Modern life is unimaginable without the technologies that have become a relevant factor of various fields, including education. Using of technologies in teaching has developed as a process from being viewed only as an addition to be incorporated into classroom practices to being among the main foundations of the teaching and learning arenas in present times. The concept of incorporating technology in teaching and learning processes in education has shifted the manner in which teaching and learning occurs, bring the process closer to the audience.
Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion
An important accomplishment achieved with the help of technology in education is the improvement of access and diversity. Conventional education structures present problems to learners with disabilities, those from areas of low functionality or those from low income background. These gaps have however been closed through technology whereby different needs are catered for through a variety of learning resources.
For example, online classes, e-books or educational applications allow students to have access to the quality education regardless of their location. Technological devices like Screen reader, Speech to text, Braille, and display have helped students with disability to learn easily without much difficulties. Further, due to advancement in technology, a student is able to master concepts and subjects in his or her ease and convenience at his or her own pace.
The Education Management in Announcements, Implementation of Innovative Approaches to Change Teach/ Learn Methods
The use of technology in classroom instruction has impacted the conventional techniques of teaching and learning in such a manner that has modified them into being more of an enthusiastic affair. Another advantage that has been noted is the inclusion of multimedia resources particularly the use of videos, animations, and simulations and how they have assisted in teaching since they appeal to the different modes of learning. The use of such an approach is highly effective because it aids the construction of a richer understanding of the material and the ability to remember it for longer.
In addition, through the use of technology learning has become from teacher directed learning to student directed learning. In traditional classrooms, the teacher is the resource person and students only respond to what the teacher provides them. Technology at the same time is giving students a voice in how their learning process will be conducted. Since a richer set of affordances than traditional classroom learning is available due to the internet, students are able to select areas of interest, to search and navigate through information, and to engage with peers, thus creating a more saturated and engaged classroom.
This brings us another of the revolutionary ideas that has come out of the education system: the flipped classroom model. Here, the students watch lessons on their own usually through videos at home while they do more practical, group assignments in class. This method enhances students' critical thinking and as a teacher, an individual has more time to help the learners.
Facilitating Collaboration and Communication
Another significant aspect of the learning process is that students, educators as well as parents have been able to connect in this model through advance technology. Earlier, collaboration was confined to only physical meetings with people in and around the classroom. But communication, which is one of the primary determining factors of collaboration, has elongated through the possibility of technological interaction through various forms of media.
Application like discussion forums, group chats, and collaborative tools including Google Docs enables students work in groups on projects, share information and give feedback in real time notwithstanding their location. This has not only created solidarity among students but also has been of help in preparing them for the current world of work where teamwork is a prerequisite.
To the educators, the technology has brought the gadgets that enhance communication and interaction with fellow teachers in the same school or other schools. This promotes exchange of resources in the teaching fraternity, joint forums in issues to do with curriculum implementation so as to enhance effective teaching and learning methods that will enable learners achieve their potential in the various areas of their learning.
Also, through use of technology, there has been an enhancement of communication between educators and the parent. Information technology avenues such as websites and mobile apps help parents to monitor their child's performance, updates on the assignments and grades, teachers' messages, and vice versa, tighter home-school cooperation is achieved.
That was how the idea of preparing students for the future was promulgated.
Interestingly, education technology is not only needed for improving what is currently the case regarding education, but it is also a must in order to place a wager regarding the future. Pcs literacy is not something that people could do without in the present era, it is a commodity that is needed in almost any vocation in what the society of today has come to refer to as the technological society. Using technology in teaching activities enables the educators prepare the learners for the job markets in the 21st century.
Use of technology enhances various skills such as coding, data analysis, digital content creation as well as online research among others that can be learned by the students. These skills are very essential in so many fields and whenstudents acquire them while they are in school, then they stand to benefit in the future.
Besides, through the use of technology, critical thinking as well as problem solving and creativity that is crucial in solving modern world challenges is developed. Technology makes students recognize the existing information, estimate its significance and draw the necessary conclusion, which is very important for progress and innovative activities.
Meeting the Challenges and Promoting the Responsible Use
Nevertheless, the social use of information technologies cannot be denied, and who is not aware of the difficulties connected with it. The main issues that are discussed in the context of using technology in education are – digital divide; in other words access to technology. These two can widen the gap of inequality in education hence there is need from the policymakers collectively with the educators to ensure all children get the technological input that is required.
One weakness that can be found is that people tend to have distraction and abuse the technology system. On the social networks and blogs, students can easily get carried away and spend hours watching videos, reading news and articles. Professionals of teaching and parents must go hand in hand to instill good manners regarding the use of gadgets and the internet so that the children do not spend most of their time in front of electronic devices.
Last but not the least, due to the growth in the technology, there are high expectations on educators in terms of professionalism as a result of which they need to upgrade themselves frequently. Continuous education and training are mandatory when it comes to assessment of how teachers are capable to incorporate use of technology in their teaching practice thus offering the students the best they need.
