StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Innovations in Educational Technology - Term Paper Example

Cite this document
Summary
This term paper "Innovations in Educational Technology" discusses several pertinent issues related to using technology tools and media. Substantial empirical research has shown that the way to improve student learning and training is to move away from the teacher-centered, standardized paradigm…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER96.3% of users find it useful

Extract of sample "Innovations in Educational Technology"

 Using Technology Tools and Media Outline Introduction Research-Based Innovations in Educational Technology Recommendations for the Application of Learning Theory Benefits and Drawbacks of using Technology in ESL Learning Environments Proposals to Use Technology in Educating Students in ESL Learning Environments Conclusion Introduction Today, in the 21st century, substantial empirical research has shown that the only way to improve student learning and training is to move away from teacher-centered, standardized paradigm predicated upon time-oriented student progress to the learner-oriented, customized paradigm predicated upon attainment-based student progress (Aslan & Reigeluth, 2013). Research-based innovations, according to these authors, are key enablers of this transformation by their capacity to allow students and teachers to communicate both synchronously and asynchronously with peers around the world. This paper reviews several pertinent issues related to using technology tools and media. Research-Based Innovations in Educational Technology In the recent past, breakthroughs in research-based innovations have been reported in the literature, particularly in the context of educational technology. For instance, the Electronic Learning Organizer is a cloud-based innovation that is changing the education landscape by assisting language instructors to develop and share digital learning objects and activities for learners across the world. Although this research-based innovation is still under construction, available literature demonstrates that it is being successfully used in South America to assist instructors create the learning objects or assemble them from a pool of learning objects developed by other instructors (Aslan & Reigeluth, 2013). Another research-based innovation is known as Lore, which uses a Face-book-oriented platform to provide an enabling environment through which instructors and learners can communicate, follow one another, and undertake class-related activities and lectures (Aslan & Reigeluth, 2013). In addition to providing students and learners with social interaction capabilities, this innovation allows students not only to upload documents, share calendar and use a grade book option, but also develop and fully operationalize a course website with assignments, syllabus and discussion tools. The third-based innovation is the Chromebook, which employs Google Chrome operating system (OS) to provide an enabling environment through which instructors and learners can learn, create, and collaborate right away. When used in learning environments, these laptops have distinct advantages over other applications, especially in terms of cost, functionality, control settings and restrictions, as well as maintenance (Aslan & Reigeluth, 2013). Recommendations for the Application of Learning Theory A learning theory may refer to a conceptual framework that describes the process of how humans absorb, process, and retain information using approaches such as cognitivism, behaviorism, humanism, constructivism and connectivism. Constructivism, for instance, can be applied to assess how the technology in question is assisting learners to actively construct their own knowledge and meaning from their interactions and experiences with the technological application. In this context, constructivism can be applied to evaluate if the use of a particular technology is taking place in authentic and real-world environments, and if content and skills are understood within the framework of the student’s previous knowledge (Attwell & Hughes, 2010). Instructors can also apply the situated learning theory particularly within vocational education and work-based learning to assess if a particular technology has the capacity to generate knowledge or assist learners in acquiring or transforming such knowledge through the predominant social interactions within school-based learning environments or communities of practice (Attwell & Hughes, 2010). Lastly, instructors can employ activity theory in evaluating and using technology as it “contextualizes the interaction between humans and computers with the activity systems in which it takes place, recognizing the mediation of instruments and tools, rules and division of labor” (Attwell & Hughes, 2010 p. 20). Owing to the fact that this learning theory assists in studying human activities as developmental processes, it can be employed to evaluate how a particular educational technology has succeeded to change learners toward the attainment of the desired educational outcomes. Benefits and Drawbacks of using Technology in ESL Learning Environments Technology continues to play a substantial role in developing new and improved models of teaching and learning in ESL environments, with available literature demonstrating that it provides more advantages than disadvantages within these contexts (Yunus, Nordin, Salehi, Sun, & Embi, 2013). Among the benefits, there exists compelling evidence demonstrating that technology attracts students’ attention due to use of various applications, hence reinforcing the students’ motivation and will to learn and improve their reading abilities. This attentiveness is further reinforced by the fact that technology provides learners with the capacity to search more about the reading topics, with the view to fully understanding the text. The second benefit of using technology is nested on the fact that it provides the capacity to enhance synchronous and asynchronous communication and learning among ESL students, with the view to assisting them internalize the use of language in real-life communication situations. The third benefit concerns the fact that technology assists students in ESL learning environments to enhance their vocabulary knowledge and promote meaningful learning (Yunis et al., 2013). The drawbacks of using technology in ESL learning environments include (1) difficulties in integrating the mass of materials offered by various technology tools and applications into a comprehensive second language curriculum, (2) incapacity of teachers to exercise classroom control as students get too excited when technology is used in ESL environments, and (3) lack of ICT knowledge among ESL students and insufficient technology tools (Yunis et al., 2013). Proposals to Use Technology in Educating Students in ESL Learning Environments There is no doubt that technology can be employed in the United States and elsewhere as an effective tool for teaching ESL students to develop language skills. For example, instructors can employ computers to provide a language-rich environment which facilitates students’ interaction with each other and increases verbal exchange for learning through communication. Owing to the fact that technology fosters language development by providing students with an opportunity for engaging in interactions, it is possible to use technological applications to promote verbal communication and the acquisition of English in ESL settings (Zha, Kelly, & Park, 2006). Another proposal is for the instructors to use technology (e.g., computers and software, visual blackboards) to promote vocabulary development in ESL settings since such plaforms not only allow students to become dynamic learners in a one-on-one environment, but also incorporate various learning strategies including the use of visual clues. Lastly, technology can be used to enhance the reading ability and comprehension of ESL students by using software applications with the capacity to increase the interest level of students while keeping the text simple and easy to read, and also with inbuilt capacity to provide immediate feedback for reading instruction (Zha et al., 2006). Conclusion This discussion demonstrates the fundamental importance of technology in contributing to the paradigm shift that is required to enhance learning and teaching experiences in ESL environments. As more research-based innovations in educational technology find their way into the market, it should be the primary task of teachers to adopt and implement beneficial technologies to improve the learning and teaching experience in ESL contexts, and also encourage students to make use of these applications for their personal and educational development. References Aslan, S., & Reigeluth, C.M. (2013). Educational technologists: Leading change for a new paradigm in education. Tech News: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 57(5), 18-24. Attwell, G., & Hughes, J. (2010). Pedagogic approaches for using technology for learning: Literature review. Lifelong Learning UK. Retrieved from http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110414152025/http:/www.lluk.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Pedagogical-appraches-for-using-technology-literature-review-january-11-FINAL.pdf Yunus, M.M., Nordin, N., Salehi, H., Sun, C.H., & Embi, M.A. (2013). Pros and cons of using ICT in teaching ESL reading and writing. International Educational Studies, 6(7), 119-130. Zha, S., Kelly, P., & Park, M.K. (2006). An investigation of communicative competence of ESL students using electronic discussion boards. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 38(3), 349-367. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(Using Technology Tools and Media in Education Term Paper, n.d.)
Using Technology Tools and Media in Education Term Paper. https://studentshare.org/education/1893666-technology-tools-and-media-in-education
(Using Technology Tools and Media in Education Term Paper)
Using Technology Tools and Media in Education Term Paper. https://studentshare.org/education/1893666-technology-tools-and-media-in-education.
“Using Technology Tools and Media in Education Term Paper”. https://studentshare.org/education/1893666-technology-tools-and-media-in-education.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Innovations in Educational Technology

Significance of Innovation and Change in Business Enterprises

Various governments have also promoted innovations in their countries by developing entrepreneurial capability.... This has been occasioned by the competitive edge in science and technology (Leyden & Link, 1992, p.... These ideas are always central towards various fields like technology and also solving major global problems like health issues across the globe (Von Stamm & Trifilova, 2009, p.... Due to international standards, governments are encouraging different forms of innovations and change into their fields like technology, manufacturing amongst other services and production procedures....
15 Pages (3750 words) Essay

The Impacts of Technological Innovation on Communication

1 English 23 January 2012 The Impacts of Technological Innovation on Communication The advent of information technology has brought manifold changes in the way people communicate.... hellip; During the prehistoric times and right before the advent of information technology, communication is being performed in a simple manner: there should be a physical presence required.... However, in the latter eras, because of human discontent for development, several crafts have been developed including technology....
3 Pages (750 words) Essay

Assignment 3: Using Technology Tools and Media Example, Part A

Assignment 3: Using Technology Tools and Media Example, Part A Analysis: research-based Innovations in Educational Technology The research based innovations in education technology for the last five years have been analyzed as follows.... One of the most prominent research based innovation in education technology is the use of multimedia in the course curriculum.... hellip; The online mode of education, use of wireless technology and innovations has been used in order to enroll more students in the course and for better understanding of the students....
4 Pages (1000 words) Assignment

Educational Platform and Learning Theory

The paper "educational Platform and Learning Theory" describes that there are certain aspects that it needs to learn in order to ensure sustainability in the desired career of teaching.... The Masters in Education program is one of the most vital as well as challenging educational programs.... Understanding the value of learning as the cornerstone of a successful life, individuals from various age groups and demographics have started taking participation in the educational sector....
6 Pages (1500 words) Assignment

Implications for Science, Technology and Innovation

This paper ''Implications for Science, technology and Innovation'' relates to the crucial and one of the significant issues of the 21st Century, that is, the implications for science, technology, and innovations.... Innovation is dependent upon the implementation of certain technology and both aspects are deemed important while considering the benefits and advantages that they impart to the society in general and in boosting the economy of a country in specific....
9 Pages (2250 words) Essay

Leading Role of a Training Professionals

arious writers have investigated the role of training professionals in the current business environment in delivery of innovations.... Innovation is the planned introduction and application of new and relevant ideas, procedures or products in a group or an organization with an objective of benefiting the group, organization or the society at large (Rothwell 2002: 32)....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

The Problem Of Turning Of The Arab World Into A Knowledge Society

More so, the higher education system in European states advocates for learning methods that include the use of technology and are not only properly governed, but also have adequate funding and provide all with equal opportunities and social justice.... A knowledge society should ideally endeavor to transmit knowledge continuously through learning....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Impact of an Education on the Economy of the States

Through education, a country can develop both in technology and in innovations.... The role of education in the society is to enrich people's understanding of factors like innovations and technology.... The educated peoples act as teachers and lecturers in classes that deal with technology advances.... Education is possible to contribute to technology change and capabilities in countries industry.... Innovations have brought positive effects on farmers due to the adoption of a modern method of farming and technology....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us