Technology in Education

In the past, presenting face-to-face lectures, reading books, and completing assignments were the only learning methods in education. Learning was impossible without a teacher, books and blackboards. Today, the styles that teachers use to run the class have changed. They provide more positive ways for students to improve their learning and creativity. Students are the future and societies are changeable, and due to that fact teachers should use various instructional strategies to encourage students to develop their critical thinking and connect their knowledge with real-life experiences. Using cooperative learning and incorporating digital tools are the most effective strategies that I believe will promote student learning and creativity.

Why Technology in Education is Important?

 

Using technology in the field of education continues to become more prevalent; it has become a powerful tool that has changed the classroom role in myriad ways. Technology plays an important role in empowering students to be active learners rather than passive. It is an effective tool to increase motivation and self-esteem. Another effect of technology is increasing inclination on the part of students to work cooperatively and to provide peer tutoring (SRI International, n.d.). Consequently, it is important to integrate technology in classes. It allows teachers to provide a helpful environment and useful learning for all students. Baxter (2000) suggested that we should look not at teaching, but at the ways in which children learn and decide how technology can enhance that learning process. Any technology that could improve the learning process is not only useful; but necessary. Technology is an important component, and will play an increasingly pivotal role in fostering a successful student-centered learning environment. As long as our students are a digital native, teachers must take a leading role in designing appropriate learning environments that effectively incorporate technology in order to help their students learn well with technology.

  

References

Baxter, B.M. (2000, September/October). Returning to the one-room  schoolhouse. The Technology Source.  Retrieved from http://technologysource.org/article/returning_to_the_oneroom_schoolhouse/

[Inspired writing walkthrough guide]. Retrieved Mar 18, 2013 from: http://www.learnovationlab.org/tpack.html 

SRI International, (n.d.). Effects of technology on classrooms and students. The Office of Educational Research and Improvement U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from: http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html