The Importance Of Technology On Education

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.

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).

Technology has greatly revolutionized the healthcare industry. It has streamlined patient care and opened networks to make information more attainable and concise which has allowed for the improvement of patient care and drastically eliminating the chance for error. One of the most influential ways technology has been changing the industry has been in education. More and more schools in charge of molding the next leaders of the healthcare industry are using technologically advanced tools to train the students in procedure and patient care. Simulations are becoming one of those widely utilized tools in the education of healthcare professionals. They provide a safer learning environment where students can explore a variety of scenarios and how to tackle them, and can improve patient care and aid professionals in making better more educated decisions.

I am currently registered with the Queensland College of Teachers, and have been since I graduated my Bachelor of Education in 2011. Since then, I have taught in both my subject areas, English and Computing, and completed a Master's degree to further my knowledge in Information and Communication Technologies, an area I am very passionate about. Throughout my university studies, I have shown keen interest for technology in education (especially appropriating non-education technology for education purposes and 1:1 learning). I have a strong belief that technology can benefit education, given that it is carefully chosen to suit the context; one size does not fit all, one app does not fit all. In the past year at Saint Stephen's College, I have demonstrated that I am capable of teaching in a technical area (Technology) and it is a teaching area I quite enjoy.

Technology is useful to have around like when kids get lost or when parents need them to track their kids. Technology can be useful in other ways, like technology is better for education. Also, keeping touch with family and friends, and for emergencies.

How important is technology in this day and age? I am sure we all agree that technology is one of the most important resources in this day and age. Now, how many people actually took more than just a basic typing class in K-8th grade? Or maybe even up to 12th grade. If you went to school more than 10 years ago, I am sure that all you were able to take was a basic typing class. So my question to you is, why is it so hard to implement technology into the school system? Teachers not willing to be trained? Parents thinking technology will be a distraction? Governments not willing to do away with standardized tests? Everyone pretty much uses mobile phones, tablets, and laptops on a daily basis. As digital natives, today’s students have grown up with technology integrated into every aspect of their lives. Education cannot be an exception. Yet, we are trying to fit 21st century students, into a 19th century system. We need to implement the effective use of technology into all of our education systems. I know this is not something that can be changed overnight. However, if we can get the educators, parents, and the government all to agree, then the effective use of technology should, and will be implemented in our school systems.

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

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).

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.

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.

The contemporary world prides itself on being more technologically advanced than any other recorded society in the history of humankind. One of the most prominent channels that technology has been able to assert its influence is in the digitization of every perspective of human life. Most of the human activities have adopted a technology; a move normally referred to as digitizing, in their operation. Education has not been left behind. There has been an incorporation of the digital process of learning at all levels of education. The process has a very large influence on the field of education today.

In America and many other countries, technology has impacted our daily lives in many ways. Many people use technology for communication, education, business, or personal use. The technology industry is growing rapidly to the point where we are surrounded by technology everywhere we go. It is even almost unheard of to not have an email or a cell phone today. Parents should not limit their child’s technology access because our society revolves around technology. If parents limit their child’s technology access, students may fall behind in school, be unsuccessful in their careers, and fail to adapt to America’s rapidly changing culture.

Technology is here to stay and appears to be ever advancing, but teachers are struggling to adapt with learning about the new software and tools that the districts are trying to implement into the curriculum. Teachers shape the minds of our future; thus making teaching the most important occupation in the world. In order to achieve maximum greatness in the classroom a teacher must be open to changing the methods in which they teach. With time, technology has seemed to shimmy its way into almost every aspect of the average American’s life; including the classroom. Technology is ever changing and with new advancements teachers must be able to adapt. The main issues that teachers as well as schools are facing with technology is the price of

Technology has been evolving over thousands of years and it has provided humans with education, better health care, and communication that is the key to making our world a better place for future generations to come. Technology is a field of knowledge having to do with the practical applications of science and industry or the inventions and methods of solving problems that are produced through research in these areas. It has helped the school system, the medical field, and provided us with communication that can connect us to everything across the globe. These systems are the keys that make our world work in an efficient way, maybe not all the time, but enough so the world doesn’t just fall apart. In our society, technology has evolved the

Education is also another field in which technology has expanded. It has opened up thousands of resources for students to access while at school and even at home. “In the past, teachers relied on actual meetings to interact with their students. It was only during physical meetings that teachers could deliver learning materials and instructions to learners. However, nowadays, this kind of absolute dependence on physical meetings is gone.  It is easy for teachers and learners to stay in touch via email and other internet-based services such as file-sharing and Instant Messaging applications.” (Raza, 2017)