The Importance Of Technology In Education

The Internet influenced the United States more than anything else in the 20th century. The Internet first technically started in 1969, when the U.S. Defense Department’s Advanced Research Projects Agency or ARPA connected networks at the University of California and the Stanford Research Institute (SRI). From there, just three years later the creation of the Email was born by Ray Tomlinson of BBN. With many other novelties of the Internet coming soon after, such as the Domain Name System (DNS) establishing .edu and .com, and the first web browser, World Wide Web by CERN. As the Internet flourished in the late 1990s it became more usable to the public and soon became routine to use, making great changes in society. The Internet was integrated

Before the Internet, students did work in books and teachers taught through books. Almost everyone in the same grade was taught the same, with a limited curriculum until technology took over the world. Now that society has endless resources from the advancements of technology, students, teachers, and others use it to expand their knowledge on certain subjects and also to complete their work faster. The effects of technology is explained in the text, “What’s the Matter with Kids Today?” by Amy Goldwasser, she argues that the Internet actually aids kids in developing skills in writing and problem solving. Steven Pinker also defends the use of technology in his essay, “Mind Over Mass Media” by claiming that people just need to control their use of technology.

What did mankind do before the internet? Educational technologies are changing the lives of current and future generations. For years, technology has been flooding into the classrooms of youngsters. On an average, a student uses up to three devices daily. Teenagers count on a cell phone to do things, from waking them up in the morning to giving them any information needed during the day. The incredible World Wide Web saves many hours of research for a paper compared to three decades ago when days were spent looking up research that is now available almost instantly. The floppy discs of a few decades back cannot compare to digital textbooks on mobile devices, e readers, laptops, or tablets of the day. Technology plays a huge role in today’s world impacting education on major levels in regards to accessibility, communication, and opportunity. Education will continue to be part of people’s lives, regardless of age or lifestyle.

“Abundance of books makes men less studious; it destroys memory and enfeebles the mind by relieving it of too much work.” 15th century Italian humanist Hieronimo Squarciafico said this in 1477 to show his objection to the printing press after its invention. He was worried that the amount of books made readily available by printing presses would hurt people’s minds and memories. Replace the word “books” with “technology” and a current opinion against the use of technology for learning is shown. Nowadays, many people are concerned that using technology for learning purposes is actually making people lazier and less apt to think for themselves, but that is not the case. When used for learning purposes, technology is extremely useful and beneficial for students of all ages and abilities. Educational technology is important because it allows learning to be individualized, motivates and engages students, and leads to improved academic achievement.

Technology prepares students for their careers. First, it links to the need for technologically literate workers. Schools are teaching students to operate technology for their careers. For example, schools are adopting important technical roles that helps students use computer systems and in turn create more jobs for the United Kingdom (“We Need More Digital”). In classrooms, students learn the basic features on the computer, like word processor, that will enhance their technological skills needed for their jobs. Additionally, Gartner Incorporation, a technology company, states the importance of robotic classes. These classes “need students who can come up with powerful and smarter robotic software that can perform new functions” (qtd in Marshall). Both the robotic aspect and the problem solving makes them more tech literate. Next, technology teaches students to adapt to new environments. Schools provided training centers to help students adapt to new resources. For instance, Morales, a professor in education, emphasized about how The Academic Students Development Program offered informational advice to guide students on how to use technology. Training centers mentor students to use technology, be independent, and cooperate with learning techniques (Morales and Roig 69). Preparation centers show children how to transition from the traditional learning to computerized work for multiple school and job settings. Also, Dell introduced multiple displays for classroom

The Impact Principle states effective practice yields evidence of learning. The look on each student’s face will provide evidence as to whether or not they are learning. An educator should assess the faces and student work samples to check for learning. If learning is not present, the educator should accept responsibility for not being impactful, and begin implementing a more effective practice so that the students demonstrate new knowledge. I have discovered this first hand in my practicum placement. I taught a lesson, and as a whole class my students understood the content. However, when I was reviewing their individual work, it was obvious that the students missed the point of the lesson. Therefore, I took responsibly for not teaching the objective in an effective way, and I retaught it in a more relevant manner. Then, my students were successful on the next sample of student work. Due to all of the factors in students’ lives that can hold their interest, an educator must gain and maintain their interest to be impactful. It is then the child will learn. If the educator’s delivery of the content is effective and impactful, evidence will be produced.

The world has been advancing drastically over the years and will continue to do so. Technology is a big part of every individual's life in the way they might put it to use for their daily activities. It is changing the way people work by making it simpler to do their tasks. It can be especially an important method in schools education. Many schools provide technology in their classroom to make the students feel less overwhelmed with their assignments. The internet is a perfect example of a crucial means for the classroom. The internet is beneficial for schools because it encourages student interactions, makes grading assignments easier on teachers, and information accessible at their disposition.

Technology has not only changed the workplace, but it has also changed the way students are educated. Everything in education revolves around technology and the internet. Most books are online and most assignments are submitted online. According to Chron, students are able to learn on a global scale without ever leaving their classroom. A student can learn anything they want to. The lengths to which they can learn are endless. For students who are unable to go to normal education institutions, they can still earn an education. “Online courses are accessible to the students who are unable to attend traditional educational buildings because of health or other complications. (EdTechReview)” A student does not have to go to a

Despite its importance, writing is not given enough attention in schools compare to reading. Since the turn of the 21st century, “there have been a number of significant changes in the contexts in which we teach and in which our students learn to write”. Our culture has taken a digital shift in all aspects of life, including schooling and the way students are exposed to writing curriculum. Robinson, McKenna and Conradi state that “The context of schooling has also changed, with programs and practices affected most directly by an emphasis on standards and assessments as a part of a growing concern with accountability. Given a focus on reading, rather than writing or literacy more generally…this movement has had an impact on teaching and learning at all levels of public education” (Robinson, McKenna & Conradi, 2012, p. 243).

The United States education system has evolved a remarkably since there were minute school houses on the prairie. In modern times, today the school systems continue to evolve in various ways. This includes the integration technology into the curriculum and instruction of the schools. However, this can come at a great gain and cost so the factors that contribute to technology in school should be taken into account.

Of the many challenges facing educators today is the fact that our world is an ever-changing and rapidly evolving one as technology and an expanding global society become more and more prevalent in all that we do. Never before in history have we been more connected to one another via digital mediums. From our laptops to our iPhones, social media and apps, how we communicate has been heavily influenced by the rise of technology across the globe. Further, technology has infiltrated our classrooms in profound ways. Not only do presentations call for technology, but with the rising use of iPads, Chromebooks, online/ blended learning approaches, and various media platforms in education, it is clear that technology is continually emerging all around us. It is also expected to be a part of students’ learning experiences according to national and state standards. Thus, it is not only important, but crucial, for educators of today to wisely -- and purposefully -- incorporate technology into instruction in order to facilitate students most effectively on their learning journeys. As 21st century learners and educators, it is critical for all involved in education to understand and utilize the skills which are needed most in this current climate. It is the specific four skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity - the 4Cs - that have been highlighted as “the basic skills that all students need in the 21st century” (National Education Association, 2014).

Matt Richtel is an American writer and Journalist for The New York Times. Richtel is most known for his series that he wrote about distracted driving, which he was awarded the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting. In an article he wrote, Richtel explains about the learning curves that technology has brought to the classrooms. The article mainly focuses on how the movement of technology has changed and how it has made for a challenge among teaching students. As a parent, I find myself concerned about long term effects this may have on my child’s generation with the ability of learning and understanding.

Technology has been around for many years and is still advancing today. Technology is a portion of everyday life. It does not just affect how business is conducted, teaching, learning, and receiving information. Everyone uses technology every day. Even though people are being addicted to it. Technology is still a great benefit to the classroom, it stimulates our digital generation and allows educators to be more creative with the curriculum. Computing devices also provide an entire world of distractions that can greatly outweigh the productive aspects. And because of readily available social media and other electronic entertainment through these devices, students can now find comfort in the distractions of the digital world.

In the last several years, college, administrators, faculty, and staff have observed the growing number of adult students enrolling in classes. Since these nontraditional students have recently come back, they are struggling more with technology-dominant classrooms compared to their traditional counterparts. These institutions have initiated methods to work with this problem, such as implementing beginner computer courses and encouraging them to be proactive in practicing their new found skills. Contemporary education research has observed numerous obstacles that adult student encounter returning to school. There is a learning gap that educators must close between traditional and adult students. While adult students bring valuable life experience and practical skills, they lack a background in modern programs and navigating access to technology tools. Working together hand-in-hand adult students and instructions through training in technology and time management, adult students will have a better outlook on achieving their goals and dreams.

The production of technology as increased, allowing the output of information to exponentially increase, thus setting the need for 21st century skills at an all-time high. In the past, there have been two sources of information, the encyclopedia, and the dictionary. Our education system’s foundation has been built through the knowledge, and information handed down by each generation. The learning, and memorization of facts was the ultimate goal in a child’s education. As a country, it is important to evolve as our culture evolves. Everything must continue to grow in unity, and progress together. Having the technology that produces a vast amount of information, but no students who can decipher the information, ends up being a waste of time, and resources.