Introduction-
- Definition of the concepts of education relative to the formal and informal sector
- Development of the background of the notion and concept of education-the understanding of education, in terms of the learning venues and spectrums
- Evolution of technology relative to education-why education has changed coincidentally with the changes in technology
- Thesis or guiding thought- changes in learning patterns over the years
Body
- Broad categorization of education as formal and informal
- Past decades limited the number of learners to a specific geographical location
- Technology such as Skype and video conferencing allows one to learn regardless of location
- It is more accessible and convenient since one can record learning sessions
- Currently, a learner ought to be equipped with technological skills in order to enjoy education and learning
Conclusion
- Recap of the main argument: benefits of technology in the society
The term and concept of education in the simplest and most basic sense refers to the cumulative addition of knowledge and new ideas. In most cases and instances, education is done in a structured setting where there is a clear chronology of programs under which the learning process ought to be undertaken. The structure could be delineated on the basis of age, gender, stage of life or any other identification modulus. Subsequently, the learning process or education, in other words, ought to be chronological and progressive. It is to imply that at a particular age or stage, a person would be expected to be in a specific certain learning class or category. Additionally, the graduate should proceed to another class or level after meeting some set criteria and standards such as examinations.
Education as a concept has evolved and developed as times and trends do. In the past society, learning or education by extension was carried out in a physical setting such as a school or a classroom. In the recent times, dynamics has changed, and thus the rules or education must also change. For instance, the advent and improvements in the information technological spectrum have also changed, thus, the whole concept of education has been forced to adjust and change. This paper will, therefore, focus in details and principles the things that have made the educational notion change and be re-adjusted over the recent past. It is to say that the paper will equally delve into the facts and matters. That were necessary for learning to take place in the past decades and the skills relevant for education or learning to happen in this day and age.
In the past, the pattern or the system of education was defined in two broad categories. Firstly, was the formal line of education while the other was the informal line of education. The primary distinguishing factor between the formal and the informal line of education was the fact that the in the formal sector, physical classrooms, examinations, physical or real classmates were involved. On the other hand, the informal line of education was done in homes and other social settings such as churches or mosques. The informal sector or education was mostly concerned with the life skills where the learners were taught how to live with one another, how to relate, how to resolve conflicts and disputes amongst many other things. For instance, people were taken how to choose marriage partners and how to live with them.
On the other hand, the formal line of education was particularly concerned with imparting skills and ideas in people to help them earn a livelihood. For example, they were trained in schools on how to occupy industries and formal employment positions. It is imperative to note that the outlying difference and distinction is that one of the above education lines was social while the other was economic in nature. The irreducible minimum is that the all the learners and their teachers interacted on a one to one basis or a physical environment where interaction took place.
In the modern day, it is safe to assert and mention that the number of people learning has increased. Thus, it has been impossible for the number of the teachers or the educators to meet that demand of learners. This phenomenon has coincided with the fact that the modifications and the improvements in the technological world are also happening. Thus, the liberal thinkers of our time have sought to take advantage of the changes in technology to align the objectives of education regardless. Thus, the motivating factor is to ensure that the technological modifications and improvements such as Skype, video conferencing and video learning modes are utilized to the fullest (Bruckman, 51).
One of the outright benefits is that the technological changes such as Skype and video conferencing have increased the number of learners and made education possible regardless of the physical geographical location of the learners. It is to mention that the modern learning attends whether formal or not, does not limit the number of learners who can participate in a study session. It is a contrast relative to the past decades, where the number of learners in the class was limited and defined by the size of the classroom. Secondly, for one to learn, he or she was required to be physically present at the venue of the learning. It would thus be fair to assert that technology has made education easier, more convenient and accessible to people.
For instance, it would not force a person completely to abandon other aspect and engagements of human life so as to attain education fully. It is possible, for example, that a person overseas can increase and improve his or her repertoire of knowledge or pool of knowledge while doing other things of life (Coser, 4). Through avenues such as skype, one can organize with his or her tutors on the learning schedules. Better still record the learning lessons so as to use them later in case one did not fully understand them during the discourse by the tutor.
Subsequently, for a learner to fully benefit and enjoy the dispensation of the education in this current day and age. The learner is expected to be fully conversant with the basic computer packages that would enable him or her to use programs such as Skype and video conferencing. It is a contrast to the past society where all it needed for a learner to get education was a notebook, a pen and to avail him or herself at the venue of learning such as a classroom. It is to imply that learners are forced to acquire the new skills and techniques in the field of information technology because the world is changing towards that direction.
Conclusively, the above essay has demonstrated the educational parameters and aspects in comparative terms of the past and the modern day learning institution. For instance, in the past society, all it needed for learning and education by extension to occur was for a learner to be physically present in the learning venue. There was no other skill that was needed other than the urge and thirst for education (Baker, 6). In this current society, where the modifications and the advent in the technological spectrum are the order of the day, a lot more is needed. For instance, basic skills such as in video conferencing or any other avenue where the learners and the tutors can meet in a virtual location is necessary. These changes have in all aspects, and respects made education and the process of learning more convenient and easier to access for the many learners present.
Work Cited
Bruckman, Amy. "Finding One's Own Space In Cyberspace." Technology Review 99.1 (1996): 48-54. ERIC. Web. 6 Dec. 2014.
Baker Russell. Houston Community College Learning Web. The New York Times, Sep. 1975. Web. 6 December 2014
Coser, Lewis A. "Continuities in the Study of education over the years." (1997).
Kozol, Jonathan. "The Human Cost of an llliterate Society ," (1985): 114-123. Web. 6 Dec. 2014.
