The Importance of Computer in Education

Computers never had a common place inside the classroom, imaging what students thought about using word processor versus electronic typewriter word processor or even using the Archaic Manual Typewriter. In today’s world students are considered digital natives. Computers can open pathways that stimulate learning and help develop high order of thinking skills, when technology is applied in a meaningful manner. The proliferation and success of web based curriculum at all levels of education is just the latest examples of the importance of technology to both students and teachers. This research paper will explain why computers are important in the education sector today, the impact that Computer Technology has on the education sector, how computer teaching plays a role in education system, how technology has changed from decades ago until now and the advantages and disadvantages of Computer/ Technology in the education sector.

ICT has become one of the most common resources in daily life. ICT has transformed the way people communicate and learn in almost every aspect of modern life for education (Higgins, 2007). Many countries have recognised ICT as a core part of education, along with writing and reading (Amin, 2008). The term ICT has had misconceptions that ICT refers to computers only, in circumstance this is incorrect. According to Pelgrum and Law (2003) during the 1980’s the word computers was given the title of IT (information technology), this demonstrated a shift of focus from computing technology to the ability to store and recover data. The term ICT was then introduced in 1992 (Pelgrum and Law, 2003).

Access to many fun and interactive tools motivates and students to engage in academic related activities (“Use of Technology…”). When classes are computer based, students like them more and have a positive attitude towards learning (“The Impact of…”). Furthermore, Computer based education lets students learn more in less time (“The Impact of…”). Defining goals, making decisions, and and actively thinking are all positive outcomes of technology use (“Effects of

Technology is the crucial factor for education sector to maintain all the data and information more effectively and efficiently. Increasing dependence on the technology is adjusting student-teacher cooperation with the progression of time (Candace, 2004). Nowadays, people use computers and internet for learning different programs. Internet helps students to find their own answers without the help of the teachers. Information technology like internet is increasing the opportunities to learn new things more easily and quickly. There are various online libraries that help the students and teachers with reading materials. Students can also post their work online for the teachers to read and grade. For instances: Westcliff university is using GAP (online system) where the student can see the question and post their answer online and the teachers can check the students work online as well. Information system has brought advancement in learning process with the help of audio-visual education. Nowadays, most of the students are taught with projectors and speakers with the help of power point presentation. In today’s technological world, most of the education sector utilizes the latest technology and software so as to enhance the overall learning experience of the students (Pandey,

Education, Computer systems are used in education because more lessons and resources are now available online and in emails. Students have found to perform a lot better when they are using computers rather than without and have felt more involved in the lessons. Computers play a vital role in the modern business world, and many of even the most basic jobs involve technology and computers. Teaching students how to use computers help them prepare for any number of possible careers. There is a lot of educational software for young kids like Computer Classroom at Home which is a software package which helps kids with math, reading, spelling, and English this has been found to be very beneficial for young kids because software

Aside from the teaching methods used in a technology based education system. There is always constructive ways to use technology as well as unconstructive ways. In a classroom environment a teacher may ask students to do research on a given topic, while setting standards of plagiarism and showing students how to complete research at an early age. It can also be beneficial for students to familiarize themselves with commonly used programs and software used in today’s work industry, such as Microsoft word and power point. It can give the student the ease and facility to find the resources needed at his fingertips.

Technology is a major influential factor in the progression of education. Technology has allowed for many positive advances in education, allowing for more efficient, more individualized learning. The introduction of computers in education has provided countless benefits to students, and enhanced learning greatly. Students now have a much broader wealth of information in which they can get knowledge from, and more specialized learning. Education will continue to be benefited by technology as progression continues. Individualization in education should be an ultimate goal, and this can only be achieved through technology.

For the majority of people, it is difficult to imagine what life would be like without the internet. The world of education has also undergone tremendous change since the advent of the internet. It allows students to quickly obtain a vast amount of information on every subject. They also get the convenience of going to class and completing assignments, permitting them to schedule their time with great flexibility. The internet has become one of the easiest, fastest and most effective tools that can be used to explore and comprehend more about the world; however, it is not without problems. The uses of the internet by students changes their thinking patterns, distracts their attention and reduces their interpersonal skills.

Technology involves using tools to solve problems. From the perspective of a teacher, technology helps present information to students. A smart board or a Promethean board is a form of technology that helps present materials during a lesson. Students with visual impairments and visual learners benefit from the usage of smart boards and Promethean boards. For example, while doing observations for a second-grade class I noticed a teacher using an electronic version of their math textbook. Students had their textbooks out and the teacher had it up on the smart board so that they could all work on problems together. When I was in elementary school there were only black boards. However, I did take computer classes all throughout elementary school and all my classrooms had computer centers. I was not exposed to a smartboard until I reached middle school. One goal of adding the smart boards was to make both students and students more technologically savvy. Another goal was to increase the interaction and interest of students within the classroom. Midway through the seventh-grade, the classrooms got Promethean boards. At first, they were confusing to use, but by the time the year ended I was able to use them, so I achieved the goal of being more technologically savvy. Despite the initial confusion, they were fun to use in the classroom. My reading teacher would get electronic books and put them on the board as we read a story. At the end of a unit, this teacher would create Jeopardy

“ We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand, because it is the pen and paper of our time, and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world.” Technology in the classroom is beneficial because it provides students to access things faster, It also benefits students to use apps to enhance their learning, and it makes learning more fun.

Malcom X once said, “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” Today, technology has impacted classrooms in many beneficial ways, but there is always a demand for answers of how it will change education next. Modern education has learned to collaborate with technology to achieve better results for the future generations. By taking a step toward improving education and new system has been used to track a student’s progress in school and relay it back to the parents via automated text message. Long before there were smartphones, it was a student’s responsibility to ensure their parents about their progress in their studies. However, frequent communication between parents and teachers about the child’s academic performance to be a vital component to their education. Automated school notifications can improve a student’s overall development by allowing the parents to be more involved, an increase in the student’s performance and GPA, and providing an easy form communication between the parent and school.

Education creates an immense opportunity for the development and at the same time information and communication technology also unlock new door to education (Wims and Lawler, 2007). Many definitions addressed and define the concept of ICT but Blurton (1999) elaborately defined ICT as the different set of technological resources and tools that are used to communicate, store, distribute and manage information. These types of technology include broadcast technology, computer, telephone and internet. ICTs comprise a network system that allows data processing, data storage and retrieval of data (Herselman & Britton, 2002).

“Digital age” this is what people calls to the 21st century. Digital technologies are so much involved with us that life is difficult without technology as it has become a functional requirement of life besides the way we communicate, interact, and learn has changed. Thus our education field is very much depended on these technologies called ICT. ICT refers to information and communication technology. ICT offers technological tools which are used to communicate, share, store and manage information. This literature review will first focus ICT use in education, next five tools that can be used in education field and finally one tool that can be implemented while teaching and learning.

When implemented technology properly, the tech can produce substantial gains in student achievement and increase engagement among students most at risk. Replacing teachers with technology is not a successful formula. Instead, strong gains in achievement occur by pairing technology with classroom teachers who provide real-time support and encouragement to underserved students. Technology has made a positive difference in the learning outcomes of students at risk of failing courses and dropping out.

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).