In implementing instructional technology, administrators may have several objectives. These objectives are based on the individual instructional goal that is expected to be achieved by the use of technology. Before coming up with the goals or objectives, administrators must have sat down and formulated a plan to determine and analyze the reasons for use of technology for teaching and learning purposes.
In most cases after the planning process, administrators come up with similar objectives that include: technology supporting inquiry from the students, facilitating and enhancing the process of communication in the classroom, assisting the students in understanding concepts through critical analysis of data, and lastly technology helping to extend information access especially in the use of the internet (Lowenthal, 2010).
There are various forms of technology that can be used for classroom instructions. These forms only differ with the purpose for which they are intended. Each form has its own unique objective that is aimed at enhancing the learning process. Some of these forms include computers and the internet, projections, video content, handheld technologies such as palmtop computers, and various educational software. Taking a look at the software programs, it is noticed that they have more specific instructional goals. For instance, a word processor might help a student develop good communication skills (Anderson, 2003).
Spreadsheet software and the database will instill in a student the ability to organize things, something essential for the positive development of a student. Then there are modeling software for example in chemistry there could be software that gives every important detail of all the elements of the periodic table. These modeling software programs would assist a student in understanding scientific and mathematical concepts.
Technology in the classroom assists the students to have a wide range of information access and hence being exposed to more resources. This is achievable especially with the use of the internet to enhance learning. The internet provides access to a lot of information which can be very useful to students. Internet access has even been made easier by the introduction of easily portable gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, and handheld computers. All these technological devices can be used in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning (NCREL, 2005).
The other objective is assisting students to understand concepts through critical analysis of data. This is especially achievable through the utility of the modeling software for both mathematics and sciences. Scientific concepts sometimes are difficult to grasp at once and even after grasping, there is the potentiality of forgetting them sometimes. Through technology, students are able to have a real-life perspective of the concepts. This implies that the students will be able to apply the concepts in their real-life environment after learning them from class. This enhances learning and removes the worry of forgetting the concepts (NCREL, 2005).
The most important objective for using technology in the classroom is the objective of assisting students to easily understand ideas and concepts explained in books theoretically. The purpose of teaching students is to enable them to understand the information fed to them that is important for their development. In case students are unable to understand clearly or they easily forget, then the purpose of learning is not being met. There is a need to use means that support and enhance students’ understanding. Furthermore, when technology is used in the classroom, it equally makes it easier for the instructor to communicate with the learners.
Reference List
Anderson, D. R. (2003).. E-Learning in the 21st Century: A Framework for Research and Practice. New York: Routledge.
Lowenthal, P. R. (2010). Labels do matter! A critique of AECT’s redefinition of the field. TechTrends, 54(1), 38-46.
NCREL. (2005). Critical Issue: Using Technology to Improve Student Achievement. Web.