Undoubtedly as exists in industrialized countries, technology as a tool to aid in the delivery of education, is an inevitable addition to the process. In a comment in the article The Minister of Education also intimated that the plan of the Ministry of Education was to use information technology to improve pedagogy in the school system. Essentially ICT are great technological devices that can be used in carrying out this task for the present and future generation.

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.

When I was growing up I never would have thought by the time I hit high school that my life would have been centralized on a computer screen. In today’s time, the majority of kids have some kind of technology being tablets, phones, computers, or even gaming consoles that they use every single day. I feel that people get the wrong idea of schools with technology, but so many people are just traditionalist. Traditionalist in the school systems are consisting of people who believe that school should be stuck to the norm. The norm before current time was made of doing all work out of physical textbooks and doing all work on physical paper. The new norm is slowing changing to technology using online textbooks and using word in exchange for

The Impact Principle states effective practice yields evidence of learning. The look on each student’s face will provide evidence as to whether or not they are learning. An educator should assess the faces and student work samples to check for learning. If learning is not present, the educator should accept responsibility for not being impactful, and begin implementing a more effective practice so that the students demonstrate new knowledge. I have discovered this first hand in my practicum placement. I taught a lesson, and as a whole class my students understood the content. However, when I was reviewing their individual work, it was obvious that the students missed the point of the lesson. Therefore, I took responsibly for not teaching the objective in an effective way, and I retaught it in a more relevant manner. Then, my students were successful on the next sample of student work. Due to all of the factors in students’ lives that can hold their interest, an educator must gain and maintain their interest to be impactful. It is then the child will learn. If the educator’s delivery of the content is effective and impactful, evidence will be produced.

Technology prepares students for their careers. First, it links to the need for technologically literate workers. Schools are teaching students to operate technology for their careers. For example, schools are adopting important technical roles that helps students use computer systems and in turn create more jobs for the United Kingdom (“We Need More Digital”). In classrooms, students learn the basic features on the computer, like word processor, that will enhance their technological skills needed for their jobs. Additionally, Gartner Incorporation, a technology company, states the importance of robotic classes. These classes “need students who can come up with powerful and smarter robotic software that can perform new functions” (qtd in Marshall). Both the robotic aspect and the problem solving makes them more tech literate. Next, technology teaches students to adapt to new environments. Schools provided training centers to help students adapt to new resources. For instance, Morales, a professor in education, emphasized about how The Academic Students Development Program offered informational advice to guide students on how to use technology. Training centers mentor students to use technology, be independent, and cooperate with learning techniques (Morales and Roig 69). Preparation centers show children how to transition from the traditional learning to computerized work for multiple school and job settings. Also, Dell introduced multiple displays for classroom

Despite its importance, writing is not given enough attention in schools compare to reading. Since the turn of the 21st century, “there have been a number of significant changes in the contexts in which we teach and in which our students learn to write”. Our culture has taken a digital shift in all aspects of life, including schooling and the way students are exposed to writing curriculum. Robinson, McKenna and Conradi state that “The context of schooling has also changed, with programs and practices affected most directly by an emphasis on standards and assessments as a part of a growing concern with accountability. Given a focus on reading, rather than writing or literacy more generally…this movement has had an impact on teaching and learning at all levels of public education” (Robinson, McKenna & Conradi, 2012, p. 243).

Over the years, technology has drastically changed the world in society, economy, and especially in education. Every day, multiple teachers and students use iPads, phones, and computers to help them with their academic classes and homework. However, there is a major question that is being asked all around the world. Is technology affecting students so much that it decreases their individual grade? The answer is no, technology is meant for success and helps students learn in many different ways such as providing reliable sources, motivating students to learn, and is greatly approved by teachers worldwide. Therefore, technology should be used in class to encourage both adults and kids to feel comfortable at school and to enjoy themselves learning or teaching.

Technology has become a staple in everyday life in our society. From entertainment to medicine, technology has given us an extraordinary opportunity to learn and progress. Throughout high school I used computers to take notes in many of my classes. Furthermore, Smartboards and other technology were standard equipment in every room. With how technology dependent schools are becoming, it is easy to turn a blind eye on small problems. These issues are addressed in "Why Students Should Take Notes by Hand – Not On A Laptop" by Joseph Stromberg and "Why a Leading Professor of New Media Just Banned Technology Use in Class" by Clay Shirky. Both articles led me to realize the drawbacks to technology that I had been unaware of beforehand; although, I still believe it is important to have technology in the classrooms.

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).

Technology is quickly developing as a method of communication and information for people everywhere. As technology becomes a part of education, it captures the attention of students in a special way of its own. Although technology is fairly new, technology draws the attention of students because it is interactive and offers many different methods of learning and information for students.

As humans living on the earth, society send people to learning institutions for education. A learning institute is one of the most popular place where people get knowledge based on what they have choose as field of study. In this twenty first Century, technology has improved human’s education systems a lot. Although, technology is now part of everything that human does in daily basis, a balance should be established between methods of education and technology. Getting knowledge today is done by utilizing traditional education system, keeping the basic of learning and maintaining the use of technology tools in education.

A child’s mind is always growing, with the advancement of technology, it will raise to new heights. Finding the most efficient way to teach and learn, has been an ongoing debate since the beginning of education. Since then, education has gone a long way. Students have gone from learning on chalkboards and memorizing all the information they learned, to having individual computers where they have access to tools to write, learn and communicate. But with all these new tools, many essential skills may be lost. Being reliant on online communication means that real face to face interactions will be gone. Children will not learn the valuable social skill that they will need when they grow up. Although this may be true, incorporating more technology into learning can lead to a more efficient and passionate education. Environmental technology will hugely enhance future technology.

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.

Technology involves using tools to solve problems. From the perspective of a teacher, technology helps present information to students. A smart board or a Promethean board is a form of technology that helps present materials during a lesson. Students with visual impairments and visual learners benefit from the usage of smart boards and Promethean boards. For example, while doing observations for a second-grade class I noticed a teacher using an electronic version of their math textbook. Students had their textbooks out and the teacher had it up on the smart board so that they could all work on problems together. When I was in elementary school there were only black boards. However, I did take computer classes all throughout elementary school and all my classrooms had computer centers. I was not exposed to a smartboard until I reached middle school. One goal of adding the smart boards was to make both students and students more technologically savvy. Another goal was to increase the interaction and interest of students within the classroom. Midway through the seventh-grade, the classrooms got Promethean boards. At first, they were confusing to use, but by the time the year ended I was able to use them, so I achieved the goal of being more technologically savvy. Despite the initial confusion, they were fun to use in the classroom. My reading teacher would get electronic books and put them on the board as we read a story. At the end of a unit, this teacher would create Jeopardy

I am well aware of how technology can be an aid to education. I lived most of my life in Spain, which is considered a first-world country. However, in terms of education, Spain falls behind. Even though I didn’t notice it, not having a technologically advanced classroom hindered my learning. It wouldn’t be until I moved to the US that I realized how useful technology can be to the student. I truly believe that technology can help the majority of the students, and not just myself. As someone who has faced both sides of the coin, studying in a place where technology was discouraged in the classroom and studying in a place where technology was proactively encouraged, I believe that my experience can open people’s eyes to the usefulness of technology in education.