The Role Of Technology In Education

Education plays a vital role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Education is the process of giving or receiving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university. There are many reasons why one would need an education. For example, having an education can help someone obtain an exceptional job, increase their knowledge, and even increase their earnings potential. Obtaining an education is not only learning math, science, or history, but it also teaches people about the world around them. Having knowledge about the world can teach people about other cultures and different types of lifestyles. People can also learn about different and higher paying jobs. Another way to gain knowledge is through technology. Technology plays a significant role in education. The role of technology in education is to enhance learning.

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.

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

Technology has increased over time from the 1900's to now, from the bulb and electricity to now with the iPhone. Over time, these devices our days, are either complicated or unusual to some people including older people in our generations. However, as technology develops, some students do not have a true idea or understanding of the technology they use for their future jobs like a nurse, to record the person's data, a pharmacist, to search and produce the drugs they need and give for patients, and an engineer to fix simple problems and type commands. All of these require the basic understanding of computers, so why do students need to learn computers in introduction classes?

As a teacher, we must learn how to achieve academic success in the classroom and with our students. The educator philosophers Borich and Wong have different points of view of how learning should be taught. Borich focuses on how technology integrates in the classroom, also on how questioning strategies help with targeting inquiry, and how teacher directed strategies help improve learners to actively respond. On the other hand, Wong focuses on everything you need to prepare for when you as the teacher have your own classroom such as: having a well-managed classroom, how to introduce yourself to your class, seating arrangements, grading systems, discipline plans, and how to achieve opportunities to learn. Consequently, the teacher should be able to balance the way the classroom acts expressively, and the same time encourage them to be culturally responsive to learning.

Technology is changing at such a rapid pace that it is extremely difficult for any one person to keep up with the latest developments. However, just like doctors or marketers, teachers are also expected to keep up with the latest research and technology that will result in the best possible outcomes. It is much easier for educators to do this if they have a social community, with whom they can exchange ideas, share experiences, and ask questions together. The first two ISTE Standards for Educators, “Learner” and “Leader,” encourage teachers to become life-long learners and leaders in their practice. Data patterns from the teacher survey show that there is room for improvement with these two standards at McNicholas High School.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Technology connects students to the world. Educators must use this as a teaching tool to influence thinking, learning, and achievement. According to Holzemer (1998), “the integration of multimedia into the curriculum has helped teachers create student-centered learning environments that encourage students to take responsibility for their learning” (p. 1). The students will receive the opportunities to think critically, provide substance to their activities, learn with their peers and the teacher, and adapt to a continuous learning experience. During multimedia projects, students must learn and apply the appropriate way to present the material. This can be accomplished through photography, videography, a multimedia presentation, and so much more. The more confident a student becomes, the possibilities will be endless. “Putting together a multimedia presentation is a lot of work”, but using an innovative and creative solution will foster creative thinking (Holzemer, 1998, p. 1). Multimedia allows students to work in groups much more effectively. The teacher can set goals, mentor the group and individual students, and keep their projects on task. If the students choose to use PowerPoint or GoogleDocs, for example, “students teach each other the details of the multimedia authoring program being used” (Holzemer, 1998, p. 1). Many students are already familiar with the programs, and occasionally know or can learn the program quicker than the teacher. Many teachers admit, “students

Technology has been around since the beginning of modern man and it has continued to evolve and transform with time. When once simple hand tools to complete simple tasks were considered technological advances; today technology is viewed a little differently, but the presence remains the same. Technology, beginning near the end of the 20th century and on into today has grown exponentially, and so have the uses and roles, it plays in our daily lives. With this ever-increasing role technology plays in the day-to-day lives of man also comes the increasing role of technology in the workforce, as well as in education. While some educators are open to the notion of implementing technology into the classroom, seeing it enhance student engagement and student learning, other educators see the increasing push for technology into the classroom as a negative outcome. This debate may never be solved completely, but perhaps those resistant to the idea, fearing the technology will, in fact, replace them, are merely just uninformed about how to go about using technology in their classroom, and how it is meant to be an aid in the education of students, not a replacement.

The research behind technology in education demonstrates numerous types of techniques and devices that have been found to affect the success of students and teachers. Why do students and teachers only succeed when utilizing certain technologies? To answer this question, technology as a whole has an immense impact on education, but the technology must be integrated correctly and effectively into the classroom in order to be triumphant. Proper integration of technology will lead to success in the 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 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