ALS Symposium on Responsible Use of Information Technology and Desirable Behavior on Peers and in Higher Education Institutions: An educator’s perspective.
By REVIC C. FREBALDOS, Ed.D. Student
Information Technology includes but is not limited to desktop computers, workstations, network servers, mainframe computers, software, digital information and voice, video, and data networks, including official College pages on social networking sites.
As time passes, technology follows the up curve in the progress graph. It is not anymore a hidden fact that technology has made life of human being comfortable. Today’s learners have the innate ability to easily navigate and use the Web. The Internet has evolved into a “participatory culture,” allowing students to create, connect, and collaborate with a global audience.Educators need to think of ways to train today’s generation to be responsible and ethical life-long learners of the digital age. Teachers must demonstrate, guide, and help students practice appropriate and professional behavior while actively participating in authentic learning experiences using blogs, wiki spaces, learning management systems, online research, and much more.
First, I must commend the lecturers for a job well done on providing us with the experience and knowledge needed to complete the symposium. It was very challenging on the part of the ALS learners on how to use responsibly the technology, and with their diligence and perseverance,the symposium was successful. They have heared that technology helps provide them with easy access to information via the Internet that before involved trips to libraries. In addition, this access to information can be free to students, by utilizing resources such as Wikipedia in a responsible fashion. Technology can also be a gateway to the vast realms of creativity for students, allowing them to participate in activities that they never would have dreamed possible. For example, students can create their own websites/blogs from scratch, which allows them to be creative while they will design it from its conception to completion. While it is important for teachers to understand that they cannot become completely dependent upon technology as a means to enhance their own teaching strategies, when technology is integrated into a teacher’s instructional calendar it can be a tremendous benefit to students in the classroom. They gain a wealth of knowledge and skills needed.
The effective use of technology in Education has changed the face of education and it has created more educational opportunities. Both teachers and students have benefited from various educational technologies, teachers have learned how to integrate technology in their classrooms and students are getting more interested in learning with technology. The use of technology in educationhas removed educational boundaries, both students and teachers can collaborate in real time using advanced educational technologies.
Technology has helped in the growth of mobile learning and long distance learning. The use of internet technology has enabled teachers to reach students across boarders and also students from developing countries have used internet technology to subscribe for advanced educational courses. Many universities and colleges have embraced online education by creating virtual classrooms. Online education is flexible and affordable,students can attend classrooms during their free time, and they can also have a chance to interact with other students virtually.Recent advancements in educational technologies have yielded positive results in our education sector. This new educational technology is supporting both teaching and learning processes, technology has digitized classrooms through digital learning tools like, computers, iPads, smartphones, smart digital white boards; it has expanded course offerings, it has increased student’s engagement and motivation towards learning.
Technology will be a great asset in the classroom, as a motivational aid and a teaching tool to help students succeed. The realms of technology in the classroom have expanded far beyond mere word processing and basic presentations with images, and technology is now a prime way to motivate students. Now, those same programs used for simple tasks are capable of so much more. For example, instead of merely creating a PowerPoint presentation, teachers can use video games, before used only for children’s entertainment, now can be learning tools instead with a proper introduction. By using technology in this fashion, students can become more engaged in instruction and achieve a more substantive learning experience.As an educator , using technology efficiently in the classroom with presentational purposes, also develop my own activities which bring as much educational information as fun to my class. and the way for greater success in delivering my lessons.
As I continue to reflect I have come to realization that the advantages of using technology in the classroom are many both inside and outside the basic classroom. In the class, on the other hand, I have experienced that the use of technology, when efficiently applied, can bring variety rising motivation and attention in the students and may change attitudes towards learning. The use of presentation tools such as PowerPoint or helps to fulfil this goal. Besides, technology also helps in a good extent to bring information to the students.
My personal observation has showed me that technology is a positive tool in the classroom. It brings advantages in the teaching process both for educators and for learners. Motivation and changes of attitude arise when efficiently employed. However, to reach a good understanding on the use of technology, it is necessary to receive instruction. Furthermore, it is necessary to rethink its use, apply accurate methods, and design new possibilities that better reach the goal of the class, inside and outside the educational room.
As I continue to reflect I have come to realization that the advantages of using technology in the classroom are many both inside and outside the basic classroom. In the class, on the other hand, I have experienced that the use of technology, when efficiently applied, can bring variety rising motivation and attention in the students and may change attitudes towards learning. The use of presentation tools such as PowerPoint or helps to fulfil this goal. Besides, technology also helps in a good extent to bring information to the students.
My personal observation has showed me that technology is a positive tool in the classroom. It brings advantages in the teaching process both for educators and for learners. Motivation and changes of attitude arise when efficiently employed. However, to reach a good understanding on the use of technology, it is necessary to receive instruction. Furthermore, it is necessary to rethink its use, apply accurate methods, and design new possibilities that better reach the goal of the class, inside and outside the educational room.
Of course, there are some negative effects of technology too but come on, everything comes with merits and demerits. It’s on us how we use any particular thing.
GOD BLESS EVERYONE…
