Use of Technology in the Classroom

The world is becoming digital, and it is almost necessary that students learn some of the emerging technology trends to fit in the modern world. One viewpoint has been portrayed as suggesting the urgent need to transform from theoretical academic concepts towards the acquisition of life/workplace skills (Koonce, 2019). Teachers, as well as all the stakeholders in the academic sphere, need to widen their extent of vision and examine the global trends, as well as their implications. From the past and everyone to the present times, most schools teach based on a curriculum that emphasizes theoretical concepts. The most prominent argument of individuals who are reluctant to abandon the old curriculum is that it is founded on evidence-based research, and that technology is only a recent phenomenon, which has not been adequately investigated to establish whether it impacts the education sector positively or not. Therefore, as the argument goes, if the technology is embraced, the teaching framework may be disrupted and even dismantled, and that the learning process ends up in jeopardy. However, in the current world, technology is very important because it is applicable in every field, and the education sector should come to terms with this reality. As Christians, we are encouraged to teach children to have the necessary skills that will be of great value to them once they become adults. In Proverbs 22:6 (KJV), we are instructed, “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Technology is not mentioned explicitly in the bible, but from some of the verses, inferences can be made from them. For instance, from this verse, when children are trained to embrace technology because it is the reality of the modern world, they will learn and retain important technology skills that are relevant in the current as well as future workplace. Also, 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV) states “ but we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit”. This bible verse talks about transformation, and in relation to technology, indeed it is a transformation, which is leading to efficiency and positive results in the modern world. It is important for learners to be prepared to live in a world that is transforming incessantly, as well as to be part of the change.   The use of technology is important firstly because students need to be prepared to fit in the current and future workplace. Students need to learn basic computer skills because every organization presently has some aspects of technology within its environment (Rana, 2017). For instance, file storage is currently done on computers for better organization, as well as to reduce congestion of storage space in organizations. Communication currently is also mostly done via the internet through platforms such as email and Skype. One of the emerging trends currently in the corporate world is the concept of working at home or from a remote environment. The precursor of this trend is technology, and probably in the future, the trend would have evolved to become a norm. Technology in the classroom does not only mean preparing students for the workplace; rather, it also means using technology to achieve positive learning outcomes. One of the questions educators need to ask themselves is whether technology can be used to improve their teaching skills and strategies. Indeed technology can be used to improve student learning outcomes. Some students have learning disabilities, and most of the current literature has been exploring the use of technology in enhancing the learning abilities of students with some of the disabilities (Israel et al., 2014). Technology can be used to make the classroom environment exciting, for instance, through the combination of words and pictures. Teachers mostly focus on explaining different concepts to students and ignore that different students have different learning interests. For example, some students could have more interest in arts, and hence, could learn better through pictures and sounds. Technology allows for the integration of several aspects, which consequently leads to a more balanced learning environment. Additionally, technology in the classroom can help instructors organize their content best, and in the process, develop quality teaching techniques to achieve positive learning outcomes among students. In conclusion, there is a dire need for all stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that various aspects of technology are integrated into the classroom. The 21st century has come with tremendous changes and shifts, especially in technology, and most of the past methods of operation are being rendered obsolete. If the education sector, and more so, the classroom does not embrace technology, the sector will likely lag. Teachers will continue being inefficient, and there is also the risk of molding students who do not understand or work with the various forms of technology, and therefore, cannot fit in both the modern and future workplace. As an educator, it will be necessary for me to embrace technology in the classroom to make the learning experience exciting as well as to condition the learners to be aware of the realities of the modern world; that technology is a must and necessary in the modern progressive world.

References

Israel, M., Marino, M., Delisio, L., & Serianni, B. (2014). Supporting content learning through technology for K-12 students with disabilities. CEDAR Document IC-10. Koonce, G. L. (2019). Issues and trends in education leadership. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Rana, K. B. (2017). Use of Educational Technologies in Teaching and Learning Activities: Strategies and Challenges-A Nepalese case (Master's thesis). https://www.duo.uio.no/bitstream/handle/10852/60803/HEM4390.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y