The issue in the Sydney
Morning Herald article “The future of school” shows how the influence of
technology may not be benefit to the students if they are not a properly
implemented.
Shapley, Sheenhan,
Maloney and Caranikas-Walker (2011) states that it is inevitable that schools
now are different from years ago due to the use of technology changing the
“learning styles, strengths and preferences.” It is the use of new technologies
that are influencing how students are able to access information, communicate,
and to learn.
Professor Neil Selwyn
predicts that classrooms will be empty of students and the schools will not
exist anymore as virtual learning institution on the worldwide web might be
implemented. As Selwyn says “everyone will have their own personal computer
device in their palm and that will change many things in school in terms of
communication, social networking and information-gathering and so on.” Also in
the future, how exams will be online rather than hand written and “instead of
having an open-book exam, it will be an open internet exam.”
In the United States,
there has been 27 states announced that they will run virtual schools, however
the implications of virtual school is the concern of budget constraints and
falling enrolments. However there are benefits to virtual learning, such as
students living in remote areas or unable to attend school due to medical
problems, virtual school can be a great support to them.
However Professor Neil
Selwyn believes “schools tend not be taken over by new technologies, rather
teachers adapt them to suit their needs.” As students are able to download
videos or MP3 files, however they need to be guided on how to use technology to
aid their learning such as access information or collaborating to learn.
Selwyn states it is
true new technologies are great inventions in helping people have greater
resources and learn in a different ways. However technology will not fix the
inequalities between students, some students will fall behind with technology
while others will benefit. He believes parents, teachers and schools need to
think about the issue of individualising learning. Technology should not be
used to cut corners, rather to provide a second-rate education.
I agree with Professor
Neil Selwyn, that technology should not change the way of education
dramatically, it should be just use as an aid for learning. Teachers need to
guide students on how to use technology for their learning rather than a short
cut for their learning. However there are both benefits and implications of the
use of technology, ultimately it comes down to the how well students are able
to benefit from it and how well teachers use the technology in their teaching.
References:
- Shapley, K., Sheenhan, D., Maloney, C. & Caranika-Walker, F. (2011) Effects of Technology Immersion on Middle School Students’ Learning Opportunities and Achievement, The Journal of Education Research
- Maslen, G. (2013) The future of school, retrieved October 7, 2013 from http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/the-future-of-school-20130822-2sdvz.html
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