Technology+in+Education

= The Importance of Technology in Education =

In the past, presenting face-to-face lectures, reading books, and completing assignments were the only learning methods in education. Learning was impossible without a teacher, books and blackboards. Today, the styles that teachers use to run the class have changed. They provide more positive ways for students to improve their learning and creativity. Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter to facilitate experiences that advance student learning. I believe that students learn best when they are taught under certain conditions, such as providing successful collaborative learning between students, and having a supportive learning environment. Students are the future and societies are changeable, and due to that fact teachers should use various instructional strategies to encourage students to develop their critical thinking and connect their knowledge with real-life experiences. Using cooperative learning and incorporating digital tools are the most effective strategies that I believe will promote student learning and creativity. ** Cooperative Learning ** According to Dr. Jones (2007), a student-centered approach helps students to develop a “can-do” attitude. It is effective, motivating, and enjoyable. It also deals with the problems that may arise. In a student-centered classroom, teachers and students are a team working together. They all play significant roles in the learning process. Students should be able to discover information and express their understanding by answering discussion questions and evaluating what they have learned. They should be aware that they are responsible for constructing their own knowledge. Also, they need to change from being passive learners to active participants in order to improve their learning process. All students should engage in the class activities, both physically and mentally. As Allison Fleak wrote, “What [students] are doing is good but they need to have, give, and show us more information, so that we know what to consider and what not to consider." (as cited in Erb, 2011, para. 7). Moreover, the teacher’s role turns to be more of a facilitator than instructor; teachers help to guide the students, manage their activities, and direct their learning. Being a teacher means helping students to learn and, in a student-centered class, the teacher is a member of the class as a participant in the learning process. Teachers will be available to give advice and encouragement when students are working together. After they’ve finished working, teachers will give them feedback, offer suggestions and advice, make corrections, and answer questions. In short, through cooperative learning, students would be able to exchange their ideas, become more dependent on themselves and responsible for their decisions.

Using technology in the field of education continues to become more prevalent; it has become a powerful tool that has changed the classroom role in myriad ways. Technology plays an important role in empowering students to be active learners rather than passive. It is an effective tool to increase motivation and self-esteem. Another effect of technology is increasing inclination on the part of students to work cooperatively and to provide peer tutoring (SRI International, n.d.). Consequently, it is important to integrate technology with student-centered instruction. Technology allows teachers to provide a helpful environment and useful learning for all students. Baxter (2000) suggested that we should look not at teaching, but at the ways in which children learn and decide how technology can enhance that learning process. Any technology that could improve the learning process is not only useful; but necessary. Technology is an important component, and will play an increasingly pivotal role in fostering a successful student-centered learning environment. As long as our students are a digital native, teachers must take a leading role in designing appropriate learning environments that effectively incorporate technology in order to help their students learn well with technology.
 *  Technology in Education **

**Technology Pedagogy and Content Knowledge (TPACK)** Technology Pedagogy and Content Knowledge (TPACK)is aframework for understanding the complexity of teaching with technology. This meaningful framework shows how teachers can combine pedagogy, which is using cooperative learning in class, and supportive digital tools, which is using technology, to enhance and effectively explain the content for subject matter.

In conclusion, I believe that teachers should involve students in their educational process by giving them space to express their own opinions. I think it is very important that teachers discuss lessons with students, encourage students to be involved in activities, ask questions, and provide open-ended assignments. Moreover, teachers need to hold a positive attitude towards technology in order to use it effectively in their teaching. By supporting active learning and using technology in the classroom, students will have, give, and show many opportunities to enhance and improve their learning and creativity.


 * References **

Baxter, B.M. (2000, September/October). Returning to the one-room schoolhouse. //The Technology Source//. Retrieved from []

Erb, M. (2011, November). Students express their opinions. Retrieved from []

[//Inspired writing walkthrough guide//]. **Retrieved** Mar 18, 2013 **from**: http://www.learnovationlab.org/tpack.html Jones, L. (2007). //The student-centered classroom.// Retrieved from []

SRI International, (n.d.). Effects of technology on classrooms and students. The Office ofEducational Research and Improvement U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from: http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html