How technology has changed learning

How technology has changing learning.

Over the past several years technology has completely changed the face of teaching and learning, with pens and paper being a thing of the past with laptops and iPads becoming the norm within the classroom.  Education Secretary Michael Gove (2013) in a speech highlighted three ways that technology has changed teaching, learning and assessment which were;

i)               Helping us learn – Explaining  that learning is now not just for the privilege few but now open to everyone with an internet connection, he elaborates on this by giving examples of online libraries and uploaded videos from teachers and scholars.  

ii)              How we teach - Interactive whiteboards have replaced tradition chalk boards where multimedia can be used for demonstration, interactive forums, games and networks can be shown on the board.  Students can use mobile tablets can be used for students for research and storing work.

iii)            How we assess – Teachers can now closely monitor student’s strength and weaknesses through online submissions, games and activities without the student having to speak up and maybe getting embarrassed in a classroom environment. Assessment can also be logged easier through technology, with a digital foot print being created with time, date and grade all being logged.

However Gove states that although technology has changed dramatically, the general style of teaching has not differed with teachers still standing in front of the class talking, suggesting that this will have to change in the future.

Dr McKnight (2013) supports Gove's statement by saying there are 12 ways technology has changed learning, including the the IPad with she calls a game changer, which is a powerful tool for both student and teacher and the it presents an exciting future for learning. McKnight also explains how the rise of the internet has had an major impact on learning with information being at our finger tips 24/7. 

I believe that the change and development in technology has drastically changed the face of education and on whole for the greater good and the prospect now of teaching in this era is an exciting one, however it is important not to forget the core values of teaching and that the teacher is the presentation and technology should support them not take over. 

                                                                           Bibliography 

Gove, M (2013) Technology is changing the way we teach, learn and assess, Education Business, The Business Magazine for Education Accessed on 28th Nov 2014 from ttp://www.educationbusinessuk.net/index.php/features/5-/3371-gove-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-teach-learn-and-assess

McKnight, K (2013) Top 12 Ways Technology Changed Learning, K-12 News, Lessons & Shared Resources, By Teachers for Teachers accessed on 25th Nov 2014 from http://www.teachhub.com/how-technology-changed-learning