Essay about Technology and Education

Change takes on the course of a gradual shift away from the traditional and into the modern. Such a process can take on the identity of many forms but in the end, they all contribute to the advancement of society. Throughout “Project Classroom Makeover,” Cathy Davidson explores the need for such change in America’s educational system as it lags years behind the modern standards. Technology serves as an impetus to change and reform this antiquated system through facilitating new means of learning not previously available. While technology does have its benefits in the classrooms, it cannot alone replace the interactions between students and teachers because there are limits to the extent computerization can recreate human connections.

“New Class(room) War” effectively illustrates the point that suppressing technology in the classroom to limit disruption as opposed to supporting it is a battle the teachers know they are going to lose. (Freedman par. 17) This is inevitable because new technologies for entertainment, learning, and communication are constantly being developed; this provides an infinite number of ways to deviate from classwork electronically that nobody had access to as little as twenty years ago. This detriment to society that is disguised as a miracle has teachers referring to the array of modern media devices as today’s equivalent of “pigtail-pulling, spitball-lobbing, and notebook-doodling.” that took place in the classrooms of the pre-computer era. (Freedman par.6)

The tools used for mainstream education in America are, at an ever increasing rate, shifting from physical to digital. Schools across the nation have spent the last decade integrating technology into education in an attempt to make learning more engaging for students. As schools join the charge for digital instruction they must heavily evaluate their motives, the realistic applications of new technology, and the consequences it may have on their students.

“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”(Educational technology). The country is on the threshold of the most radical change in American education in over a century. It is clear that technology is increasing and is now woven through education as well.

The rapid advancements in innovative technology have profoundly affected the way humans live, work, and play. Numerous technological breakthroughs gave way to the Internet, mobile devices, and androids in order to create a significant impact on countless individuals in the 21st century. These innovations have enabled various alterations in human interactions, particularly for society’s education system. The outcomes of innovative technology in the classrooms have triggered many individuals to share their perspective on this subject. Cathy Davidson’s “Project Classroom Makeover” explores the essentials of incorporating technological innovation in the classrooms. Davidson’s work utilizes how the practice of innovative technology in schools will reform the education system in society. The utilization of innovation in the classroom allows for the usage of more interactive educational tools, which creates a stimulating learning experience that greatly benefits students. For instance, innovative technology in schools is used in different methods of communications such as for presentation, for collaboration, and class interaction. This will motivate students to be productive, innovative, and ambitious; which are vital skills that students must acquire as they grow and enter the workplace. With the use of profound concepts and compelling techniques, she demonstrates how innovation will enhance the learning

Today’s education differs much from the education fifty years ago. One of the reasons they are so different is because of technology. In the past fifty years the world of technology has grown tremendously, affecting everything, including education. A few things that have been brought into the world of education are computers, video and digital equipment such as DVDs, digital cameras and recording devices. The technology also includes information presentation technologies which includes the Smart Board, and different interactive whiteboards. There are many more that schools did not have fifty years ago.

The use of technology in schools has a great effect on not only students, but teachers as well. Today, we mostly think of technology as computers, but it is much more than that. In fact, one of the first technologies used in the classroom was the chalkboard.

Technology has drastically affected the traditional methods of teaching. Teachers these days have a much wider range of options to use in their teaching. It wasn’t very long ago when the only type of technology in the classroom was an overhead projector. It is not unusual now for a classroom to have a television and V.C.R. mounted on the wall for regular viewing of educational videos, or to broadcast current events. In some schools assemblies are no longer necessary because the principal broadcasts announcements via the network of televisions in every classroom. Teachers also have the use of projection screens hooked up to classroom computers, for slide shows, and presentations. Instead of wasting time writing notes on a blackboard, teacherscan now prepare a PowerPoint presentation on their home computer, bring it into class and project it for note taking. It is much easier for teachers to help and instruct students on an individual level with the help of the internet. Personal

Technology affects every aspect of our lives. From romance to business, it has shown its presence everywhere. But technology has had a huge impact on education that cannot be denied, and has done nothing but improve the quality and quantity of education.

In the modern era of education, technology is held in high esteem with educators, students, and parents. The innovative waves of instruction are taking a hold on schools across America. Positive results are being seen. Studies and test scores have proven that progress follows proper implementation of technology in schools. The outdated practices of using textbooks as primary information and sitting behind your desk and lecturing are over. Students must be stimulated in a multitude of ways; however, the most diverse and innovative ways of presenting crucial information is through technology.

Additionally, Januszewski and Molenda (2008) who suggested the gold-standard definition of educational technology, stated that the focus of EdTech research is now on the “appropriate application of processes and technologies” (p. 2) to enhance learning. Two things can be inferred from this statement: 1) the question is how to use technology, rather than what technology to use; and 2) the focus is to enhance learning. To find answer to this question, EdTech researchers need to look beyond the classroom and the individual learner and pay attention to the ways technology is being used in the real-world settings. They should take into account the “social, political, economic, cultural and historical contexts within which educational technology use (and non-use) is located” (Selwyn, 2010, p. 66).

Education is one of the most important professions in the working world. Technology has done many things for us in today’s society especially for education and schools. Technology in the school system has impacted the students and teachers in many positive ways, including virtual field trips, testing tips, teacher resources, class web sites, and lesson plans. With computer use in our schools, we have access to many different sources and various types of learning.

Across the U.S., technology used in education has been increasing exponentially. Every learning institution ranging from elementary school to college have incorporated technology into their teachings. Online textbooks, quizzes, notes, and classes are all examples of how education has been utilizing technology. While technology has a place in education, not everything in education needs to involve technology.

Research over the past 40 years has shown conclusively that technology-based methods are usually superior to traditional ones.

The education world has been greatly influenced by rapidly changing technology and the increasing availability of information. Schools have advanced by leaps and bounds when it comes to incorporating technology into the learning environment, however, many more advances need to be made. In all areas of the country, educators are trying to help students keep up with technology, but there are more changes that are essential for preparing the next generation for the future.