Technology is anything that helps to transform the practice of engineering, science, medicine, agriculture or business into a cohesive, efficient and productive process.
For example, construction technology involves the use of specialised machinery and equipment to build structures, such as bridges and buildings. Communication technology is the use of tools like phones, computers and faxes to communicate between people.
It can also refer to the physical tools that are used for teaching and learning, such as PowerPoint presentations, clickers, white boards or computer hardware. It can even include non-material tools such as books (paper and electronic), musical instruments, 3-D models or mathematical formulae.
Students benefit from technology because it enables them to learn at their own pace, collaborate with others from around the world and differentiate instruction for their individual needs. Teachers also gain from the use of technology, especially in the absence of traditional in-person instruction.
Choosing the right technology requires careful consideration of what it’s for and how it will help your students achieve their learning goals and outcomes. For instance, when selecting a gamified website for your students to practice spelling skills, it’s essential to consider their course objectives and outcomes.
Communicating with students, parents and older educators is also key to successfully integrating technology in schools. Taking time to understand their concerns and explain the purpose of new technologies can go a long way towards making them feel comfortable with new programs.
Technology has made our lives easier, but it has also created new problems that are still evolving. There’s a wide range of issues that are being debated as a result, including the creation of technological unemployment and pollution and the effects of automation on the economy.