Thoughts on Education Technology 2.0

Technology is such an innovative tool.

What is on the web today is just simply amazing. With all the audio and video content making its way on to the web, teachers can now have access to all the latest technologies to help prepare a lesson or a unit of study. Using technology in classrooms makes the learning process easier and students become more engaged in what is being taught. Technology also changes the dynamic between the professors and the students. People seem to feel more stimulated to respond due to the visual and audio enhancements. I think it's safe to say that most students today prefer education technology to the simple chalk and board method of teaching (no more having to clap erasers saturated with chalk dust)!

"Smart classrooms" are indeed "smart" in that they enhance the learning experience. Often students' imaginations are stimulated through these technologically enhanced classrooms. In addition, I think the use of multimedia technology also keeps students interested in the lecture (due to our short attention spans :) By using sound, video, and other media, many of the key concepts are demonstrated more effectively by the instructor. I know that I'm definitely more of a visual learner so using audio-visuals allows me to see something while I take notes.

I must admit I'm jealous of all the elementary school students today. Their classrooms are equipped with the latest multimedia technologies, (I'm talking electronic interactive whiteboards, handheld computers, DVD-VHS players, high-definition sound and video systems, LCD projectors!) and they're learning to use the latest software programs. When I was an elementary student, all I used were computers with green monochrome monitors and there was nothing even remotely resembling a palm pilot. I was reading about how nine-year olds are reading Aesop's Fables on their palm pilots and using them not only to read, but to write, do math, take pictures, do research. It's just unbelievable how technically advanced things have gotten (which means I must be getting quite old). Technology is the road to learning, that must be it.

So, if classrooms are smart, will that somehow produce better learning? Hmm, something to think about...