Information and Communication Technology trains children exactly how to ‘participate in a rapidly changing world.’ (DFEE, 1999, pg 96)It seems that a classroom no longer needs a blackboard and chalk to educate young children. The world is growing and therefore the resources teachers use, the way in which they teach and the methods they practise must change with it. Brown states that ‘ICT [Information Communication Technology] expands horizons by shrinking worlds,’ (cited in DFEE, 1999, pg 97) so surely all practitioners should be using ICT in their classrooms to ‘expand’ the mind of a young child. This is only the case however, if the ICT resource facilitates the learning objectives set in place. Elston (2007) argues that
ICT is a fantastic tool that encourages innovation and benefits learning at every level. Others may feel less enthusiastic but still believe that ICT is here to stay and therefore should be used to its best advantage within education.’ (Elston, 2007, pg 128)
The Science and ICT based resource that i have chosen to evaluate offers a range of opportunities to fulfil the learning potential of Key Stage two students; If implemented correctly in the classroom this educational program can instil fundamental knowledge into the long term memory of young learners.
Despite these positive characteristics, the resource also exhibits a number of salient limitations. If these learning barriers are not addressed and subsequently neutralised then the information which is being communicated through the teacher’s exposition may be compromised.
The resource is regarding forces by using a gradient to adjust how far a toy truck travels. The concept of this educational tool is beneficial as it covers a range of topic w...
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...ring the learning of any individual class member.
In the program for study of ICT in the National Curriculum, it explains how in Key Stage two children should be taught how to ‘create, test, improve and refine’ ideas, and how to ‘investigate and evaluate’ the effect of circumstances. (DFEE, 1999, pg 100) This can be linked to the program of study for Science in Key Stage two where it states children should be taught how to make ‘systematic observations including the use of ICT for datalogging.’ ICT and Science can be linked compellingly during the topic ‘exchanging and sharing information’ where in ICT we see children being taught how to ‘share information in a variety of forms’ (DFEE, 1999, pg 100) and in Science where children will learn how to ‘use a wide range of methods...to communicate data in an appropriate and systematic manner.’ (DFEE, 1999, pg 83)
In this text, the author explores the role that technology currently plays in schools and in education in general, as well as future consequences that will occur depending on whether society continues to insist on a type of education that is relatively lacking in technology or decides to embrace the options available whole-heartedly. There are both gains...
In earlier times, the acquisition and spreading of knowledge was not used to improve society. Instead it was used to have control and to exclude certain groups. As one could imagine, there needed to be a change in the way that the education system was set up. In her essay, “Project Classroom Makeover”, Cathy Davidson discusses how the “one size fits all” model of learning hinders students from learning in a new and modernized way. She suggests the notion that using technology to teach and learn can be effective in many ways. Davidson shows that using technology presents the opportunity for a traditional classroom to become more inclusive and creative. The “democratization of knowledge” is the improvement and modernization of how information is taught and learned. Having a modernized and advanced learning system is a vital point for students because they gain insight and experience with what is considered a society dominated by advanced technology. Technology has become a dominant resource in the 21st century which makes it a relevant and essential factor needed to succeed in the world of education and
Turckle notes the change in the culture of literacy, “when I first began studying the computer culture, a small breed of highly trained technologists thought of themselves as ‘computer people.’ That is no longer the case” (606). Computer technologies and resources have become a normal part of everyday life. The availability of millions of sources and endless information has enabled a growth in knowledge and an enhancement of literacy. Turckle helps summarize the impact of technology by saying, “Today, starting in elementary school, students use e-mail, word processing computer simulations, virtual communities, and PowerPoint software. In the process, they are absorbing more than the content of what appears on their screens. They are learning new ways to think about what it means to know and understand” (601-602). This new way of thinking and the capability to use the internet enables students to be more proficient at gathering information. No longer does a person need to wait to borrow the book, drive to the library, find a bookstore; any person, at any time, can search out and discover the information he or she needs from a variety of sources that previously would not have been
Since my appointment to the Hillingdon School I have been afforded the opportunity to play an integral role in moving forward the ICT and Business Departments and the Technologies Curriculum Area. These roles, accompanied with the time that I have spent on the whole school ICT Development Group, have allowed me to build up a strong set of skills, experience and knowledge that has helped prepare me for a senior position within a very successful school. Indeed, my experience of working within a school that achieved the top grade in each of the Inspection Key Questions has provided me with an awareness of what is required for continuous school improvement and striving for educational excellence.
doi: 10.1787/9789264195714-en SAME AS >> Learning to Change: ICT in Schools. (2001). Schooling for Tomorrow, [online] p.10. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264195714-en [Accessed 29 May. 2014].
David Gelernter author of the essay, “Unplugged: The Myth of Computers in the Classroom,” used some rhetorical appeals but not many in his essay, whilst trying to logically persuade his audience that computers could be utilized in the classroom, but under certain stipulations. Gelernter has great credibility for speaking on education and technology, as he is a professor of computer science at Yale University, so he more than anyone should know the outcomes of using a computer as a tool while teaching. However, when it comes to technology a lot of older generations usually are pretty biased when discussing technologies advancements, Gelernter still had some very good points! Using computers while teaching our young children can be useful but with strict moderations; when, where, and why, because if not heavily monitored, computers could be extremely detrimental to the learning experience and processes for many students.
Technology forms the most vital element of life in the world today. Every aspect of our lives is dominated by technology and its importance in our lives is indispensable. One of the outstanding facts about technology use in schools is its controversial nature. There is no common agreement by stakeholders in technology and educations sectors about the use of technology in schools. There are two different factions, one supporting use of technology as a positive aspect, while the other faction disagrees, citing the detrimental effects of technology in students. However, the use of technology in classrooms catering for children continues to increase, as education develops more interesting ways of enhan...
Somekh, B (2007) Pedagogy and Learning with ICT: Researching the Art of Innovation. London: Routledge.
This article addresses how children have mastered the art of technology from a very early age. The internet allows for faster learning than textbooks because it helps children choose an avenue of learning that suits them best. Research has proven that vocabulary expands at a quicker rate with the use of technology. This article provides information from a variety of news sources and a professional writer. Harsh Wardhan Dave is a media and communications specialist. Harsh Wardhan has a passion for finding the right blend of technology and creativity in his writings. This source is relevant to the thesis statement because it also validates that we need to make the most of technology and the internet while still providing a healthy balance as well as ensuring a safe environment so that we can provide our children the best of both worlds.
Do you ever think about how much technology has changed the way we work, learn, play, and even think? Technology is a major beneficiary to society; especially in the classroom where we get the opportunity to learn and grow. In recent years, schools have begun implementing tablets and other devices in the classroom to better student’s education. The use of technology in the classroom provides more of a personalized learning experience and gives students a widespread availability to engage in learning. Technology is necessary in today’s modern globe, it is basically “the pen and paper of our time and the lens through which we experience much of our world” (Warlick, 2013). Technology is not just considered the “internet”, it is so much greater than that. Overall, it enhances the quality of education and engages students deeper than ever before. With all the significant gains, why would people argue that technology hinders students more than it helps? Critics may try to repute the use of technology in the classroom but I believe what really matters “is the way we use it, the context that we use it in, and the learners who we use it for” (Chong, 2012).
In conclusion, technology has changed education for the better allowing access to unlimited resources, distance learning and broadening the means of communication. Technology creates a more encouraging environment and stimulates students to engage in something they may be familiar with. Technology has allowed people to know more and to collaborate with each other. Students have a great range of technologies which strengthens the relationship between knowledge and students. The technology used today throughout the world will only strengthen and advance the 21st century education system. With unlimited resources, students can take advantage of their learning and gain the most from it. Integrating technology into education promotes a better learning community.
Today is an era of information explosion. In the past few years, many newly invented technological devices and software are now tightly integrated with our everyday lives. Today, people can look up almost any kind of information, make friends, communicate with others, and express ourselves with the simple touch of a button on a device we usually keep within arm’s reach. “Widespread use of technology is changing the way we work, learn, and communicate – even the way we carry out our regular, daily activities.”(Seifer and Mihalynuk) These devices not only benefit our livelihoods and increase our happiness, but they are also integral in advancing education, technology, development, and, in general, human evolution. The children of today, who have been raised in this era of information explosion, will undoubtedly reap such benefits and, in turn, advance society towards a better generation.
Andy Carvin states “ internet access in schools isn’t worth a hill of beans if teachers aren’t prepared to take full advantage of technology” (2000). Schools spend a lot of money on computer hardware and software as well as other technologies without realizing that many of their employees are unprepared to include them in their teaching and use them to their advantages. Educators often use technology as a classroom management tool rather than an educational one, allowing computer time as a reward for good behavior (Clark & Gorski, 2001). The problem with this is that students learn to use the computer for games and such because it is their reward instead of using it on their own time for educational purposes. This is teaching them the wrong idea. Margaret Honey, director of the Center for Children and Technology in NYC said it best, “The bottom line is, you don’t just put technology into schools or into homes and expect miracles to happen. The technology is only as good as the program that surrounds it” (Meyer, 2002, p.2).
Technology has changed many aspects of our lives, so why should we expect less of the classroom atmosphere? Technology in the classroom has changed the way students learn and the way teachers teach. Technology today is integrated into the classroom as a teaching tool rather than being taught as a course. There are many ways that technology is used in today’s classroom such as the World Wide Web, Power Point, and Excel (Starr, 2011). Teachers will continue to be the most important aspect of a child’s education because they teach and technology does not. The use of technology in the classroom can bring advantages to a child’s education but can also bring disadvantages (Cleaver, 2011).
Ciesemier, K., Coughlin, E., & Williamson, J. (1997). Area One Learning Technology Hub: Engaged Learning with Technology.