“Technological Integration into the schools on 20th and 21st century: Facts and thoughts”

By Filareti Paka

25 January 2018

The integration of technology into the learning and teaching process has changed considerably the approaches, the assessments and the roles of both educators and students over the course of time.

From the early 90’s until today, technology is “invading” every day more and more in the educational procedure – as well as in our lives- from devices to techniques with more promises about the evolution in the future.

As we sail through the 21st century, we can observe that technology’s role into the learning process is becoming more and more important and that it replaces methodologies and tools that were used in the classroom. Tablets are replacing textbooks, internet is replacing encyclopedias and the role of teachers has changed to facilitators of new methodologies which combine knowledge with apps and new tools that they can adjust their teaching to, based on the demands and abilities of each student.

A study of IT Trade Association CompTIA shows that 75% of teachers find that the integration of technology into the learning process effectively enriches courses, for students’ school performance and for the chance that it gives them to learn at their own pace but also for the development of their technological skills which will lead them to a more successful working career in the future.[1] Furthermore, 81% of teachers believe that the use of tablets can be helpful for learning into the classroom and 64% of high school students have said they help them study more efficiently.[2]

By the year 2005, 90% of schools had Internet access and more than 50% of public schools included in their technology budget, laptops and by 2011, many schools were including tablet PCs for students and teachers in their technology budget.[3] Today, in 2017, 88% of schools have their own websites [4], 84,3% of schools use a high speed wireless internet connection, 98% have one or more computers into the classroom and in 77% teachers use internet for instruction(as we can observe on the given boards).

Furthermore, in 2004, “YouTube” was discovered as being an effective tool for classroom learning, giving the opportunity to the teachers to seek, show or record videos close related to educational projects. ”iClicker” in 2006 gave the opportunity to the teachers to conduct polls among their students and receive answers in a real time during the courses. In the same year the “XO Laptop” because of its low price and the materials from which it is made, entered the schools of developing countries. Moreover, in 2010 “Apple iPad” started being used in the educational procedure and time will show us if we can speak for a new educational statement.[5]

Today, many teachers have been enhancing the classroom learning experience making use of Virtual Reality.

“Modern devices such as “Google Cardboard VR” allow students to study locations and objects in 3D in addition to exploring current events”.[6]

Meanwhile there is a question among the educational circle concerning the use of technology if we talk about “a money saver or money waster”.[7] Except for those who are standing up for the technology, there are those who believe that it doesn’t facilitate the learning procedure, they are making worse the ability of students to express themselves correctly and at the same time they are encumbering the educational budget.

To all those who are worried about the impact of technology on academic attainment of the students, research shows that the use of technology does not detract them from the learning and with an effective use it could support the learning in a number of different ways.[8] Also, there are a lot of instructors who use social media, and other communication platforms, in order to communicate with their students and answer to their questions and concerns.

Nowadays, the main barrier which doesn’t allow the smooth and gradual incorporation of technology in school is the level of familiarization of teachers with that. Sometimes we can observe a simultaneous acquisition and development of digital skills on teachers and students. Therefore, teachers need training, sound guidance, and on-site technology support to use technology effectively. The challenge that remains is for teacher to become well educated on technological issues in order for students to maximize the benefit in a world that depends on technology.[9]

The success of technology in the learning procedure has to do with the context in which it is used.

Blackboard, television and VCR equipment, calculators, and very limited Internet connectivity are some things that they were used during the learning process over the last twenty years. In just two decades technological equipment has brought vast improvements in teaching that empowers teachers and enhances student’s learning ability. As the world of technology evolves, the learning environment will equally progress, as well the need for teachers who are educated in technology.[10] It will be interesting to see where technology takes education in the next two decades to come.

[1] Cox J. “Benefits of Technology in the Classroom”, www.teachhub.com, read on Jan. 19, 2018 at www.teachhub.com/benefits-technology-classroom

[2] “9 Technology In The Classroom Statistics” blog.practutor.com, Nov 19, 2017, read on January 18,2017at blog.practutor.com/9-technology-in-the-classroom-statistics/

[3] Parson K. “The Ultimate History of Technology in Education” http://www.ourict.co.uk, June7,2017, read on January 16,2018 http://www.ourict.co.uk/technology-education-history/

[4] “9 Technology In The Classroom Statistics” blog.practutor.com, Nov 19, 2017, read on January 18,2017at blog.practutor.com/9-technology-in-the-classroom-statistics/

[5] “9 Technology In The Classroom Statistics” blog.practutor.com, Nov 19, 2017, read on January 18,2017at blog.practutor.com/9-technology-in-the-classroom-statistics/

[6] Parson K. “The Ultimate History of Technology in Education” www.ourict.co.uk, June7,2017, read on January 16,2018 www.ourict.co.uk/technology-education-history/

[7] Benady D, “Is technology delivering in schools? Our panel debates” www.theguardian.com, on July 4, 2017, read on Jan. 16, 2018 on www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2017/jul/04/is-technology-delivering-in-schools-our-panel-debates

[8]Adcock Ph. “Evolution of teaching and learning through technology”, digitalcommons.unomaha.edu, summer 2008, read on 16 Jan, 2018 at digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.fr/&httpsredir=1&article=1057&context=tedfacpub

[9]Adcock Ph. “Evolution of teaching and learning through technology”, digitalcommons.unomaha.edu, summer 2008, read on 16 Jan, 2018 at digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.fr/&httpsredir=1&article=1057&context=tedfacpub

[10] Online program description of online.purdue.edu, read on January 19, 2017 online.purdue.edu/ldt/learning-design-technology/resources/evolution-technology-classroom