Learning is a complex process. We learn by building on past experiences; by trial and error; starting with simple tasks and combining them over time to accomplish more complex tasks; and, gaining knowledge and understanding of the relationship between various parts of a problem. Research shows that for teaching to be effective, a learner must be able to create meaningful and relevant patterns. The learning process must be held within a context of appropriate and challenging standards.
If our children are to fulfill the promise of American life, we must accept the premise that standards are the surest path to excellence. Parents and educators must instill that ethic of excellence in schools by raising performance standards for both students and education professionals. Higher expectations for students, teachers, and education systems are critical. Technology is a means to reach a higher level of learning. With excellence in education a national priority, educators are evaluating how new technologies can be harnessed to support the evolving communication patterns and student/teacher roles that are characteristic of new teaching methods. These teaching methods allow students to investigate their questions in a variety of ways.
As the use of technology becomes more prevalent in our schools, there are significant environmental features that should be in place to maximize the benefits of educational technology:
– Involvement at the district level and a school-level computer coordinator are key factors in developing a school environment conducive to the effective use of technology. Leadership and technical support are key elements for the success of the programs.
– School districts and teacher preparation programs must provide the incentive, time, and support system for teachers to realize the benefits of technology and feel comfortable using it in the classroom.
– Instructors must allow the student to pursue their interests, develop understanding, and communicate findings. Students should be encouraged to be creative and explore their questions.
Educators are realizing the importance of fostering students’ independent judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Student learning can be enhanced with tutorials and various communication technologies that enable investigation of real-life problems faced by professionals. While complex, these teaching strategies provide the student with authentic experiences and challenge personal exploration, resulting in student-directed learning with the teacher serving as a valuable resource and guide.
The rapid rise in government and corporate sponsorship of educational technology has led to numerous studies on the topic:
– Technology has a positive effect on student achievement (both in regular and special education) from preschool through high school.
– Technology has a positive effect on students’ attitudes towards learning and on students’ self-concept.
– The introduction of technology in the learning environment can make learning more student-centered, encourage cooperative learning and stimulate greater interaction between teacher and student.
Technology can make the learning process more efficient without detracting from established educational goals. Once the individual masters the basics of reading, writing, computation, and oral communication, the learning experience can be further enhanced by computers, distance learning, computer-assisted instruction using integrated learning systems, computer-based labs , presentation software and telecommunications. .
Integrating technology into instruction provides very significant benefits. With more effective planning sessions and greater adaptation to different learning styles, teachers can focus on the needs of individual students. This emphasis also allows the teacher to set developmentally appropriate expectations for each student, thus enhancing individual learning. These efforts find teachers orchestrating learning rather than serving as dispensers of knowledge. Classrooms can contain more collaboration and small group interaction, allowing for a student-centered approach.
Although educational technology includes numerous modes of delivery and support mechanisms, the computer is often an important component. Various researchers have investigated the impacts of computers on the learning process. Research confirms the advantages that technology brings to the learning process. However, its availability and use are problems that educators face. Among the most significant challenges is the daily integration of these tools in the instructional process.