How has technology changed the way we learn?

Technology has changed teaching and learning drastically, some argue for the better and others for the worst. 

The way people used to be taught was to sit in rows with the teacher at the front, writing on a chalk board.  Now things have changed.  Teachers still stand at the front delivering information but the students can sit in groups, with electronic devices aiding their learning and various activities that help get and keep the students engaged, (Carbonara, 2005).

Games are even being used to educate people. They can help develop complicated skills and knowledge in an engaging and enjoyable way.   Who remembers the Brain training games? Even though they were math questions (right), or reading, people did them because it was a game, bringing out the competative streak in us, as we wanted to get a better score than you mum or your friend.  Well I did anyway. 

Technology has opened doors for those who would otherwise not have access to education.  All you need is an internet connection.  There are countless programmes on the internet that can help give people an education and knowledge.  This can be online schools such as the Open University to other sites such as 02 Learn and Youtube.  Online schools provide qualifications to people who study with them for a fee.  Other sites like Youtube and 02 Learn provide a free bank of lessons in many subjects that can help improve skills. 

Within Pembrokeshire College and other education establishments, technology is used to assess every single student to help getter a better understanding of their learning levels, so they can be taught at the correct level, whereas before everyone would get taught and treated the same, and if you could not do it then either they didnt care or there was a punishment.  These assessments are called Initial Assessments (IA).

I believe that technology has improved the way that we teach, but it can be used incorrectly, over used or not at all. As stated in a previous blogs, (bring your own device and pros and cons of technology) there are down sides to technology in the classroom.  For example, if an activity includes their smartphones, then they may not put them away.  If the teacher is not comfortable with technology then the students may disengage.  Students also need to be taught the 'old' way, to help with basic motor skills for example, as children are growing up in technology paradise.  There was a story a while ago that showed that a three year old could not turn a page in a book but knew how to work an iphone.

In education technology can be useful in all subjects, from english and maths to sport and animal care, even art and music. We just have to know where, when and how to use it. 

References
Carbonara,D. Technology Literacy Applications in Learning Environments. (2005). America: Information Science Publishing.

Education Business UK. Gove: Technology is changing the way we teach, learn and assess. 2014.
http://www.educationbusinessuk.net/index.php/features/5-/3371-gove-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-teach-learn-and-assess [Accessed: 8th December 2014]