Mobile technology, it seems has become as important as food, water and oxygen. It is a rare sight to walk down the street these days, and not see people with smart phones. A new generation of humans that will eventually suffer from back problems and bad eye sight. That instantaneous ability to access the internet and multi functions including a clock, really has changed our society. So how does this connection with the digital world benefit education? Surely having knowledge at our fingers tips is a good thing?
As computers and mobile devices have evolved, so has the range of teaching software's available such as; interactive tutorials, computerised library catalogues and educational games to name a few. With all these choices and easy access, would it be advantageous to use a plethora of different applications or to solely use technology to enhance our lessons? The Ministry of Education in 2006 made this statement 'e-learning has the potential to transform the way we learn. Its about exploiting technologies and using them effectively across the curriculum' (Mcdougall et all, 2010, pp. 29). Further studies also suggest that 'people are more likely to use new technologies if they have a positive attitude towards them and perceive them to be useful in their work and for professional development (Mcdougall et all, 2010, pp. 13).
Though I agree with the above research, that e-learning is definitely the future, I feel it has to be, from a practical point of view. The way technology is evolving at such a rapid pace, it is paramount for our students to at least have a basic understanding of using IT. In this day and age, it appears that children from an early ages, are being introduced to the fundamentals of operating a mobile phone, tablet or gaming device. Are teachers going to be a thing of the past in years to come...will books become antique and social interaction confined to talking online? I hope not.
Reference:
McDougall, A, Murnane, J, Jones, A and Reynolds, N. (2010) RESEARCHING IT IN EDUCATION: THEORY, PRACTICE AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS. New York: Routledge
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