Technology and the Curriculum - Essay Example

Technology and the Curriculum We can definitely change our traditional culture of teaching and learning so that are enabled to make significant contributions to their own learning and to their learning community. Children must be made aware that incorporation of technology in education will lead to endorsement of literacy about new technologies, while also supporting the teaching process through the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology). Technology helps students in their early years to gain independence in creating and designing things, and in understanding basic literacy skills.

In later years, students can make use of ICT to do research and create innovative pieces of work. Libraries are available online, where students are able to access a wide range of literary and scholarly work of famous authors. Technology must be incorporated into the curriculum so that students may enjoy their educational activities while enhancing independent thinking. Technology is required not only for learning but also for social adaptation (Wilmarth, as cited in Jacobs, 2010a, p.80) and media literacy (Baker, as cited in Jacobs, 2010b, p.133) that is beneficial for students in their personal and professional lives.

For example, In case of capturing digital images and making videos, children would require digital cameras and camcorders, respectively. The hardware required has got its benefits and weaknesses. The benefits include easy capturing of images and trouble-free video recording (Sheskey, as cited in Jacobs, 2010c, p.195). There is ease of use together with fun and educational learning. The main weakness of this hardware is that it is too expensive to be used by young children at EYFS and primary stage.

If the camera is too complex in structure for young kids to understand, they will get frustrated and might stop using it. Still, with correct supervision, all technological tools can prove to be very beneficial for students. Skype is one example of such a forbidden resource that can prove to be very helpful for students (November, as cited in Jacobs, 2010d, p.186). With the growing use of ICT in schools, there is no reason why children with special needs should be ignored. There are a lot of technological tools available in the market and online that help children with special needs adapt to their new learning environment which is more efficient and more helpful to them.

These tools help children who find difficulties such as language hurdles, cultural hurdles, writing trouble (dysgraphia), reading difficulties (dyslexia), math difficulties (dyscalculia), memorizing difficulties and environmental disadvantages. Special needs may be both physical and mental. ICT resources, like internet, discussion forums, special interest groups (SIGs), educational softwares and e-learning centers, have helped a great deal in meeting the needs of these special children.Questions1.

What steps must be taken to create awareness among students about the benefits of incorporation of technology into education so that they may show willingness in using technological tools to enhance their learning?2. How can educational authorities equip schools with the latest technological tools so that the necessary equipment may be available for the students to use in their learning?3. Since lack of skill to use technology is one hitch that makes the use of technology difficult if not impossible, how can teachers be made skilled enough to use technology in their teaching process?

ReferencesJacobs, H.H. (2010a). “Chapter 5. Five Socio-Technology Trends That Change Everything in Learning and Teaching.” Curriculum 21: Special Education for a Changing World. New York, NY: ASCD. Jacobs, H.H. (2010b). “Media Literacy: 21st Century Literacy Skills” Curriculum 21: Special Education for a Changing World. New York, NY: ASCD. Jacobs, H.H. (2010c). “Chapter 12. Creating Learning Connections with Todays Tech-Savvy Student.” Curriculum 21: Special Education for a Changing World.

New York, NY: ASCD. Jacobs, H.H. (2010d). “Chapter 11. Power Down or Power Up?” Curriculum 21: Special Education for a Changing World. New York, NY: ASCD.