Technology

Blended learning and collaborative online learning through the use of technology allow teachers to engage students at a different level. Technology provides an openness of resources and extends the library beyond the walls of the building. Schools that have not gone one-to-one with technology devices for students due to cost can adopt a ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) program to help reduce the costs associated. These, along with the educator having access to an infinite number of resources on the internet, have enhanced education yet, opened the door for challenges to school culture through social media, gossip lines, blogs, and message postings.

Access to technology has also changed education globally. The digital revolution has rapidly changed human behavior. Pictures and text messages are exchanged instantly on a worldwide scale. This interconnectedness within the digital world has not only created new grammar of communication but has led to new environments to share. Cellular or mobile telephones and wireless access has increased at a dizzying pace, and new area codes and regional numbering systems have had to be developed to handle the demand. Video games have eclipsed movies with a greater worldwide economic impact and the internet has changed the way information is shared. The instantaneous world of information sharing has become such a part of developed countries, most take for granted the luxury of connectedness. This, of course, is only the beginning. With every passing year, large companies and private organizations are digitizing print libraries making them available online. With the development of vast amounts of information at the fingertips of a world of students, educators will be compelled to open communication that is constant and direct. The education system that fails to do so will fall farther behind other countries and global education systems.

The bottom line is technology in education is not only the future, it is now.

Until next time...