User blog:Sheka09/Integration of Technology

It is becoming abundantly clear that this ‘new’ generation are decidedly different learners than their parents, grandparents and even older siblings. They’ve grown up in a world surrounded by technology and are being asked to meet higher academic standards (E.g. GSAT now PEP). Students are expected to understand concepts at a much more complex level. Teachers who have been in the teaching system for several decades (or even researchers) notice that today’s students are quite different from those who sat in their classrooms in the 20th century, but how is that affecting education? One noticeable characteristic of 21st century learners is that these students want and expect to have a say in their education. In fact, many teachers are finding that 21st century students respond much better when they feel that their voices are being heard. Greater collaboration, critical thinking skills and a digital environment or some of the many changes seen in the 21st century learners. Collaboration is becoming an increasingly important component of classroom instruction. With curricula usually being structured for learning that is mainly an individual activity with just a touch of collaboration, the approach has now been flipped. These students want and expect to work together, and many teachers are incorporating more class projects and group work into their instruction because of this. Schools can also use technology like Skype, Facebook and even WhatsApp to allow students to collaborate with their counterparts in other states or countries, giving them a greater cultural perspective in an increasingly globalized world. This introduction of collaboration also allows students to be more involved in group work whether near or far as there is a technological solution for either. Not to forget the teachers who can also use these same resources to keep parents in the know. It is no secret that the 21st century learners are critical thinkers. The idea is that the ability to think critically can be applied to all subjects and areas of students’ lives, even beyond their education. Teachers (and technology) help students develop the ability to look at problems from many different angles, rather than simply repeating and memorizing the “right answer.” Teachers help students learn to think critically by presenting them with open-ended problems and encouraging them to come up with creative solutions. With the help of technology this has also been reinforced as many times situations or problems present themselves which the user them selves of these technological devices have to figure out and by moving things around (and experimenting) children and even adults would come up with a solution to their problems and if not a technician ,family member, or a friend is always a last resort. The 21st century learner is extremely technologically inclined. They’ve grown up in a world of instant Internet access and can use computer programs with ease, cell phones, tablets and even televisions. Many schools are making an effort to engage these digital natives by supplying tablets, so they can learn on the go, or allowing them to use the Internet to research educational topics and connect with other students across the globe using programs such as the famous skype or other video applications.

       One of the main implications of the 21st century learners being ‘critical thinkers’ for teaching and learning is that they (students) are equipped to make reasoned judgments, think logically, and question their actions before executing. As critical thinkers these learners will execute self-confidence, understanding of the opinion of others, have a willingness to reconsider and revise. They will also become flexible in considering alternatives to questions and answers. Theses students are analysists, in thinking and presenting. They have better control of their own learning and are usually very creative as they think ‘outside of the box’ (always seeking alternatives). Being a critical thinker will not only be a great skill in the classroom but also in their everyday lives. As for policy decisions, this will help administrations and the responsible bodies to create a better learning environment for these students. It will also help with providing the right tools and teachers also, because of these student’s ability to analyse, evaluate, reason, and so on. They will be required to have a teacher and the necessary resources to challenge their abilities. So this will help the education body to better prepare an environment more suitable and rewarding for students learning.

The integration of technology in teaching and learning, without a doubt will enhance the quality of education for our students. Firstly it creates the opportunity for easy access to limitless information. Teachers and students ‘back then’ had to spend hours in the library looking for the information they needed. Today, technology integration makes everything easier. Students can easily access articles, studies, and any other type of content online. They can even write better, deeper academic papers because they can support their arguments with more evidence. When there is a lecture the students don’t understand, they can find simpler instructions and information with a single Google search.

Secondly, students can practice collaboration skills by getting involved in different online activities. For instance, learning about the different cultures, students working on different projects by collaborating with others on forums or by sharing documents on their virtual learning environments can help them to broaden their imagination and knowledge by just speaking or seeing other people and interacting with them digitally. Technology can encourage collaboration with students in the same classroom, same school and even with other classrooms around the world.

Thirdly, with online resources availability in abundance, technology can help improve teaching which is mostly beneficial for the learners. Teachers can use trusted online resources to enhance their creativity and keep students more engaged. From: Virtual lesson plans, grading software and online assessments, these can help teachers save a lot time. This valuable time can then be used for working with students who are struggling. Helping to have a successful class of scholars.