change occurring anywhere, must see to it that its members are educated to
personal initiative and adaptability. Otherwise, they will be overwhelmed by
the changes in which they are caught and whose significance or connections
they do not perceive.’ Dewey (1916, p. 88)
When John Dewey wrote Democracy and Education, the industrialised world was
undergoing a huge technological and social disruption. Railways and paved roads had enabled mass travel, wireless communication had bridged the Atlantic, and a mechanised war was being fought across continents. Today, we are experiencing similar social and technological disruption, with the Internet and mobile technologies providing global access to information and mobility of knowledge. Ten years ago a school in Russia teaching English had no access to contemporary language sources; now it has the worldwide web. Five years ago, a farmer in rural Kenya had no communication with the nearest city, now he carries a mobile phone. We live in a society in which the “channels for distribution of change” are carried with us as part of daily life.
Over the span of few decades, the education structure and ways of imparting education have undergone massive changes. With the advent of digital devices and education oriented online programs & applications, the essence of the education system has been completely redefined. New opportunities are emerging for stimulating, provoking and engaging students. With the proliferation of digital devices and their apps designed for novel interaction with educative content, coupled with ubiquitous and omnipresent communication capabilities. However, the effective use of technology will now require thoughtful planning and consideration for the future, and with reference to my previous blog, this is why the main themes of the BETT conference being held this month , will be dealing with future embedding and implementation of mobile technology, not just a new padagogy, but as a new way of educating the world.
Technology oriented education has also penetrated the boundaries of
renowned institutions in order to enhance the effectiveness of
teaching methodologies. By coupling technology with traditional
teaching approach, educators have become stronger than ever before and
are preparing the students in an effectual way. There are many
applications that help faculties who are looking forward to explore
their options with mobile devices in order to support their learning
and teaching objectives.
This new way of learning
has now become a strong global force indulged in shrinking the world
at one’s fingertips...and seeing the world at the touch of a button, or the blink of an eye.
...education is changing and we must change with it. Teachers must recognise their new and changing roles, and become facilitators of learning. But let us not forget...
"Any teacher that can be replaced by a computer, deserves to be."
David Thornberg
References:
Brown University:Sheridan Centre for Teaching and Learning.
http://www.brown.edu/academics
Younie S, Leask,M.(2013) Teaching With Technologies.Oxford University Press.
Sharples,M.Taylor,J.Vavoula,G. A Theory of Learning for the Mobile Age. Sage Publications (2006)
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