Week 5: Role of Technology in Teaching & Learning

According to various research and peoples belief, there are a number of worthwhile educational, economic and societal objectives that are more likely to be achieved with the use of technology in enhancing the teaching and learning process. This writing highlights on perspectives of using blended learning in VC, which is a success from the very beginning.  

" I love to be enrolled in online courses...because I am more open to discussion during online sessions, its more informative..i learn better in online courses... everyone participates and I get to read others views on certain topics...it gives an opportunity to gather knowledge before coming up with a point...I feel that we are provided with more resources and we can always refer it back when needed... its more flexible and convenient. "

(F. Minha, personal communication, April 16, 2014)

"In the online classroom, there is no place to hide…. And in that sense, students can become more responsible than you could ever make them in a face-to-face classroom....my students have done better than I've ever seen; they are motivated, enthused and doing their best work...the main benefit is that everything is all laid out…well organized…it is all right there…. there shouldn't be any mystery..."

(A. Shuau, personal communication, April 14, 2014)

Online resources and technology-based applications allow educators to serve students quickly and efficiently and in a manner in which the 21st century student is accustomed. According to Mayer (2005), technology allows students and teachers to become occupied in their learning, increase understanding of theoretical concepts, and increase curiosity and motivation. In addition, Lachs (2002) found that the integration of technology in the online, on-ground, or blended classroom increases student knowledge and attention.

Moreover, Mayer (2005) advocates the integration of technology in the classroom since it allow students to apply real world skills, learn effective teamwork techniques, learn inventive ways of expressing their ideas, and produce complex content. Lachs (2002) found that student's attitude and interest in subjects they previously considered unrelated, obsolete or unexciting were improved when audio resources were utilized in the classroom. Hence, the use of technology in education gives us numerous advantages which cannot be otherwise achieved.

Furthermore, Chicago public school system found that using videos in the classroom has improved their state assessment scores as the videos permit students to visualize complex ideas (Gillespie, 2007). Curriculum which can encourage students to integrate text, images, sound and animation into their assignments will help prepare today's students for the technologically demanding careers they will face once they graduate (Mayer, 2005). Therefore, the use of technology is essential for the enhancement of teaching and learning.

References

Gillespie, D. (2007). On-Demand Video System Enhances Visual Learning. District Administration, 43(9),25-26. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

Lachs, V. (2002, October). Book review: Making multimedia in the classroom: A teachers' guide. Interactive

Mayer, R.E. (2005).The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.