How technology has changed the way we learn.

Technology has changed dramatically over the past few years and is changing the way we communicate and the way we go about living our lives. This has also changed the way educators are teaching and enhancing the learning process. Lepi (2014), suggests that if there was a discussion about ICT changing the way we learn, the discussion would be never ending.

 

Edudemic connecting technology & education suggest that ICT has changed the way we learn in 4 different ways.

1. We are moving from individual learning to more collaborative learning
2. We are moving from passive learning to active learning
3. Differentiated instruction and personalised learning are more popular
4. Becoming multi-taskers.

 

 

To expand on the above diagram the way in which we demonstrate the points within the classroom is as follows.

 

1. Collaborative learning where leaners use software such as AnyMeeting or GoToMeeting facilitate group work without learners physically coming together. This can bring a wider audience together then would have previously been possible.
2.  Through the use of ICT in the classroom, the learning style predominantly being used is kinaesthetic. Schools and colleges have ICT such as I pads or tablets to use within lessons. This allows students to be more active and involved whilst learning and moves away from the more traditional visual learning style that would be used within a classroom.
3. Times have changed from teaching using chalk boards to present information. These days teachers can provide information through various application on a smart board. This is beneficial as it provides a wider scope of information within the classroom and provides the same group of learners with differentiation within their lessons which will aid all learners no matter what their learning preference and provide a more personalised experience.
4. Traditionally learning would see learners writing in work books or on note paper. But today learners have a variety of ICT tools at their disposal and it allows for multi tasking to take place within the lesson.  Talking from experience while completing assignments. I would be typing on my laptop, researching on my I Pad and social networking on my I phone. Todays future are becoming multi-taskers.

 

In my opinion the use of technology in education has helped increase student learning. But, I do believe that teachers need to keep their own ICT qualifications and knowledge up to date to ensure they can provide a variety of different ICT applications to help enhance student learning. I aim to attempt different ICT applications through out my teaching experience in order to vary my teaching styles and to keep it interesting and different.

Reference
Lepi, K. (2014). 4 Ways Technology is Changing How People Learn. Available: http://www.edudemic.com/technology-is-changing-how-people-learn/. Last accessed 18/01/2015.