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.