Benefits of Technology-Based Education - Essay Example

Reflection Essay In the modern world, technology has become so advanced that its implementation can improve the productivity and efficiency of any field, including education. However, one has to approach a comprehensive technology plan with the knowledge that it will deal with complex and interdependent systems where the elements of one will impact the elements of the other. Therefore, a technology plan must make the best use of the resources, which will benefit all the systems engaged in it. In particular, a technology plan in the educational field deals with such a complex and interdependent system of teaching and learning processes. Educational technology is essential for making teaching and learning systems smooth and to attain efficiency while pursuing the goal of education. Such a plan involves certain processes, including identification of the goal of education, the learner’s needs and the needs of the teachers. Technology plan of education perceives education in a broader sense and includes aspects such as behavior of the learner, learning objectives and the evaluation by the teachers. The advent of digital convergent media like computer, overhead projectors, smart boards etc has added a new dimension to educational technology which is helpful to increase the productivity and efficiency of both students and teachers. In a comprehensive technology plan, there should be a systematic identification of the goal of education and the potentials of the learners. This will help in recognizing and assisting the diversity of the learners’ needs. Besides, it will also assist both the teachers and the students to design their teaching and learning processes appropriately, in order to attain the ultimate goal of education. Teachers are able to change the conventional classroom atmosphere apart from enhancing the quality of teaching with the help of technical devices. They are also given proper training to implement technology successfully. Both the teachers and students can use computers and other technical devices to increase the productivity and the efficiency of the processes of teaching and learning. In the modern world, teachers are expected to be competent in all fields, including technological aspects. They will be able to meet the demands of the students only if they are aware of all the information around the world. Otherwise, they may not be able solve complex problems put forward by the students. Educators have, thus, devised the technology appropriate to meet the demands of teachers and students, which will help to enhance the competency of the teachers and the creativity of the students. Nowadays technology is infused to each and every school due to which they have the internet access. Teachers and students use the internet as it is considered as a valuable tool for accessing information easily and quickly. Teachers are able to develop the teaching plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology. They are also able to implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize the learning of the students. They also adapt to a variety of effective assessment and evaluation methods with the help of technology. It helps the teachers in assessing the performance of the students. Dr. Valdez says “Technology has become a very powerful instructional tool to develop abstract thinking, which should be also reflected also in assessment” (Critical Issue: Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom video 1:20). While assessing the performance of the students, teachers are able to find a thorough change in their acquisition of the skills and in the development of their creativity. It helps them in enhancing their productivity and professional practice by engaging in communication with the parents and the community in order to nurture students learning. However, it is necessary that the teachers make the children aware of the ethics in using these technologies. The students should be counseled by the school counselors so that they will not misuse the facility that is available for them. Teachers are able to observe a change in the level of skills and knowledge of students, and there has been an increase in the test scores with the help of technology. It can be noticed that computers at school can have a positive effect on the achievement of the students. They are able to get access to digital textbooks and records which give an up to date materials in order to inform and support them with instructions. There is “Assistive Technology” (Raskind & Stanberry para. 1) which helps and support students with disabilities. These resources help in increasing, maintaining and improving the functional capability of such students. Hence, with the implementation of technology, students who have certain disabilities do not remain limited in the process of studies. Technology plan helps in developing creativity competence of each and every student without personal bias. Researches have proved that good practice in technology based education has resulted in encouraging and improving the communication between students and faculty. The students who find it difficult to cooperate in face to face communication of normal classroom settings find it easier and interesting in technology based education. Eric Dreier, principal at Traverse City Area Public School in Michigan says that “When used appropriately, technology acts as a great catalyst for learning in the classroom” (Critical Issue: Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom video 1:15). With the help of technology plans, solution for problems in the educational field has emerged. The barrier between teachers and student has become nullified and both students and teachers are able to gain access to the vast information of the modern world which facilitates increased efficiency and productivity of both the teachers and the students. Thus, it transpires that technology has several advantages if properly integrated within the educational system. It enhances learning experiences for students as well as makes teaching a far more easy process for teachers. With the deployment of audiovisual aids, students will be able to learn easily. Facilities like computers and internet give the students a platform for easy storage and retrieval of information. It also helps students with learning difficulties to cope with their studies. School and college authorities will, however, have to provide proper training to their faculties in handling the technology, to make optimum use of its benefits. Work Cited Critical Issue: Technology: A Catalyst for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. 2005. Web. 22 July 2011. Raskind, Marshall & Stanberry, Kristin. Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities: An Overview. Great Schools. n.d. Web. 22 July 2011. Read More