The polished slate which was once layered with films of carbon has been long replaced by tablets and e-books. Technology has significantly replaced conservative modes of teaching and has taken over teachers in a number of arenas. Whether it is assisting our teachers or has raised a bar against their traditional methodologies, still remains to be a topic of discussion.
Technology is assisting teachers all over the globe to expand beyond the age old linear, text-based learning techniques to actively engage students to learn best in other interactive ways. From being a contained “computer class” to being transformed into a flexible learning tool that can efficiently demonstrate concepts, live models, assign projects and measure progress.
With the speedy technological advancements during the last decade, new methodologies and the areas of its implication have surfaced in the fields of elementary as well as higher education. Owing to this, fresh data and experience can be spread and can add up to an overall amplification in the quality and broad level of knowledge. In spite of these opportunities, implementation of modern technology by schools cannot be seen everywhere. Schools all across the nation still doubt over if they should incorporate technology or not, while other countries are asking how to accomplish the same.
While a number of us might feel that technology is really assisting our education system, but a large proportion of traditionalists wouldn’t deny that we might be overlooking our teachers. Although the use of novel technology in the educational system and modern tutoring techniques engage teachers yet it also generates a definite amount of scepticism. If we look from the point of view of a teacher, at times it might be reasonably exhausting to get acquainted with new methods, not least of the technical kind. An unspoken sentiment of not being able to master the technology or being thoroughly knowledgeable to combine it with the subject’s theme can avert the instructor from taking necessary steps to get on the go. Many a times, teachers can become a victim of reluctance to learn. This is due to a number of reasons. It’s widely seen that teachers are unable to cope up with the modern assets of technology if they don’t have prior knowledge in the IT background. Sometimes the technology in itself might be outdated or bugged, which can lead to further issues. Technology which does not function efficiently eventually leads to discontent and irritation on the part of the instructor and often becomes a hurdle for further trials.
Still we cannot deny the fact that the growth in this field has, nevertheless, moved so rapidly that in our present day it is possible to get access to various hardware and softwares tools, which are relatively easy to use. Past occurrences have proven that good, effective and clear-cut planning makes it easier for a new technology to be inculcated into the curriculum of an educational institute. What it really needs is long-term planning and a goal-related methodology which can apprise teachers of the current trends in the technological tools used while teaching. Students in turn are always seen to be welcoming newer technologies in the pattern of their school or college curriculums! A ‘Coordinated Approach’ is all that’s required to produce the beat results!