Emerging Technology in the Education Sector - Essay Example

Emerging Technology in the Education Sector Introduction Mobile and tablet computing as an educative tool is also an emerging technology that is being embraced worldwide. However, mobile learning can also be highly disruptive, especially in learning as students misuse mobile phones in classes and outside. Research shows that the majority of social media users is young people; as a result, students may not harness the true benefits of mobile and tablet computing (Chamber, 2014). Integrating mobile devices in learning will revolutionize how technology is used to teach students digital literacy, how to share content with the world and how to navigate social media (Briggs, 2013). The McLuhan’s Laws of Media consisting of the four-quadrant tetras will be used to analyze this technology and make future predictions of cloud computing. The tetrads include: Enhances, Obsoletes, Retrieves and Reverses. Mobile learning and tablet computing could pave the way for students developing an interest in learning programming languages and other advanced computer skills. Students will be able to gain software development expertise which sequentially will bring economic growth and further technological advancement (Chamber, 2014). Mobile learning enables teachers and students interact and share more dynamic information than the traditional classroom setting. Mobile learning and tablet computing can be integrated using cloud computing, hence creating a wider level of interaction between teachers and students. Mobile learning will also usher in an era of virtual classrooms where students enroll for online classes via their tablets. Classrooms will be left for discussions and problem solving and campuses can be able to link students on a global scale (Chamber, 2014). Finally, Mobile learning leads to customized learning for students through educational mobile applications. These applications enable students to learn by themselves knowledge that is relevant, realistic and meaningful. Additionally, mobile learning encourages students to conduct research and explore more diversified solutions to problems. Tablet computing might replace the use of laptops in schools as they are more portable, long battery life and require less technical support. Additionally, students live in the world of touch pads, supported by tables, which is perceived fashionable in our current way of life (Briggs, 2013). Secondly, tablets may pave the way to a paperless learning environment as they can be used for basic things such as taking class notes, doing assignments and conducting research. Finally, the conventional blackboard mode of teaching might soon be something of the past with institutions embracing technology in teaching (Chamber, 2014). Mobile learning and tablet computing will be used in institution for a very long time. However, wearable devices such as the Google glasses might slowly replace smart phones, hence paving the way for more advanced technology in the future (Briggs, 2013). Cloud computing technology The fastest emerging technological trend of the 21st century is undoubtedly Cloud Computing. According to The Guardian (2013) cloud computing is a distributed IT technology that offers the necessary software and hardware through the internet. Also, it provides a computation platform, storage space and infrastructure expected by the users according to their requirements. Cloud computing enables institutions with dynamic resources to reduce costs and diversify modes of teaching. Cloud computing has been voted the most innovative technology in the educational field as it integrates all the technological innovations such as smart phones and teaching. The McLuhan’s Laws of Media consisting of the four-quadrant tetrad will be used to analyse this technology and make future predictions of cloud computing. These quadrants will be discussed below. Enhances Cloud computing is quickly taking over educational techniques due to the ease of access and dynamism of the technology. Firstly, cloud computing has introduced the virtual classroom that enables students watch lectures online from any part of the world. Students can now learn using the online platform and teachers can teach from anywhere using tools such as video conferencing. Also, teaching materials are now shared and accessed in the cloud from tablets and smart phones (The Guardian 2013).Secondly, students are able to participate in virtual exchange programs with different schools globally using programs such as Global Curriculum Project and powered by cloud computing. Students are in a position to relate with each other in spite of the distance (Tate, 2014). Thirdly, web applications such as Lecture Tools and Slide share allow lecturers to prepare and store their materials in their web browsers rather than storing and carrying it on a hard drive. Information is accessible from anywhere, the content is shared more easily and data is never lost since the cloud has an automatic backup of all information (Tate, 2014). Finally, cloud-based learning platforms such as the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) enable educational tools reach more people. According to The Guardian (2013), majority of postgraduate students prefers this mode of learning experience since it is convenient and gives a real life experience for the student. Big companies and institutions such as Harvard, Linux and MIT are exploring this option of learning. Additionally, universities can enroll students from any part of the world. Obsolete Firstly, the cloud computing will replace the traditional blackboard method of teaching and learning. Teachers will now use digital teaching tools such as images and videos for their students. Cloud computing has paved the way for virtual classrooms as a result; physical classes are mainly for discussions and problem solving. Secondly, cloud computing is slowly introducing the concept of paperless learning. This is because the cloud provides storage space for the enormous amount of information and the information is easily accessible by students through their web browsers. As a result, lecturers are able to prepare and share their information and other learning tools to their students (Tate, 2014). Finally, cloud computing is replacing the intensity dependence that students have with their teachers. Through downloading academic applications, lecturers sharing information through the cloud platform as well as the Google applications that enhance research, students learn by themselves. Additionally, students are able to interact with each other on a global scale, therefore getting more diversified information and experience. Retrieves Incorporating cloud computing technology rekindles the historical trend of human being need to store and traces memory. However, unlike in the past where memories were recorded on the stones, and papers, and will forever be in that form, with cloud technology memory can be stored in different forms. Secondly, this technology formalizes autonomy the more. Cloud computing does not only retrieve information but process, restructure and present it independently depending on each individual native profile. Finally, the need to remember has been amplified by cloud computing; it is possible to record everything see, read, and hear. It is swiftly becoming part of our cognitive self. It has got to the point where it is much easier to use a device to carry some of our cognitive tasks than it is using our internal resources. Reverses Cloud computing is quickly taking over educational techniques and soon will take over completely. With the world undergoing a revolution towards the online platform, cloud computing will not be phased out, rather, it will continue to be modified and integrated with the new innovations. According to The Guardian (2013), the future of technology in education will encompass access both locally and globally where the learning process will be social. As more technological innovations are released to the public such as smart phones and tablets, the undeniable factor is that cloud computing will be the common platform for all innovations. Therefore, The Guardian (2013) correctly states that cloud computing is the future. Cloud and mobile devices will enhance integration of technology in every part of a school. Impact of Cloud computing technology on teaching and learning 1) Cloud computing helps with streamlining operations through running things such as enrollment, housing and financial management of an institution. Cloud computing proves more efficient and incurs lower costs for deployment and maintenance of an enterprise (Tate, 2014). 2) Cloud computing helps improve student conferencing, collaboration and productivity. Teachers and students are integrating technology into learning. Virtual classrooms encourage students to learn things by themselves, thus converting class time for problem solving and discussion. Resources such as videos, images and documents can be accessed via a student’s Smartphone or tablet as long internet connection is accessible. Google Apps on the cloud will give students a chance to share applications and documents globally, making the classroom into a global village (Tate, 2014). 3) Cloud computing enhances the delivery of course material. Many universities are using High Performance Computing (HPC) to enhance academic research since workload can be supported by the cloud. Institutions such as Marist provide courses at scale with auto provisioning cloud architecture by using their data centre that hosts an academic community cloud as a training site (Tate, 2014). 4) Cloud computing also personalizes education, hence improving the results. Programs such as Learnmetrics are aimed at phasing off report cards by analysing educational data to give teachers real-time information into the students’ performance (Tate, 2014). 5) Cloud computing solves the problem of accessibility for institutions by making data and services available to the public without risking sensitive information. Higher education can gain the required agility and flexibility to expand its boundaries (Tate, 2014). In conclusion, institutions should embrace cloud computing since it offers services that are readily accessible, available and efficient. Additionally, it reduces cost of infrastructure since all the information is stored in the cloud. Finally, cloud computing ensures the privacy of the users by enforcing security options such as encryption, decryption, firewalls and authority identity management. References Briggs, S (2013) The Ten EMERGING Technologies and how they are being used across the globe. Retrieved from http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/the-ten-emerging-technologies-in-education-and-how-they-are-being-used-across-the-globe/ Chamber, T. (2014) Teaching with tablets: Mobile Devices Transforming the Classroom. Retrieved from http://iq.intel.com/teaching-with-tablets-mobile-devices-transforming-the-classroom/ http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/jun/19/technology-future-education-cloud-social-learning Tate, A (2014) Five Ways Cloud is Enhancing Higher Education. Retrieved from http://thoughtsoncloud.com/2014/08/five-ways-cloud-enhancing-higher-education/ The Guardian (2013) The Future of Technology in learning. Retrieved from Read More