Introduction
Believe it or not, the present world is mushrooming with information and knowledge revolution. In this era of knowledge sharing and explosion, the role of education and learning has changed the meaning and perspectives of our approach and philosophy of life. One of the important elements of life is education. And, especially the meaning of modern education attaches new values to life, learning, expectations of learning, method of teaching, demands of educators, and use of tools and technology. So, the relevance of rapid advancement in information and communication technology (ICT) is indispensable in the field of learning, method of teaching, and creation of innovative and knowledge-based minds.
Body
In the context of meeting the ever-growing global demand of knowledge boom, holding the mastery over ICT skills and utilizing ICT towards creating an improved teaching and learning environment is of paramount importance to teachers in grooming a new learning culture and philosophy of e-pedagogy. The integration of pedagogical technology plays a key role in this transformation. The desired transformation demands visionary leadership and active involvement of all stakeholders of education: policy makers, top and middle level managements, teachers, and parents. Thus, the role and contribution of teachers are crucial and pivotal that act as an igniting force in an improved socio-academic structure.
Use of tool and technologies
In order to understand this better, it makes good sense to know the availability of technologies that are widely available to teachers in K-12 education for grade 8 to facilitate teaching, learning, and communications. So, there will be an evolution of e-pedagogy which deals with the philosophy of mixing electronic and digital application with teaching methodology. Further, it deals with the study of being a teacher or the process of teaching through the internet or electronics. Let us know learn brief descriptions of some of these tools and technologies that help in the teaching-learning process. These are:
Interactive Whiteboard and slate - The Interactive Whiteboard allows you to write notes and highlight information in digital ink. All you need is a projector attached to a Windows XP computer system, a white screen or board. Some of the salient features of interactive white boards and slates are:
a) It has a low degree of reflection, thereby providing quality visibility of the content in the classroom from any distance.
b) It is sensitive to touch on the surface that allows a teacher or learner to use either their finger or a small writing device for the purpose of effective control and quality interaction with any system.
Radio, television, telephony, computers, and internet – These are basic ICT equipment that facilitate an interactive and effective teaching-learning process.
Datalogger -It is a digital device that helps you take the record of data based on time or location. It also enables learners to spend less time on taking multiple readings and more time on discussing and analyzing results.
Digital Microscope – It is a type of a traditional microscope that enables you to output a digital image to a computer. It is basically used to view the microscope image and record "snapshots".
Digital audio and video device – Digital video is a type of video recording system. It works by using a digital video signal, and is used for stop-motion animation. It is used not only to enhance the presentation methodology of teaching-learning process but also to enable you to capture events easily in a classroom.
Keeping the aforesaid tools into account, I feel that interactive whiteboard and slate, radio, television, telephony, computers, and internet will be good and easy to implement for the grade 8 students. But, there are other tools and technologies such as data logger, digital microscope, and digital audio and video device which will not be suitable for lower level of learners, especially for grades 1 and 2. Though they will enjoy the content which is coated with deep layers of animation and images, using it will be an area of concern for lower level of learners.
Advantage of the use of tools and technology in classroom
Learning in the modern context has taken innumerable forms. Some of the needs for integrating ICT in education to enhance teaching and learning are:
Benefits of using ICT in a classroom
Based on scientific and pedagogical researches, it has been proved beyond doubt that an effective use of technology can contribute to a higher level of learning. So, some of the benefits for the application of modern tools and technology are:
Conclusion
In the light of the aforesaid facts and analysis of relevance and impact of information and technology in education sector, it can be said that education serves as a liberating force and a window through which our thoughts and creativities can take voyage into the unfamiliar world of imagination. These modern tools and methods are an optimistic and enlightening supplement to bridge the gap between education and the technological world in which we live. So, let us join our hands and take a pledge to contribute in developing the quality teaching-learning process by being an active participant in this mission of making learning a fun with knowledge. Undoubtedly, this solemn endeavor will usher in a new era of learning-teaching approach and such a transformative shift will pave a strong platform for creating a base of future generations that meet the challenges of the changing worlds.
Works Cited
Lambert, J. & Cuper, P. "Multimedia technologies and familiar spaces:21st-century teaching for 21st-century learners." Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 8(3), 2008. http://www.citejournal.org/vol8/iss3/currentpractice/article1.cfm December 19, 2011.
“Committee on Workforce Needs in Information Technology.” Building a workforce for the information economy, 2001. http://books.nap.edu/html/building_workforce/ December 20, 2011.
Faculty at the University of Virginia's. “U.Va. Secures $6.4 Million from U.S. Department of Education to Improve K-12 Teaching and Learning.” University of Virginia. August 30, 2010. http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/newsRelease.php?id=12722 December 21, 2011.
