Valuing the Importance of Technology in Education
The modern classroom of today caters to learners who are considered as digital natives. With the advent of computers and applications that prove to make a lot of processes easier and faster, methods used in instruction keep evolving as a result of digital revolution. If we are to increase learner engagement inside the classroom and make learning easier and more efficient for them, we should appreciate the power of technology in the learning process.
Digital Technology provides learners with a variety of learning resources that not only eases their burden of processing a volume of information but also encourages them to learn independently by being able to carry out research tasks, as gathering information with the use of the internet is only a click away, very much unlike before, where you have to spend a considerable amount of time to do some reading to acquire your needed data. For visual learners, instructional videos make concepts simpler to comprehend to, which owes to the fact that there are various learning styles that the traditional set-up can’t always cater to. Aside also from the ease in completing a task, computer-aided instruction sustains learner interest in the lesson, as they are more exposed to gadgets nowadays, which is something they could easily relate to. Thus, it’s use may be attributed to achieving higher quality education for learners.
Applied to teaching, Accessibility is one advantage that yields benefits for both the teacher and the learners. It saves them both time and cost in meeting the daily demands of instruction like assignments, projects, not to mention rating student’s performance, which is now also technology-based. Communication is no longer a problem so a learner can always make queries or follow-ups on certain classroom concerns, which he can do at any time of the day.
As an integral part of the learning process, it has enabled students to educate themselves through online courses, without having to spend much on transportation and fees which universities require. Remotely, professionals, like teachers, can pursue education to further upgrade themselves, and still continue to have a career. Technology is being used to teach differently, whether that through online learning or merely showing a video in a cl assr oom( onl i nebusi nessschool .com)
Without a doubt, it has taken its part in the educative process. On the part of the teacher, gone are the days where she has to preserve teaching aids made from pattern paper or cartolina. It is far easier to prepare a presentation and save it for future use. A wide variety of pictures and videos are available in the net through different apps or online resources that enhance the traditional way of teaching. It also satisfies our goal of having our learners engage in classroom activities as they become more interested in learning, as we can utilize games and videos to stimulate and enable them to learn at their own pace, thereby leading to retention of learning. Life skills like collaboration and critical thinking are also developed in learners as they interact with others virtually.
Indeed, Technology has transformed our educational system and the way people acquire and retain information. It has become a fundamental part of a very promising future in education, that would open doors of opportunities for those who value its importance and put it into good use.
I believe that engaging parents in the schooling of their child is one way of helping them understand their child better. This kind of involvement will let them know how their child performs in school. By doing this, they will know the strengths and weaknesses of their child which is very essential in planning how are they going to support them at home.
One on one parent-teacher communication is one of the best practices that is being applied in my classroom because of its positive effect in attaining parents engagement and support. During issuance of report cards and PTA Meetings, I usually talk to parents to report their child’s behaviour and performance in school. When it is really needed, I send letters of invitation so we can discuss important matters about their child.
One essential point that I want to focus is when we talk to parents. If we only tend to generalize they will be more likely to be passive. But when we talk to them closely about our deepest concern with their child, they will be more curious about their child’s performance/ behaviour. This is the time they will begin to understand the situation. Instead of proceeding to the child’s learning difficulties and behavioural problems, report first the strengths and how these strengths impact the learning ability of the child and this will lead to a positive conversation. Once you are done with the strengths that will the time you will proceed to a more serious conversation about their child’s weaknesses. As the teacher, let the parents feel your concern about their child to gain their trust and support. Once you caught the parents’confidence, they will surely allot time and effort to support their child because the teacher made them feel that their support is really necessary. Regular short conversations about their child’s development and progress are also important to sustain their motivation and eagerness to help. In that way, they will feel rewarded about the positive outcome of their commitment and support.
Leaders play a vital role in order that an organization become successful and that schools become effective place for learning , and places where students are not only educated but tested , developed and motivated .
On the other hand, low performing leaders can weaken the goals and objectives of an educational system. When good leaders are absence in school, Learning is being compromised and that teachers and students suffer.
According to a Wallace Foundation study, “Leadership is second only to classroom instruction as an influence on student learning.”
To become effective school leaders build and sustain good relationship with the internal and external stakeholders , in order to promote good partnership within the community to cultivate responsive, caring school communities.
In order to attain these community networks, school leaders must be transparent and are visible in their schools and in various activities in the community. The support of these people will automatically of big help in the school.
Also, as a Leader, you need to empower your teachers and capacitate their leadership skills. Because in return, they will play a great part in fulfilling a certain job in school.
Because at the end of the day. You alone cannot perform a task and that you have to be surrounded by great teachers and colleagues that will fully support the idea of a great and successful job.
Besides, it is true that when people are fulfilled and given the chance for career growth, as well as the control over their careers, they are more creative, innovative and more effective in general.
Teachers are more inclined to work at their best, perform with diligent and passion when they know that they are being empowered, and that they get the trust from the their leader.
Best leaders are also visionaries.They create a goal that they can combine a team around and a plan to help them achieve what they have planned. And not just that, they are also capable in giving clear directions with regards to their vision and mission in school.
Vision is perhaps one of the most important quality a leader should possess, as it provides drive and direction, not just for himself , but for each and every team member. Of course, in order for leaders to be successful in the completion of their vision and enacting their plan, they must complement their vision with passion and commitment. Vision and passion from an effective leader should make the members the inspiration, motivation and excitement that they are indeed part of the success of the organization.