Em507:Current Trends, Issues and Problems in Education

EM507:CURRENT TRENDS, ISSUES AND PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION

TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION

Concepts and Definitions

Definition of Technology

1. application of tools and methods: the study, development, and application of devices, machines, and techniques for manufacturing and productive processes

2. method of applying technical knowledge: a method or methodology that applies technical knowledge or tools

3. anthropologysum of a society’s or culture’s knowledge: the sum of a society’s or culture’s practical knowledge, especially with reference to its material culture

[Early 17th century. From Greek tekhnologia , literally “systematic treatment,” literally “science of craft,” from tekhnē “art, craft.”]

Source: Microsoft® Encarta® Reference Library 2003.

Technology in Education vs. Technology of Education

Technology in Education is the popular impression of audio visual aids. In the early phase of development of technology in education, the important side was the hardware side.

The need to identify a sound educational basis for the development of suitable software led to a change in thinking in that educational technology evolved all aspects of the design of teaching and learning situations. This led to a broader interpretation of educational technology, as the entire Technology of Education rather than the use of Technology in Education.

Educational Technology

The study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources. (Association for Educational Communications and Technology

Educational Technology is a systematic way of designing, implementing and evaluating the total process of learning and teaching in terms of specific objectives, based on research in human learning and communication and employing a combination of human and non-human resources to bring about more effective instruction. (Commission on Instructional Technology, USA.)

Instructional Technology is a subset of educational technology since instruction is a part of education.

Seels & Richey (p.9, 1994) defined instructional technology as “the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management and evaluation of processes and resources of learning. Some developers of programmed instruction called it technology for learning.

The term technologies for learning is used to refer to both the products and the process of technology as they are applied to human learning.

Background and Historical Highlights

THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Technology has always been at the forefront of human education. From the days of carving figures on rock walls to today, when most students are equipped with several portable technological devices at any given time, technology continues to push educational capabilities to new levels. In looking at where educational methods and tools have come from to where they are going in the future, technology’s importance in the classroom is evident now more than ever.

A HISTORY OF CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY

THE PRIMITIVE CLASSROOM

In the Colonial years, wooden paddles with printed lessons, called Horn-Books, were used to assist students in learning verses. Over 200 years later, in 1870, technology advanced to include the Magic Lantern, a primitive version of a slide projector that projected images printed on glass plates. By the time World War I ended, around 8,000 lantern slides were circulating through the Chicago public school system. By the time the Chalkboard came around in 1890, followed by the pencil in 1900, it was clear that students were hungry for more advanced educational tools.

Radio in the 1920s sparked an entirely new wave of learning; on-air classes began popping up for any student within listening range.

Next came the overhead projector in 1930, followed by the ballpoint pen in 1940 and headphones in 1950.

Videotapes arrived on the scene in 1951, creating a new and exciting method of instruction.

The Skinner Teaching Machine produced a combined system of teaching and testing, providing reinforcement for correct answers so that the student can move on to the next lesson.

The photocopier (1959) and handheld calculator (1972) entered the classrooms next, allowing for mass production of material on the fly and quick mathematical calculations.

The Scantron system of testing, introduced by Michael Sokolski n 1972, allowed educators to grade tests more quickly and efficiently.

The pre-computer years were formative in the choices made for computers in the years following. Immediate response-type systems (video, calculator, Scantron) had become necessary, and quick production of teaching materials, using the photocopier, had become a standard. The U.S. Department of Education reports that high school enrollment was only 10% in 1900, but by 1992 had expanded to 95%. The number of students in college in 1930 was around 1 million, but by 2012 had grown to a record 21.6 million. Teachers needed new methods of instruction and testing, and students were looking for new ways to communicate, study, and learn.

THE ENTRANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PERSONAL COMPUTERS

Although the first computers were developed in the ‘30s, everyday-use computers were introduced in the ‘80s. The first portable computer, in 1981, weighed 24 pounds and cost $1,795. When IBM introduced its first personal computer in 1981, the educational world knew that it was on the verge of greatness. Time magazine named The Computer its “Man of the Year” in 1982, and aptly so: the foundation of immediate learning capabilities had been laid. Time declared, “it is the end result of a technological revolution that has been in the making for four decades and is now, quite literally, hitting home.”

Toshiba released its first mass-market consumer laptop in 1985 (the T1100), and Apple’s infamous Mac (which later evolved into the Powerbook) was available starting in 1984.

In 1990, The World Wide Web was given life when a British researcher developed Hyper Text Markup Language, or HTML, and when the National Science Foundation (NSF) removed restrictions on the commercial use of the Internet in 1993, the world exploded into a frenzy of newfound research and communication methods.

The first Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were released by Apple Computer Inc. in 1993, and with that, computers were a part of every day, if not every moment. By 2009, 97% of classrooms had one or more computers, and 93% of classroom computers had Internet access. For every 5 students, there was one computer. Instructors stated that 40% of students used computers often in their educational methods, in addition to interactive whiteboards and digital cameras. College students nowadays are rarely without some form of computer technology: 83% own a laptop, and over 50% have a Smartphone.

THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

It seems like years since MySpace, first introduced in 2003, Facebook (2004) and Twitter (2007) have changed both the communication and business worlds. Instant connectivity has branched out from merely a tool of personal communication, to a platform for educational instruction and outreach. Social media is now being recognized as an accepted form of instruction in some instances, and groups such as Scholastic Teachers provide excellent support and tips for instructors. Many instructors use social media to communicate directly with their students, or to form forum-style groups for students to communicate with each other, and the method seems to be proving valuable in providing one-on-one attention to student’s questions and concerns.

With the classroom having already evolved into a hotbed of technological advances, what can the future possibly hold that could further educational proficiencies even more?

Biometrics, a technology that recognizes people based on certain physical or behavioral traits, is on the technological horizon. The science will be used to recognize the physical and emotional disposition of students in the classroom, altering course material to tailor to each individual’s needs based on biometric signals.

A second up-and-coming technology is Augmented Reality (AR) glasses, rumored to be on Google’s release list, and this technology could be a whole new world for education. AR Glasses (or even contact lenses) will layer data on top of what we naturally see, to allow for a real-world learning experience. For example, a student wearing AR Glasses could potentially sit at his desk and have a conversation with Thomas Edison about invention. It was Edison, after all, who said that “Books will soon be obsolete in schools. Scholars will soon be instructed through the eye.”

Multi-touch surfaces are commonly used through equipment such as the iPhone, but the technology could become more relevant to education through entirely multi-touch surfaces, such as desks or workstations. This could allow students to collaborate with other students, even those around the world, and videos and other virtual tools could be streamed directly to the surface.

EDUCATORS AND THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

With the evolution of technology, educational capabilities are growing and changing every day. The Internet is a vast electronic library of information, and both research and instruction can be achieved through a click of the mouse. With these advances come new responsibilities to the instructor and therefore increase the value of a Master’s of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology. As technology advances, an educator’s abilities will grow by leaps and bounds, and without the knowledge of these changes and capabilities, an instructor has a good chance of being left behind.

A career in education requires hard work and dedication, but, for the diligent educator, can prove very rewarding. For those who are serious about success in the education field, staying well-informed of current and changing technologies is imperative. As the world of technology evolves, the learning environment, both on-campus and online, will equally progress, and the need for teachers who are educated in technology and design will continue to grow.

Systems and Applications of Technology in Education

Management Information System
Decision Support System
Procurement and Inventory
Human Resource Management System
Financial and Accounting System
Student Information System
Library System and
Other related services
Instructional Delivery Systems & Applications
Multimedia
E-learning
Blended Learning
Distance Learning
Computer-Aided Instruction (CAI)
Computer Managed Instruction (CMI)
Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)
Web-Based Training (WBT)

General Benefits and Advantages of Technology in Education
Access to information

Many years ago we couldn’t imagine that we can get to know new information without going out of the house. Mothers examined new recipes from the book that they borrow in the libraries. Fathers bought newspapers to learn the updated information from business, economy and society. Students all evenings spent in the libraries to write the report, project or academic paper. Today information is easily accessed thanks to theinternet. Meanwhile, online courses are accessible to the students who are unable to attend traditional educational buildings because of health or other complications. It is a convenient way to study.

Help in protecting the environment

There are thousands of schools in every country. And it is a compulsory institution in every distant village. Now could you imagine how billions of paper we use to publish new books and copybooks. Due to technology in education, we are not to buy all these books. Actually, there now schools that were switched to the use designing computers for their lessons and libraries. It saves money and time when used thoughtfully.

Increase the popularity of distance learning

With development of such inventions like the internet, the popularity with educational technology is growing every day. Nowadays it is one of the most preferred methods of learning. Traditional lessons have been supplemented by virtual ones. Online classes include transferring files, chat rooms and even board of progress to follow the students’ success. Another benefit is that students can maintain a flexible schedule that is convenient for them (anytime, anywhere learning). It helps to combine distance education and work.

Easiness in teaching

There are various ways of improving teaching efficiency with technology in education. Thanks to the technology they have more than one way to keep an eye on the student’s progress. Moreover audio-visual presentation, wide-screen televisions, projectors can be used for improving the delivery of instruction to actually improve learning and increasing the comprehension level among the students.

Technology makes education enjoyable

We all know how difficult toengage the childrenin learning. However they enjoy the process when the instructor uses white board or touch screen technology in order to make classes more interactive and interesting. In that way it’seasy to attractthe kid’s attention. By the way, the involving technology in the educational process makes education more enjoyable both for the instructors and the learners.

We shouldn’t underestimate the possibilities of educational technology in our modern society. Nowadays virtual classes are preferred by people all over the world. This form of education is really enjoyed by children, and many students have recently graduated from virtual High Schools.

Promotes Independent Learning for the Students

Students can already learn from their own even without the assistance of their parents and teachers. They are just going to surf the internet in order to look for the lessons they need to study. Quick accessibility and well-equipped with the skills and knowledge in operating a computer would be very helpful for the students.

Promotes Exciting Way to Educate Students

Since there are lots of images, videos and other graphics and text that may be found in your computer, more students would feel the excitement in studying through the use of the gadget. This is very important in order to arouse their interest in studying.

Technology inside the classroom

Using technology in the classroom allows you to experiment more in pedagogy.

As an academic professional, you’ll learn more about how to effectively design and execute a class guided with technology. Whether it’s a dramatic change such as teaching with a flipped-classroom, or just adopting a single tool for a specific project or term, you’ll learn something new in modern academia! Being well-versed in technology can also help build your credibility with students, and even with fellow colleagues.

There are countless resources for enhancing education and making learning more fun and effective.

From apps to organizational platforms to e-textbooks and more, there are many amazing tools that can help you. In my recent article Top Ten EdTech Tools to Set Your Class Up for Success, I highlight tools that will help both students and professors alike collaborate, share ideas, stay organized, and more to get the most out of learning.

Technology can automate a lot of your tedious tasks.

As highlighted in my Top Ten EdTech Tools list (above), there are engagement tools like Top Hat that can automate grading for you and keep track of student performance. Similarly, tools like Top Hat can help you streamline grading for writing assignments, discussions, and participation, and answering common student questions, which otherwise can seem daunting due to their objective nature.

Your class has instant access to information that can supplement their learning experience.

It shifts the classroom experience from the sage-on-a-stage approach to a more collaborative environment. Imagine that your student raises her hand and says, “I know exactly what you mean! I saw a similar case on YouTube last week. May I share it with the class?” Student rushes to the lectern, finds it on Youtube, and everyone (including you!) learns something new. Researching on the spot becomes easier. Here are 11 Ways to Use the Internet in Your Classroom, which range from research to inviting remote speakers in virtually and beyond.

Students can learn life skills through technology.

Creating presentations, learning to differentiate reliable from unreliable sources on the Internet, maintaining proper online etiquette, and writing emails; these are all vital skills that your students can learn in the classroom and master before graduation.

We live in a digital world.

Neither you, nor your students, should go back to the 19th century when they walk into your classroom. Using technology in the classroom can prepare your students for a future deeply rooted in technology.

Issues, Problems and Drawbacks

Digital Divide

Cybercrime

ICT Budget and Procurement

Corruption

Problemsand Disadvantages of technology in the classroom

Technology can be a distraction.

This makes the notion of creating a structure and culture of respect all the more important since day one. Identify specific projects, times during class, and the specific intentions you have for allowing the use of technology in the classroom. Creating expectations and guidelines for the students, and sticking to them, will be important for them in respecting your boundaries. It will be better to use technology that students already have (smartphones, laptops, etc.) for good and valuable learning experiences, rather than pretend like those devices aren’t present in your class in the first place.