Resource Based Economy

Expect more on this topic as times unfolds. I believe I have found my niche..

Using Technology in the Classroom

Technology is making major inroads in the classroom. Almost every classroom that i have visited in schools that i have worked had in it some kind of technological apparatus. It is not uncommon nowadays to see an overhead projector, LCD display, DVD player, computers or even smartboards and the like in a classroom.

It seems that technology implementation in the classroom has become a must. Many at times teachers feel the need to use technology in the classroom even when it does not facilitate or add any value to the teaching-learning process, either because the teacher may not be technologically savvy or access to the technology is limited by scarcity or troubleshooting. There are also cases where teachers rely too much on technology to the point where the teaching-learning process becomes a bore, particularly for the students.

I am all for technology use- the internet as a resource for information in the classroom, software like Geometers Sketch Pad or google earth to aid the facilitating of geometry, PowerPoint presentations, word processing software for students' writing etc. these few examples are some of the ways in which technology can be used. My concern however is when teachers feel obligated to use technology even when its use brings about more problems than it solves. Another major concern that i have is when teachers loose their edge and creativity because they have become overly reliant on technology. For example a skilled teacher will use a power point presentation in addition to their strong presence and personality only to enhance the teaching process and perhaps for expediency, however a dull teacher will simply just read off the power point without any personal presence.

It is important to note that though technology is a powerful tool, it is us humans that bring it to life, and not the other way round. And there is nothing more engaging to students than a knowledgeable teacher full of insight, grace, and spirit.

Technology in Education

The use of technology in education is inevitable. And i believe that this is the case because of the prevalence of technology use in this millennium. From hand held computers, to cell phones that can make 'pancakes', ipods, etc. Not to mention the internet, and the many applications that are now available for these hand held devices.

Take for example apple's application store with hundreds of educational applications that can be purchased at a relatively inexpensive price or at no cost at all. Not only does this aid learning outside the classroom but it also puts into the hands of the beholder a wealth of information and resources that was not possible just a few years ago. Furthermore podcasting is revolutionizing the education process. In apple's itunes U (link to the left) there are several podcasts of lectures by prominent professors from many Universities within and outside the country on a variety of topics, ranging from history, social science, mathematics, and language (just to mention a few). These podcasts can be downloaded onto handheld devices giving one the opportunity to access these lectures at their own convenience, whether one is riding on the train or even enjoying a beautiful day at the park.

I believe these innovations are just the tip of the iceberg of what technology can do to foster the education process.