Education and Technology: the Advantages of Electronic Information Platforms - Essay Example

Response to the Critical Thinking Questions on the World Stage and Ushahidi Certainly, information and particularly electronic information, plays a key role in the developmental aspects of a nation (Sears & Moody, 2001). This is especially so because adequate access to electronic information can benefit the citizens of a particular country in as much as it benefits the government in place (Ushahidi, 2014). In this regard, many organizations across the world have come up with various electronic platforms through which the world can have access to information irrespective of their background or geographical location (Jacobson, 2000). When it comes to the matters pertaining to the education of a country, it is worthy to note that access or denial of electronic information may advance or negate the education of the given country (African Institute for Mathematical Studies, 2013). Perhaps it is also important to note that mapping of various events, which is electrical content, may greatly improve the livelihoods of the citizens of a given country (Jacobson, 2000). This is particularly so in the sense that various people across the globe will be able to interact and plan events that would generate revenue to their respective governments and largely, benefit the individuals involved. In essence, access to electronic information may enhance the literacy levels of people hence they will be well informed (African Institute for Mathematical Studies, 2013). This means that adequate access to electrical information will lead to better decision-making skills of the citizens of a particular country (Sears & Moody, 2001). As Nelson Mandela once stated, “education is the most powerful weapon that we can use to change the world.’’ In the contemporary world, every aspect of life has gone digital to the extent that even education is being offered in various digital platforms (Ushahidi, 2014). Owing to the fact that the modern education system has gone digital, it is only reasonable that all the stakeholders ensure that electronic information are available to the citizens of a country (African Institute for Mathematical Studies, 2013). This way, more citizens will have access to online education that comes in both formal and informal nature. A country that has limited access to electronic information seems to lag behind even economically, which affects all the developmental aspects of the country (Ushahidi, 2014). Subsequently, the very citizens of that country will suffer predicaments due to insufficient education access. With the current globalization state, many nations that embrace electronic transfer of knowledge provide a platform for a boost in their education sector. This is because the citizens even in remote areas will have access to the relevant education and this this regard, they will be able to change the world at various capacities (African Institute for Mathematical Studies, 2013). When it comes to the battle for world technology power, electronic information stands as a great equalizer for many nations especially the developing nations. Indeed, access to electronic information could largely, affect who the next technology power will be (Ushahidi, 2014).For instance, the people who collaborated to establish an online platform named Ushahidi significantly contributed to putting country in the world map as far as technology and electronic information are concerned (Jacobson, 2000). Furthermore, it is evident that most of the developed nations have a more liberal electronic space in the sense that there is free flow of electronic information in such countries without any restrictions whatsoever (African Institute for Mathematical Studies, 2013). While several people are at different levels of education and technological adoption, the disparity is more noticeable in the so-called third world countries. as the saying goes, ‘information is power’ and if the third world countries can as well embrace electronic information with the same level of vigor that the first world countries do (African Institute for Mathematical Studies, 2013). This means that access to electronic information through various forums such as internet platforms through which people can interact, has the potential of elevating the status of various countries socially, politically and economically. Perhaps this would be so because the people from all over the world will be able to get real-time information and learn together at the same pace hence the concept of third world will be an outdated affair (Ushahidi, 2014). In advancement of the same course, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is playing an active role in ensuring that more Africans access education both internally and overseas (Jacobson, 2000). In establishing the Next Einstein Initiative (NEI), the program reaches out to African students across over thirty-five countries by awarding them with overseas scholarships. What follows is that the lucky students get to be taught by the best lecturers in the world (Ushahidi, 2014). Presently, over 500 students have benefited from the program, implying that the program enhances the education of the African citizens. Perhaps what is worth noting about the program is that most of the application and selection process is done online hence reaching a wide range of African countries without much travel (African Institute for Mathematical Studies, 2013). While the program might sound like an excellent idea, the implication of the whole concept is that electronic dissipation of information is the way to go in the modern error. Without electronic information, both the organization offering scholarships and the beneficiaries of the educational program would never have been in touch (Jacobson, 2000). The organization has instead used mapping software that uses an electronic platform. Actually, the mapping software is used on the organization internet website to collect all the necessary information about the prospective beneficiaries (Sears & Moody, 2001). Because this happens in real time, it is proper to insinuate that this strategy of electronic information not only advances the education of the third world countries especially in Africa but it also makes life a lot more easier (Ushahidi, 2014). To this extent, I have to admit that developments in Africa might have far-reaching implications in my life, my family, and my experiences (African Institute for Mathematical Studies, 2013). Essentially, the educational development in Africa will improve the awareness of the African citizens of whom I am one, besides empowering the African nation both economically and politically, according to the words of the late Nelson Mandela (Jacobson, 2000). Subsequently, my family will enjoy the derived benefits if I become the first one to benefit from the developments that visit Africa, more so the educational developments (Sears & Moody, 2001). Concerning my experiences, I have to concede the fact that electronic information has really changed my life in the recent past and if such development continues to be accessible to all Africans, I strongly believe that Africa will be the next technology power that other continents will be looking upon in matters electronic information (Ushahidi, 2014). More specifically, the mapping program would benefit my education in terms of research, as I would be able to collect information that I require electronically (Jacobson, 2000). With the mapping software at the disposal of many citizens of African nations, it will be possible for me and other Africans to have access to educational informational that will go a long way in creating educational awareness in the continent (Sears & Moody, 2001). This is particularly so in the sense that anybody will be able to post information on the platform which after filtering, will provide everyone from the nonprofessionals to the academics with the relevant information that they require in their daily lives (African Institute for Mathematical Studies, 2013). In conclusion, electronic information is an idea whose time has come especially to the African states that are still at the incipient stages of development. In this regard, it is important to note that the incorporation of the mapping software in the collection and utilization of the electronic information benefits all individuals across the globe. More specifically, the developing nations in the African continent stand a chance of deriving greater benefits through various education programs and technological advancements that allow for interaction of individuals over various electronic platforms. This means that technology through electronic information sharing platforms such as information mapping software will soon elevate the African state as an information power, at least going by the current trends. References African Institute for Mathematical Studies (2013). Next Einstein Initiative. Retrieved from http://www.nexteinstein.org/ Jacobson, R. E. (2000). Information design. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press. Sears, J. L., & Moody, M. K. (2001). Using government information sources: Electronic and print. Phoenix, Ariz: Oryx Press. Ushahidi (2014). The Ushahidi Platform. Retrieved from http://www.ushahidi.com/about-us Read More