The Role of Technology in Education

Throughout this course, a new perspective has provided us with the opportunity to take a look at many of the different ways in which the digital world has become one of the most dominant viewpoints of today’s generation, and how technology has taken over and welcomed itself into many aspects of our lives. This course paper will take a look at one topic of interest in particular, which in hopes will shed some light on a heavily discussed topic in the education world: does technology help or hinder the student. This paper will look to prove the point and discover more about the way in which technology has been incorporated into the classroom, both in an elementary context as well as a post-secondary context, and the effects that it has had on the student, the teacher, and the overall academic development that accompanies it.

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.

Technology has many attributes and applications that improve livelihoods. As a student myself, one of the most obvious advancements is in the field of education. Educational technology has slowly been integrated into classrooms over the last decade. Today, the basis of technology, digital literacy, is a crucial skill for academics. “Students who are digitally literate know how to effectively use technology to collaborate, create original content, and conduct in-depth research for academic purposes” (Dotterer, “Fostering Digital Citizenship In The Classroom”). Some worry that the use of technology will encourage people to “cease to exercise their memory and become forgetful” (qtd. In Carr, “Is Google Making Us Stupid?”).

“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.

Nearly 20 years ago when the World Wide Web was released, many people in society had no idea what type of advances were in store for the technological world. Endless opportunities became available worldwide in every avenue of approach, one of those being education. Education has blossomed in the light of technology and will only continue to do so for many generations to come. Although it can be argued that technology is negatively effecting the education system, more innovative ways of learning are becoming available and society has no choice but to conform to these advances.

Jenny Arledge, a first grade teacher in Valparaiso, Indiana states, “Technology can become the ‘wings’ that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before—if we will allow it.” In today’s society, technology is all around us and ever changing, especially in schools. Technology can help give students a better education by allowing more opportunities for learning. Some people claim that technology is a distraction from learning and that it is more negative than beneficial, but this is not true because technology helps students learn more than they would ever be able to. Without technology students would not have the opportunity to learn to their potential. Although technology has its drawbacks, schools should consider how technology helps schools change in preparation for the future, allows students to retain new information, and increases interaction and communication.

It is imperative that schools and colleges be up-to-date with the latest technology in order to meet the needs of the digital natives. Although there may be some technological difficulties at times, such as internet failure, technology is a way to gather information right at your fingertips. No longer do we have to rely on encyclopedias because everything one would need is online and readily accessible. By incorporating technology into the schools and colleges teachers are able to meet the students on the level in which they are eager to

Despite recent efforts in innovation, the rise of technology and the consistent changing of pedagogy, a range of studies have recently shown that students may be exiting the schooling system because of the disconnect between this system and the new digital world which ‘digital natives’ (ref) have become accustomed to in their formative years.

It seems that technology is growing, improving, and changing at an exponential rate. Technology now affects every part of our lives from the time we get up to the time we go to bed, and even as we sleep. One of the major areas that has been affected by technology is education. At one time, the only option for students to complete their education was in a traditional classroom setting. There has become a major need for non-traditional education because there has been a growth in the amount of non-traditional students that exist in our society. The advancement of technology has

As we navigate through the 21st century, technology in the classroom is becoming further predominant. iPads are replacing our textbooks, and we can research any desired topic on our smartphones. The impact that technology has had on today’s schools has been utterly momentous. Educators have now seen firsthand the numerous benefits of technology in the classroom. According to a study by IT Trade Association CompTIA, around 75 percent of educators have come to the conclusion that technology has a positive impact on the education process. Educators have also recognized the significance of developing these technological skills in students so they will be prepared to enter the workforce after they graduate (Cox). By incorporating technology in the classroom, teachers are setting our students up for a successful life outside of school. The increase of technology has even changed how teachers teach along with how

Technology is rapidly growing, and consistently changing the dynamics of education as we know it. According to Robinson, McKenna, and Conradi (2012), “literacy teachers must find effective means of integrating computers and other forms of technology into their instruction” (p. 235). I believe that the integration and use of technology in classrooms is crucial in the development of students. “We believe it is essential for schools to assist students in developing the technological skills that will be required of literate citizens in the future” (Robinson, McKenna, & Conradi, 2012, p. 253). In todays days, more students are struggling with learning disabilities, language barriers, and speech delays. Many of these quite stressful on both the student and teachers, and can be damaging on a students academics. With the help of integrated technology, programs can be built on approaches which help students to reach their instructional goals. “The times, they are a changin’ “ Stated by Robinson, McKenna, and Conradi (2012) to embrace the growth of technology in schools that are resistant (p. 235). It is important that every teacher is well educated on computer software systems, so that their students are able to navigate successfully through the software and desktop. One of the biggest and most important questions schools are now being asked is whether to invest time and resources into an integrated learning system, such as a basal reading program conducted solely through the

Currently, there is a colossal debate regarding the use of technology in education. Some argue that using technology has a multitude of benefits, while others argue that technology use generates drawbacks or problems. I have read “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants” by Marc Prensky, “The Learning Potential Of E-Books” written by Lotta Larson, and “Students’ perceptions of the usefulness of an E-book with annotative and sharing capabilities as a tool for learning: a case study” by Ee-Lon Lim and Khe Foon Hew, and I support the argument in which technology should be implemented into education because of its numerous benefits. The way that the education system is currently structured should change in order to allow technology to assist the teaching and learning process of today’s students.

Technology is advancing rapidly and because of this, our lives are constantly changing. We have to adapt to the changes in our world. Technology is one of the most significant and beneficial changes in our history and schools need to be taking advantage of this. While some schools believe technology is a distraction that hinders learning, technology should be integrated into classrooms because it provides a large amount of information and prepares people for the use of technology in their futures.

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 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.