Technology and Education: Emerging Coevolution

Technological achievements in the modern world are not only the convenience for the people around the globe, but also an incentive for the younger generations to review and develop their own thinking and ideas to advance the technology even further. It is very important that every education, may it be from the lower primary to the PhD level should all include the trace of technology in the process according to the level most suitable.

Even in any general education class, or activity the use of the technology is highly encouraged for a better understanding and wider approach of the students from their very initial learning years. The implementation of slideshows, computer research, and the involvement of latest gadgets and devices in the science subjects prepares the students for their upcoming challenge of living up to the expectations of the modern world solely dependant on technology.

Technology is no substitute for an inspiring teacher. However, on-line materials are far more available, twenty times more. Using the "textbook plus classroom" approach, the places where learning can occur are limited. On the other hand, a wireless laptop has access to the teacher's course material and the entire Internet almost anywhere. This is also a vastly larger resource than can be practically carried on paper in a backpack.

Interactive simulations and illustrations can produce a much greater depth of understanding of a concept. When virtual manipulative are used in a classroom setting they can go far beyond chalk and talk. Using a projector, the teacher can conduct onscreen investigations and demonstrate concepts far more easily than with just words and arm-waving. Technology allows the tables to be turned. Instead of teaching, students can be given projects that require them to learn (pull) the necessary material themselves. Key to this is the ability to get the information they need any time anywhere, without being in the physical presence of a teacher. This project-based pull approach makes learning far more interesting for the student.

In the old days, students could write in a notebook, and what they wrote was seen only by the teacher. Using modern technology they can: Make a PowerPoint presentation, record/edit spoken word, do digital photography, make a video, run a class newspaper, run a web based school radio or TV station, compose digital music on a synthesizer, make a website, create a blog.

Students need productivity tools for the same reasons you do. They need to write, read, communicate, organize and schedule. A student's life is not much different from any knowledge worker, and they need similar tools. Even if they are never used in the classroom, portable personal computers will make a student’s and teacher's life more effective. To cash in this benefit, schools need to go paperless.

Missing the Snail Mail: The Lost Art of Letter Writing

          These days, it seems that almost everyone has forgotten the art of writing letters – especially in large cities where almost everything runs on computers. Instead, the e-mail has taken its place and become so popular, and even a necessity for business due to its speed and convenience. However, e-mail simply does not have the same uncountable feelings that the written letter has. Even if you send the most passionate lines, there is still something about an e-mail that seems a bit impersonal.

For busy people, sending birthday cards and Valentine greetings are easier through e-mail. You just pick an e-card and press the send button. But if you really want to show someone how special they are, write them a letter. Pick out a beautiful stationery set, use your best pen, and write down what you want to say in clear, neat penmanship. A handwritten letter sends the message that you took time out of your busy schedule to sit down and make an effort to tell someone how you feel in a special and personal way. 

Let us face it – seeing the handwriting of our beloved and holding a piece of paper that we know they had touched makes us feel that they are with us in spirit. Letters from friends and loved ones can become cherished mementoes that some people collect and even keep for a lifetime. So the next time you want to say something special, take a moment before you press that send button. Take out your trusty pen and write a letter instead.

There are many things that make snail mail more interesting than email, sure email is faster and well actually instant but you don’t get to have that process that feeling of looking everyday in the mail box and seeing if you gets a letter. I know for me writing letters are the heart and soul of who I am as an individual, the life jacket that keeps us afloat in many ways. People whom don’t have experienced can never understand the pure spirit that is involved in the connection from paper to pen. The spirit of a person comes through the ink to the paper pages of the letter. Whether they are typed or hand written, the person’s true spirit can be felt with every word that is written. I feel happiness when I get a letter from a friend, the words connect with you, then you are connecting with them from the words of your soul. It is the most amazing connection that you have ever felt. It is like you have known them forever. It is the most amazing connection that you have ever felt.

To be sure, paper greetings are still popular, and there will be exceptions to the rule that young people don't send cards. Certainly, "real" cards have not become collateral damage in the virtual age just yet. But the reality is that emails, texts and social media messages have significantly reduced the volume of personal letters and business correspondence in the mail. As such, the likelihood is that fewer people will bother to shop for a card, buy a stamp and post it.

On Virtual Socialization: Positive and Negative Effects

      Computer-mediated communications, such as emailing, chatting, and social networking have become a ubiquitous presence in our modern society and have influenced how we interact with one another. For those that often use various modes, it is not only shapes how one communicates, but the meaning of the content as well. In particular, this includes how the user elects to showcase aspects of their identity. It is not dependent upon the physical attributes of the user, self-portrayal is subjective and dynamic.

           With the advent and continual advancement of these technologies, new methods for socialization have allowed users multiple outlets for identity. In most instances, identity portrayed does not have to conform to the characteristics of the user. The creation is “false identity “is not necessarily done to deceive others, but to express different facets of oneself within virtual environments. In return, it is plausible that the creation and interaction of such identities influence self-perception- not only within the virtual world, but also within the real world.

         Social media is quickly evolving in front of our eyes and it is almost impossible to reject and hide from this new form of media.  Not only is it an important part of socialization within peer groups but now it is used to market and motivate people to become a part of a larger community.  It is undeniably changing the way one communicates and how one finds and shares information.

Most websites offer communication through the use of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and many various blog formats. With new apps on smartphones and photography and video made digital, media can be created, edited and shared quickly and once it is in this new digital cloud it is not yours anymore.  Through these new advances in technology one can share things about themselves to the world to view, and prior to social media one would have to communicate and share physically.  These social media site offer adolescence new ways to access communication and entertainment and the long-term effects are still unknown.  For this reason, it is imperative for parents to be more aware of this new media and what it offers both good and bad for our children.

There are many ways social media can be used by youth in a positive way.  It is not just an avenue for socializing; kids and adolescents can be creative, interact, and learn.  Social networking provides an alternative way to get students interested in learning with a new and previously unconventional medium.  It can also help with “homework and group projects”. Even though social media isn’t only used for social interaction, it is an important aspect of adolescents’ lives.  Social media provides an avenue for them to stay connected with peers they have met through school, sports teams, church, etc.  Social networking can also help shy adolescents have a more non-threatening way to interact with peers because they aren’t interacting face-to-face. It also provides an opportunity for teens to connect with others who share a similar interest.  Social media sites can provide a place for adolescents to share their interests in art, music, games and blogs with others.

Although there are many positive aspects of social media, the negative effects on children and adolescents are also numerous.  Social media can affect the mental health of teens.  The level of effect, according to research, seems to go up as teens’ use goes up.  Their level of contentment can decrease, and their likelihood of getting into trouble or being depressed can increase.  Many forms of cyber bullying are also a problem and can lead to the victims experiencing depression and anxiety.  Cyber bullying has also been the cause of many suicides in young people. It is bad enough that there are adolescents who are victims of negative comments by peers, but many are victimized by strangers as well.  Many young online users are lured by online sexual predators.