Technological advancement is a revolution that has shaped the modern world to a great extent. Over the years, improvement in technology has significantly influenced the economic growth and development of many developed nations. It is not surprising that technology has been increasingly used to improve the quality of education. This trend has been greatly boosted by increased access to computers and internet in schools. However, despite associated improvement in the skills, expertise and experience of learners, its application in this sensitive sector remains debatable. The main question that continues to linger in the minds of many people is “should technology be used in education?”
The efficiency and effectiveness of learning relies to a great extent on teaching preparedness. According to Zhi-li Zhang, Qi-yuanZhong, and Li-long Tan [8], ‘the six ready’ should be complied with in ensuring that lessons are effectively prepared for. These comprise of: design ready, resources ready, teaching plan ready, student situation ready, teaching method ready, and state ready. In order to ensure the effectiveness of this approach, a good learning environment has to be set up. While the adoption of technology can play a significant role in ensuring such effectiveness, some of the stages are best achieved in classrooms. The teachers can obtain teaching material and design teaching schedules, for instance, using computer based programs. However, assessing student readiness to learn and determining the teaching method for example are activities that are best done in class. Hence, technology can be considerably used to improve the effectiveness of lesson preparedness.
One of the most notable features of modern technology is provision of an expanded volume of knowledge and information that students use for learning. This volume of knowledge and resources has been accumulating over the years as articles, academic and research work continues to be made available in the internet. Such material is readily and easily available in the public domain. Unlike previous times when students had to rely heavily on material obtained from their teachers and references to the library resources, computer-based materials are also proving to be an essential and reliable source of information. Even modern libraries have integrated computer-based library catalogues to improve the efficiency of library operations[2]. Therefore, technology has increased the knowledge base available to students.
The use of technology in education can significantly impact on the performance of individual students. This is because computer-based learning increases the integration of students into the learning process. Class work and assignments can be done on an interactive basis whereby students can consult their teachers anytime without even being physically present in class[5]. By assessing individual rather than overall performances through document submissions and presentations, the teachers can determine the strengths and weaknesses of their students. This is however only possible where the reception of a new technology has been successful. This means that both students and their teachers have adopted the use of the technology properly. This ensures that students remain actively participative in their learning.
Research plays a pivotal role in the improvement of the standards of living for modern society. Technology is an essential tool of research in research institutions and facilities. It is used both as an instrument of record-keeping and forecasting.It can thus be used to revisit the past and predict future trends. Modern research relies on the accuracy and reliability of data collection, recording and analysis techniques in order to come up with successful research findings, interpretations and recommendations on research study. Researchers in research facilities are able to construct scientific structures and models and understand scientific processes by using technology [6].
Online learning is a trend that is quickly gaining prominence among many institutions of higher learning. This has the effect of expanding the scope of learning to individuals who are unable to attend regular learning classes. This mode of learning enables the teaching staff to interact with their students via a non-physical yet personal means. According to Bartos, technology enables students to interact anytime and anywhere with their parents and teachers [1].The students are able to get instructions, seek guidance, and submit coursework just like the regular class attending students. This type of technology-enabled learning is very convenient for students who are in geographically distant proximity to the higher education institutions. It also favors individuals who are in active employment and find it difficult to attend regular classes.
The most important aspect of traditional learning is the bodily presence of the student in the classroom. It determines his or her participation in class activities, interactions with fellow students, conversations with the teacher from the commencement to the end of the class duration, to the extent and manner that he or she remains active by asking questions, responding to comments, and remaining visible. According to Friesenit is not possible to overstate; the multiplicity and complexity of the expression of identity and individuality through the body [3]. The experience of the student through a number ofactivities made achievable through online tutoring, in the meantime, is very distinct from his or her encounter as apersonifiedcontributor in the classroom. The presence of a student’s body in the classroom remains a vital attribute of traditional conceptual education and one that is poorly constituted by online options.
Williams[7] regards technology as providing infinite possibilitiesto improve educational challenges, grow academic opportunities, anddevelop essential job skills.Firms in the contemporary business world face stiff competition from their rivals. Improving the ability and capacity of the workforce to steer the firms to higher levels of organizational attainment is inseparable from improving their quality of technical skills and expertise. This necessitates the use of modern technology. Students graduating from institutions of higher learning such as universities and colleges are proper candidates for the use of education in learning. As these students get ready to go into the job market, it is important that they are equipped with the requisite skills and expertise to operate technologies used by modern firms. Technology should thus be part and parcel of the mode of learning.
The introduction of any technology faces implementation challenges. To start with, the successful implementation of computer-based programs in schools requires a competent teaching staff. This means that before a new technology can be adopted, schools must ensure that they have the necessary teaching staff that is proficient in the use of the technology itself. This may require significant training costs because teachers must be well conversant with the new technology before they can use it to teach their students [4]. Given the fact that technology changes at a very fast rate, training the teaching staff to keep up with this is a significantly costly affair.
Typically, students adapt to the use of new technology at different rates. It has often been observed that students from impoverished and minority backgrounds usually face significant difficulties when schools adopt new modes of technological learning.These groups of students have less access to computer-based learning modes. This presents serious challenges when the learning institutions fail to integrate this aspect when adopting the new learning techniques. The mere fact that technology has been provided is not a guarantee that teaching and learning will take place effectively, and culminate into improved accomplishment. Neither is optimal use of the technology achieved by providing access of the technology to allstudents and teachers. The application of technology may prove to be ineffective if thenecessary structures for its adoption, appropriate goals and targets for its use, skillful and competent staff, and properly formulated plansfor assessing its effectiveness are not put in place[2]
In summary, technological advancement is an inevitable force. While technology continues to play a significant role in improving the quality of education, various concerns have been raised as pertains to the negativity of its application. The use of computer-based learning and internet in particular, has been a point of contention. The negative use of internet has raised serious concern issues for parents. Despite its valuable use in educational purposes, internet also contains material such as pornography that is inappropriate for school going children. With the numerous benefits brought about by integration of technology into education, attempts should be taken to mitigate these concerns. After all, no benefits can be enjoyed without significant costs.
References
[1] Bartos, J. What is the role of technology in education?Detroit: Greenhaven Press. 2013.
[2] Cohen, E. B. (2009). Challenges of information technology education in the 21st century. Hershey, PA: Idea Group, 34-56.
[3] Friesen, N. Dissection and Simulation: Brilliance transparency, or encumbrance and disruption?Teche: Research in philosophy and technology, 15(3), 185-200. 2011
[4] Maier, P.Using technology in teaching & learning. London: Kogan Page, 13-27. 2010
[5] Rosenberger, R. Technologies of education: Classrooms and chat rooms, scalpels, and screens. Springer science+Business media Dordrecht, 308-313. 2013
[6] Vries, M. J. Positioning Technology Education in the Curriculum. Rotterdam: SensePublishers, 45-67. 2011
[7] Williams, J. Technology education for teachers. Rotterdam: SensePublishers, 3-13. 2012
[8] Zhi-li Z., Qi-yuan Z. & Li-long Tan. A Few Thoughts about Preparing Lessons Effectively in the Holding a Post Education. Xian Shaanxi: Xian high-tech graduate school, 17-21. 2011
