Has technology changed the way we learn?

According to Nicholas Carr ‘our deepening dependence on networking technology is indeed changing not only the way we think, but also the structure of our brains’ (Naughton, J., The Observer, 2010)

This argument is debatable and in fact is debated in various literature articles which in general seem to agree that used properly, technology has many advantages

Having grown up without a computer, without a coloured TV (in fact my black and white TV only had once channel that was showing hymns for our communist leader) and having not seen a mobile phone until the age of 18 years old, I would say that technology has changed the way we learn, the way we develop, how we live.
Working in Schools I can see how different learning is now compared to how it was when I grew up. In the contemporary society learning through play involves the use of an X box, tablet, Ipad, Kindle and various other gadgets. Learning seems to happen faster everyday and the use of Internet and technology has given people to learn anything , at any time in the comfort of their own privacy without worrying they cannot get to the Library to borrow a book.  Technology has not only changed the way we learn but it has also changed the way we demonstrate our learning.

Not so long back if anybody would have told me my assignment would be an electronic journal, a blogg even...I wouldn't have even known what they meant. But technology is quick, it's clever and it never stops surprising me.

Value of mobile technology in teaching and learning

Mobile technology could have a significant role to play in teaching and learning as it has the potential to make lessons more enjoyable and interactive for learners of all ages; mobile technology could also enable teachers to test learner’s comprehension, knowledge and ability to do things themselves by letting them work together and demonstrate what they learn (through use of mobile technology).

The value of mobile technology such as the iPad in the classroom is still being explored and with society these days needing instant access to all kind of information mobile learning is a fast developing phenomenon . Despite that I believe it is unlikely that lecturers and teachers will be entirely replaced any time soon.

‘The education industry needs new models and fresh frameworks to avoid losing touch with the radically evolving needs of its many current and potential new constituencies’ (Sergio,2012). In approaching the topic of mobile technology influencing teaching and learning I have thought of some of the mobile technology I have recently become familiar with myself such as: the stylus pen and the Interactive Whiteboard, tablet, Apps, iPad, iPod and amazing tools such as blogging. Reflecting on my recent experiences I also come to an understanding  that education needs to keep up with new developments in order to appeal to learners of all generations. It is then mostly down to the teacher to ensure mobile technology adds value to the teaching and learning experience.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20667870

Reference:

Sergio, F. (2012). 10 ways that mobile learning will revolutionize education. Retrieved December 9, 2013, from www.fastcodesign.com/1669896/10-ways-that-mobile-learning-will-revolutionize-education

Mobile technology in the class today

Returning after the half term break was a little bit daunting as always but I really enjoyed today's IT class. Though the lack of Internet was a bit frustrating my first experience learning with a new piece of mobile technology - the ipad- was great.

 

I was handed a device that was sleek, nice to look at that stimulated my curiosity.

The Lenovo ThinkPad featured a lot of things I was familiar with from the volume buttons and built in camera to name a few to the Operating System Windows 8. Finding out about the device by exploration in the task set out by Mandy was a great way to activate and test my prior knowledge and play around with things until I discovered what I wanted. I had a few challenges in finding out how to perform a right click and how to close the device properly but I successfully found all the answers in the end.

 

I must admit I have used a laptop for years and have enjoyed using various smartphones ever since they have appeared. However when the technology boom brought to light ipdas, tablets , Kindle and lots more other devices I decided to avoid it all due to fear of becoming addicted to whatever these new things have to offer. I know everybody wanted a Kindle to read books but I purposely chose the hard copy of the book every time.

Today's IT class enabled me to see several great uses of mobile technology not only in teaching but also in learning, my own learning from now on not just for the PCET course but for any other things I may be interested in.

 

I must also mention the second task of the class because I really enjoyed it even though myself, Jon and Rachel got slightly distracted and focused on content rather than filming/ediditing/ using mobile technology.

I am looking forward to the next session and learning more with and about technology.