Introduction
With the immense growth in technology and its application in various fields, it has become indispensable in the delivery of educational content, educational strategies, and equipment. Technology now plays a big role in increasing educational productivity as an enabling platform for educational planning, content delivery, and equipment (Desai, Hart, & Richards, 2004). With the Internet age, content delivery has been facilitated via e-learning, simulation, video conferencing, and virtual classes. Proper utilization of technology in learning does not replace conventional education but provides students with significant tools to be successful.
Technology for learning content
As technological growth advances, institutions step forward in their adoption of asynchronous and synchronous methodologies of delivering learning content (Desai, Hart, & Richards, 2004). This is through various available media like the Internet, virtual classes, video conferencing, educational blogs and social media. Here, educational content is posted on the institution’s website, communication devices, customized educational software and simulations (Bullen & Janes, 2007). Digitizing of educational content saves student-teacher time and the costs associated with print materials.
Technology in instructional strategy and planning
Technology is widely applied in various aspects of instructional strategy and planning (Aldridge, & Goldman, 2007). This is through administrative purposes for efficiency and effective communication, optimal decision making, accountability and operational efficiency. Technology facilitates a cycle of professional development, innovation, resource allocation and forecasting of future trends and resource needs. It is further applied in technical support, educational assessment and quality assurance (Dewey, 1938). Technology enriches the curriculum by providing an interactive and hands-on level platform that allows students to work for their success.
Technological equipment for education
Technology offers numerous versatile platforms for delivery of educational and learning materials. This includes computing and mobile devices and the use of the Internet. With the world wide web, the available intellectual resources are increased by providing a dynamic learning environment (Desai, Hart, & Richards, 2004). There is the use of mobile web-enabled devices, notebooks, I-pads, laptops, smartphones and tablets with educational content. These devices have revolutionized communication, evaluation, education and management. With easy access to the Internet via the devices, students can easily access flexible e-learning (Bullen & Janes, 2007). This saves training costs in terms of time, hiring instructors, convenience and the costs involved in travelling for training. Companies further develop their own m-learning platforms for employee training to enhance their skills and productivity.
Advantages of technology use in education
- Technology helps enhance understanding through simulations and elaborate diagrams (Marzano, Pickering & Pollock, 2001).
- Technology helps students improve in areas of vocabulary, reading comprehension, conceptual facts and creativity.
- Use of technology improves student attitudes and interest. Visual and audio aids are vital for students with special needs (Johnson, Dupuis, Gollnick, Hall, & Musial, 2008).
- Technology enhances academic skills through communication and collaboration. Students are able to communicate across the globe and exchange ideas in social forums, blogs, at video conference and through social media (Pérez-Prado, & Thirunarayanan, 2005).
- Joint learning by students on computers facilitates understanding, self-esteem and attitude towards the process of learning.
- Web-multimedia content promotes interactive learning that surmounts the provisions of traditional static content hence distance learning is easier (Desai, Hart, & Richards, 2004).
Conclusion
The full adoption of technology by educational institutions has a significant impact on performance and grades. There are gains in the reduction of financial costs and operational efficiency in the educational system (Gutek, 2004). Technology presents a personalized platform that assists students to address their unique learning requirements. E-learning provides for equal and flexible access to higher education (Pérez-Prado, & Thirunarayanan, 2005). The use of technology in learning is extensive and influences or is influenced by the various educational stakeholders who should have consensus for technology change implementation.
References
Aldridge, J., & Goldman, R. (2007). Current issues and trends in education (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education. Web.
Bullen, M., & Janes, D. P. (2007). Making the transition to e-learning: Strategies and issues. Hershey, Pa. [u.a.: Information Science Pub. Web.
Desai, M. S., Hart, J., & Richards, T. C., (2004), E-learning Paradigm Shift in Education, Education 129(2): 327-334. Web.
Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. New York, NY: Touchstone Books. Web.
Gutek, G. L. (2004). Philosophical and ideological voices in education. Boston, MA: Pearson Education. Web.
Johnson, J. A., Dupuis, V. L., Gollnick, D. M., Hall, G. E., & Musial, D. (2008). Foundations of American education: Perspectives on education in a changing world (14th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education. Web.
Marzano, R. J., Pickering, D., & Pollock, J. E. (2001). Classroom instruction that works: Research-based strategies for increasing student achievement. Alexandria, Va: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Web.
Pérez-Prado, A., & Thirunarayanan, M. O. (2005). Integrating technology in higher education. Lanham, Md. [u.a.: University Press of America. Web.