IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS

WHY do we need it????
Technology is here and we need to accept that at first. It is difficult as well as ignorant to not involve technology in our learning, in our ‘new’ education model. In India, resources are an issue but with careful planning, some input of technology can benefit the children multifold. There is a need to bridge gaps in areas such as even education to all, smoothening transition between schools and work and making a globally aware student, with skills such as critical thinging, application and research among other needs.

Some of the important aspects under consideration in schools for Information and Communication technology Literacy are

v Communicating Effectively- technology presents a lot of platforms to communicate in different ways besides a pencil and paper. Environments such as Blogs, power-points do provide a choice in communication. Thus it caters to Differentiated Instructions as well as Multiple Intelligences Theory.

v Analysing Data: With the plethora of data available now with the web(an unavoidable resource) it is an important skill which children can acquire through knowing how to search for data effectively or organizing it in the form of spreadsheets and other documents.

v Aids learning: Textbooks are sometimes insufficient to bring out certain concepts. Technology can bring that life and magic in learning meaningfully. Our model of experiential learning gets easier to provide with the help of softwares in Scienc, mathe etc.

v Self-paced learning: Technology gives the child an opportunity for further exploration. Also this can be shared with their peer and will build group skills as well as peer learning skills.

v Inclusive: Technology can make education inclusive and for children who have disabilities in any area can be supported with the help of special devices available in technology.

Skeptics may argue that these skills were prevalent before the advent of technology. So what’s all this humdrum about?
I will enumerate the benefits of technology a bit more.

Technology is not teacher dependant-it is all there for everyone to see and use. Thus there is an equitable access to resource to a child in Ghana as there is to a child in the U.S. Here I am talking about the Web, where there is access to sites as well as critiques, blogs pictures, etc. Earlier information was dependant on the teacher and you were lucky to have been taught by ‘her’ but now even most of the other not so lucky ones have found equity. Ofcourse guidance to every new skill is required and for that the teacher is an important factor, but now her role will be that of a facilitator, researcher and a guide and not the sole resource of knowledge.

Is technology an aid or a distraction? Is ir replacing the joy of reading books?
Books can not be replaced. Teachers can not be replaced. Each have their place, a very important one. Technology if used correctly in terms of amount of time and specific goals can be a tool of aid in learning.

What about teacher competency? How do you change an old mindset?
The answer is through professional development and support. Peer learning and sharing will be skills which are handy at this time and could be inculcated among teachers.

What about the dynamic nature of technology?
We are here to bring a change and to stay ahead and maximize benefits to learners-whether students or adults, we have to work towards incorporating changes and making our systems dynamic not stagnant and redundant.

So what is the way forward?
What are the Consideration for applying Technology in schools?
They broadly are:
1. Specific educational goals and vision of learning through technology
2. Ongoing professional development
3. Structural changes in the school day
4. A good technical infrastructure and technical support
5. Ongoing evaluation