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Quest
Change in the education landscape
PAROMITA PAIN
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Technology is most effectively used in the classroom when teachers and students work together.
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Photo: Kiran Bakale
Wireless connectivity: As essential as the book bag.
Computers today are a ubiquitous feature of most classrooms. But is installing a computer and allowing students to surf the Internet during school hours all that technology in education involves? Manav Subodh, Manager- University Programs Corporate Affairs, South Asia, Intel Technology India says, “Technology is all set to change the education landscape. At a basic level it increases the reach that a teacher would like to have, like the
idea of virtual classrooms and distance learning. And more importantly, it brings a vastly increased source of knowledge from across the world to the student. Appropriate technology also enables the provision of this at a far lower price than other options. For its most effective and beneficial adoption, teachers and students must work together.”
Has technology advanced enough in India today to replace the blackboard?
Is India or for that matter any other country in the world ready to replace the blackboard? I think not. Technology co-exists with tools currently available in the classrooms today. It equips students to find and use information, enhance their ability to communicate effectively with others, improve their ability to form meaningful working relationships and groups. How will wireless connectivity redefine the classroom of the future?
In the last three years, user-created content and social networking have already been established on many campuses. Mobile devices are now becoming more prevalent around the world.
User-created content is all around us — from blogs and photostreams to wikibooks and videoclips. Small tools and easy access have opened the doors for almost anyone to become an author, a creator, or a researcher. These represent a new form of contribution and an increasing trend toward authorship. Social Networking is increasingly, the reason students log on. The websites that draw people back are those that connect them with friends, colleagues, or even total strangers who have a shared interest. As the universities of the future start maximising the advantages of user-created content and social networking, wireless campuses will become imperative. The time is approaching when wireless connectivity will be as much a part of education as a book bag or backpack.
How best can teachers integrate technology in the classroom?
Integration of technology in the classroom is best accomplished if the educators are well versed with the use of technology and can adapt the technology to meet the needs of their course work effectively.
A few pointers: 1. Every teacher should have access to technology and basic IT infrastructure; 2. Good connectivity, access to social collaboration tools like wiki’s and blogs; 3. Teachers must be given opportunities to get trained not just on IT literacy but also on how to use IT in non-IT subjects. In other words using IT for project-based learning and research-based teacher learning practices; 4. Stronger recognition and endorsement system for teachers demonstrating excellence in use of IT in teaching.
What is the best way teachers can make students adopt technology better?
• It must be a collaborative effort.
• Allot time in computer labs as part of the course. Curriculum integration in syllabus and formal periods for IT literacy as well as using IT in subject literacy.
• Make it more fun; cater to multiple learning requirements.
• Simulation of real life projects and experience-based learning. Enhance learning by using visual tools and animations.
• Multiple assessments, training tools and strategies available for student centric learning. Each student is unique and has a different style and pace of learning. IT can be used to customise learning thereby increasing student’s interest and learning retention.
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