Can Educational technologies improve learning

Introduction Following hefty improvement in production technologies and technological knowhow, personal computers became largely affordable. Many people thought that education could evolve and get enhanced better leading to the emergence of a super smart population. The global society may not have precisely accomplished this.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Can Educational technologies improve learning? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, technologies that are available to students and teachers have rapidly evolved compared to the period in history when even low speed desktop computers were hard to use. With this insight, the question that remains is whether educational technologies have a role in enhancing the quality of education. For the purpose of discussions of this paper, the term educational technology means â€Å"ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources† (Richey, 2008, p.24). Educational technology embraces but also goes beyond the use of internet applications, hardware, software, blogs, and other tools and instruments that enhance free and fast flow of information. From this perspective, amid considering various arguments and counter-arguments for and against the roles of educational technologies in the modern society in improving learning in schools, the paper argues that educational technologies can serve to improve learning. Role of educational technologies in improving learning Endeavor to improve education has always been a challenging one. For this reason, people have conducted test scores besides making comparisons of perceived performance of a nation’s education against other nations. This has resulted to pushing education to the forefront of the state level politics. In this context, improvement of education ranks right behind concerns of healthc are reforms (Scherer, 2004, p.37). Given this intense need to increase the quality of education, deployment of educational technologies can greatly aid in making learning and teaching a success. However, it is important to note that technology does not act in similar manner with physical mechanisms of improving learning. For instance, while smaller classes are preferred for effective learning, making use of technology to enhance education cannot act in such a similar manner. In support of this line of argument, Jonassen (1997) reckons, â€Å"technology can be a â€Å"force multiplier† for the teacher: Instead of the teacher being the only source of help in a classroom, students can access web sites, online tutorials, and more to assist them† (p.67). As physical classes would be over as the day ends, â€Å"†¦assignments and teacher’s resources are always available online via web resources† (Soni, 2004, p.45).Advertising Looking for essay on other technology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This means that students can access the information they require at any time they need it. Additionally, students can request for tutorial aid at time they feels like from the teachers or even from online collaboration. Moreover, technology can greatly enhance the parental involvement in fostering learning which results in greater educational achievements of students. The roles of technology in fostering the involvement of parents in education is perhaps relevant by considering the current situation in which parents have tighter schedules and work for longer hours. Therefore, they cannot constantly aid the children in their homework and keep a constant check on their performance in schools. However, technology can act as an enormous source of resolving this challenge. Additionally, parents can communicate with their children right at home via instant messaging and emails. This implies th at ardent communication is critical component for enhancing learning in schools. Information technology has acted to improve this component magnificently. For students taking projects, projects that are principally inquiry based acts as significant mechanisms that enable students to focus more on thinking as opposed to memorization. Technological development has again enhanced this. Such group projects enable students to build essential skills such as communication, problem solving, creative and critical thinking and team work. Arguably, these are essential components of enhancing learning. Indeed, technology can aid in their achievement among students. In this end, as Bednar and Sweeder (2005) note, â€Å"†¦technology can create websites, blogs, and multimedia presentations as part of students’ projects† (p.245). The created websites can be sources of research information. Through the websites, students get an opportunity to connect with the global student commun ity and collaborate. While doing inquiry-based projects, technological skills are acquired and purpose of education achieved much more precisely. Ways in which educational technologies may aid in improving learning Educational technologies have immensely enabled many teachers to stretch far beyond the text based and linear learning modes by helping them to engage students proactively to other means and ways of learning, which they are best suited. Consequently, while many nations, especially the developed world, ask whether they need to make use of more technology in their education systems, other nations ask how technology can serve to improve learning. Technology is one of the mechanisms that can improve learning. However, for it to be effective, it needs to reflect the manner in which people learn in the settings of education thereby helping in the realization of the educational interventions that are effective. It should posses elements of educational psychology and more importa ntly profile closely the organizational and school social psychology (Woolfolk, Winnie, Perry, 2008, p.86).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Can Educational technologies improve learning? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This means that educational technologies needs to be effective in improving education even to people who have special needs arising from their physical and mental disabilities. With the acclaimed capacity of educational technologies to improve learning, several areas where technology can play pivotal roles in enhancing learning are worth giving a glance. Educational technologies can enormously aid in fostering better learning through simulation models. For instance, although it is possible to depict how vibrations occur and how they cause sounds using a tuning fork, â€Å"it is harder to demonstrate what ideally evolution is and or how molecules can behave when subjected to differing conditions and situations† (Skinner, 1968, p.14). Furthermore, it would be enormously hard for a teacher to demonstrate the danger brought about by mixing of two specific chemical. However, amid these difficulties, with the educational technologies, such experiments can be accomplished both precisely and comprehensively in classroom settings with the help of digital simulations. In this regard Lipsitz and Reisner (2010) note, â€Å"digital simulations and models can help teachers explain concepts that are too big or too small, or processes that happen too quickly or too slowly to demonstrate in a physical classroom† (p.91). Indeed, technology exists for application in educational setting to help in fostering learning. This is exemplary and evident in technologies developed by a company called Concord Consortium. This company is a non-profit making firm whose mandate is to develop science, math and engineering educational technologies. Indeed, the company has developed software th at is open source to all teachers. Teachers can deploy the software to aid them in modeling of concepts. One of the most conspicuous successes of the company is development of molecular workbench software. This software helps science tutors to reproduce â€Å"topics such as chemical bonding, gas laws and even fluid mechanics† (Skinner, 1968, p.14) among others. The overall impact is that, although these topics may present abstract ideas especially to new students, visual simulations make their teaching much easier. Hence, teacher’s work becomes both effective and efficient in terms of delivery of the end goals. Research is also in the process to come up with software that can experiment evolution through making use of virtual green houses. Moreover, to make learning physics more effective, software have been developed that can aid student to adequately understand the physics behind efficiency of energy utilization through employment of model houses and also simulations of the manner in which matter interacts with the clouds of electrons. All these examples explain how technology can make education effective through creation of digital models and simulations. In the era of globalization, it is significant that students’ understands virtually everything that takes place across the globe. To achieve this, it is almost impossible to avoid adoption of concepts of global learning. However, global learning is impossible to embrace in case educational technologies are not incorporated in educational settings since they serve to enhance it. For instance, through information technology, sites such as Glovico.org are created.Advertising Looking for essay on other technology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Specifically, at Glovico.org, â€Å"students can set up language lessons with a native speaker who lives in another country and attend the lessons via video conferencing† (Monahan, 2005, p.109). This means that one does not have to be a native speaker of given language to learn certain cultural aspects of a given community living in any part of the globe. This is because technology has enabled language settings to be tantamount to setting a video conferencing communication system. In this regard, Mishra and Koehler (2006) lament, â€Å"learning from a native speaker, learning through social interaction, and being exposed to another culture’s perspective are all incredible educational advantages that were once only available to those who could foot a travel bill† (p.1017). Technology has come to reduce the need to travel to have such experiences. In this context, educational technologies can foster multiculturalism without necessary having to travel to acquire su ch experience (Monahan, 2005, p.197). However, possible counter augment is even though the technology may lead to better cultural learning, such learning may result to cultural stereotyping. However, in the quest to achieve cultural tolerance it is necessary for people to acquit themselves with other people’s cultural affiliations (Soni, 2004, p.215). Educational technologies can by far help in achievement of this noble goal and hence aid in making learning effective. Apart from technological models and simulations aiding teachers’ work to be effective, they also help in evaluation of the students understanding of the concepts taught to them. Consequently, â€Å"models and simulations, beyond being a powerful tool for teaching concepts, can also give teachers a much richer picture of how students understand them† (Mishra Koehler, 2006, p.1020). For instance, despite the fact students can amicably explain what chromosome are, it does not mean that they understan d them better. This means that even though one may be familiar with a given definition it does mean that one understands a given concept well. Therefore, in this regards, the traditional teaching models are ineffective. Thus, educational technologies can make such models effective. However, many would ask how. Concord Consortium is a good example of how to achieve this. The company developed software that enables students to understand the concepts of genetics through â€Å"breeding of dragon†. With the help of the software, teachers are able to give their students problems that closely compares to performance assessments. When a student is requested to develop a dragon, the teachers can follow what the students did to achieve the result. This way, the instructor is able to access whether the scholar used trial and error technique to arrive at the right answer and whether such knowledge is necessary or it can lead to the right solutions to genetic problems. Another critical a rea where educational technologies can aid in improving learning in educational settings is through E-books technology. Through this technology, students are able to access books quicker than accessing such books in the physical library. Furthermore, students do not have to travel from their residential areas to get books in the library shelves. Since the publication cost goes into raising the costs of textbooks, through E-book technology, the cost of books would significantly reduce. Hence, students would afford a wide variety of books from which to base their knowledge while still the authors of the books get their dues. Arguably, E-books hold unimaginably untapped potential in improving learning coupled with innovating education. However, even though many schools are cognizant of this potential, many have not embraced it. Conclusion Educational technologies can significantly aid in improving learning in educational settings. In the paper, this is possible through enabling teacher s to stretch far beyond the text-based and linear learning modes. Consequently, teachers can engage students proactively to other means and ways of learning in which they are best talented. The paper also discusses global learning, digital modeling and simulations, and E-book technology as some of the ways through which learning can be enhanced. In all these ways, the paper holds that technology is the main thing that makes them possible to realize educational settings. Reference List Bednar, R., Sweeder, J. (2005). Defining and applying idea technologies: A systematic, conceptual framework for teachers. Computers in the Schools, 22(4), 213-278. Jonassen, D. (1997). Instructional design models for well-structured and ill-structured problem-solving learning outcomes. Educational Technology Research Development, 45 (3), 65–94. Lipsitz, L., Reisner, T. (2010). The Computer and Education. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology. Mishra, P., Koehler, J. (2006). Technologi cal pedagogical content tent knowledge: a framework for integrating technology in teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017-1054. Monahan, T. (2005). Globalization, Technological Change, and Public Education. New York: Routledge. Richey, C. (2008). Reflections on the 2008 AECT Definitions of the Field. Technology Trends, 52(1), 24-25. Scherer, M. (2004). Connecting to Learn: Educational and Assistive Technology for People with Disabilities. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Skinner, F. (1968). The technology of teaching. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Soni, K. (2004). An Information Resource on Educational Technology for: Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). New Delhi: Sarup Sons Publishers. Woolfolk, A., Winnie, P., Perry, N. (2008). Educational Psychology. Canada: Pearson publishers. This essay on Can Educational technologies improve learning? was written and submitted by user Neil T. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Victims of war

Victims of war War has always been horrible. In WWII, civilians were targets as part of bombing campaigns. Now, not only were the soldiers experiencing the horror of war but the civilians too now involved. This continued throughout the various wars like the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the War Of Terrorism and now the War In Iraq.However, I always stop to wonder, why were civilians and soldiers always suffering when the decision to go to war was not theirs. For example, in Vietnam, the US needlessly intervened in a country that was trying to gain independence. It was afraid of the communist in Vietnam and in a effort to stop it, millions of civilians and soldiers died just to get their independence which they eventually got in the end.In Iraq, it was known at first as a effort to disarm Iraq of "Weapons Of Mass Destruction", however. It later became "A Mission To Liberate The People Of Iraq".Carlos Cardoen meets with Iraqi Leader Saddam Huss...I do not agree that Saddam Hussein was a good leader, on the contrary, I hate Saddam. However what was George Bush really trying to do? Was this a plan of his to gain support from the US people so that he would be seen as a man trying to keep their nation safe?George Bush has always associated terrorist with Saddam Hussein even without credible proof. Most of the evidence he got before the war as we can see now have all been falsified. And now, he does not want to let the Iraq people choose their government but instead installs his own and even the leader who has caused grievous hurt to Iraq is not allowed to be trailed by the victims.What are wars really caused by? Who are the real people who are really guilty? At...

The Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay

The Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research - Essay Example However, the technology has had unethical, reprehensible and morally repugnant connotations in cases where it has been used for human reproduction. Cloning involves use of cells to produce or create an identical copy of the original. This owes its' tributes to the fact that stem cells can be influenced to develop to most of the 220 types of cells found in the human body such as the brain cells, blood cells, muscles, heart cells etc. since the development of antibodies research have taken practical inclination to this phenomena as a potential way to alleviate human suffering (221). The United States has long and proud history and record as a world-leading example towards advocacy for advances in sciences and medicine that improve human life. Simultaneously as the boundaries of science and knowledge are expanded, the United States leads the world as a proponent of maintaining the highest standards of moral ethics. In view of this bio cloning has both sides of positive contribution to scientific development in favor of man and adverse effects to human moral ethics. There is great potential hope and promise held by human stem cells for therapies development towards damaged organism regeneration. The ultimate result of this is healing people suffering from harsh diseases. Unlike the cases of using embryo as the source of the cell researchers have established other potential sources of diverse adult tissues. These include; umbilical cords discarder after babies are born, human placenta, bone marrow, fat, nerves, amniotic fluid, pulp of baby teethe and muscles. All these have been found to be a source of versatile stem cells. Such serious disease like childhood leukemia, juvenile, diabetes, Alzheimer's Parkinson, spinal cord injuries, heart diseases, multiple sclerosis, cancer, burns have found their cure (Hams, 35). The achievement made so far regards these diseases and methods used have not violated the moral ethics respect and dignity of the human person. Effects of bio cloning to moral ethics. Embryonic stem cell research is a leading controversy of a series of moral hazards. Embryonic stem cells exhibit indefinite replication ability in a culture dish offering unlimited generation for therapy, research and industrial application. Embryonic stem cell research refers to a mode of research where cells obtained from destroying human embryo at their late first week of age are used for therapeutical purpose, there are two sources of the embryo (Hams, 70 ). First embryos may be created from intro fertilization. The ethical use of intro fertilization is helping infertile couples to get a child. Fertilization is done outside the mother's womb. Not all embryos are planted in the womb and the remaining otherwise called leftovers are frozen and stored for future use. The surplus embryos of invitro fertilization may be used in any of the four methods named below: May be donated for research Many be donated to other infertile couples May be preserved at very low temperatures May be discarded In case of use for research, the entire embryo is destroyed to facilitate harvesting stem cell. This is