Technology
Towards A Better Becoming
Technology is spreading throughout the whole world. In every minute, new
ideas are ghastly emerging resulting to innovations of new products. Whether we
like it or not, we must accept the reality that technology made our life easier
and more convenient the way it was before.
We already have the power of
technology in our palms, why don’t use it for learning? A single device, like
our mobile phones can be a tool in shaping ourselves as students to become
better. The most important issue here by the way is the becoming of ourselves
as students. Becoming a good individual who will have the ability to use
technology in everyday life in order to be productive and becoming a person who
can be a tool for change.
Marc Prensky, in his article ‘ What Can You Learn From A Cell Phone?---
Almost Anything!’ he stated that one-and-one half billion people all over
the world are walking around carrying powerful computers in their pockets and
purses. This fact alone can prove that even our mobile phones can be of greater
use in learning. Our mobile phones can be of great help in developing not only
our cognitive aspect, but as well as our social and emotional stability.
These mobiles in our respective
hands can become our learning aid. These can help us as students to look for
applications that could enhance our skills. We can download applications that
could assist our learning facility. There are plenty of applications that
anyone can get for free, such as applications that could improve our communication
skills in English, applications that could develop our logical thinking and
even applications that will help you to answer math problems that are too
difficult for you, etc.
Mobile phones could function as a diary or a journal for those who are
fond of writing their feelings, views and opinions instead of leaving harsh
comments in social media. Applications like creative diaries could be of great
help in writing your daily endeavor. Social networks like twitter and facebook
can be a way to share your thoughts with others which create links between
those students who are just like you.
During class discussions, if there is something you don’t know yet, there
is no need to wait for your break to go to library and look for that certain
topic, just few clicks in the browser installed in your phone, you can have the
answer you are looking for.
Mobile phones could also be our
memory aids. Most cell phones have camera installed in it. This will help us
students to take pictures for important information in class. There is no need
to copy the assignments written on boards, just a click - - you can get a copy
of the instruction and the details. You can also use it to take a documentation
for any activity that will surely help you later on.
It can also function as your
calendar. Students nowadays are distracted by their environment while some are
quite busy in doing their personal stuffs, you can set reminders such as the
schedule of your exams or the deadlines of your projects in the calendar
installed in your phone.
Your phone can also be your
Voice Notes. Let us just acknowledge the fact that some teachers talk really
fast. For cases like these, it will be hard for a student to write, so why not
use the advantage of your device? You can record the discussions throughout the
session and jot down important details later on. These recordings will enable
you to understand the discussion even more and will give you the opportunity to
clarify things that are quite absurd.
Our mobiles can also be a bridge
for communication. Aside from its purpose for communicating our loved ones, it
can also be a communication of knowledge. Group chats for instance can become a
discussion room. Just like in other countries, students are still able to
continue the discussion even they are no longer in school, which also promotes
collaboration. They are able to scaffold their classmates who are not able to
absorb the discussion within the classroom. Students can also relate their
ideas, raising their respective curiosities resulting to a better and deeper
understanding of the lesson.
This also promotes social skills
as well as developing their communication skills. Students learn to trust and
become part of a group without losing their stance in learning. This only
proves that learning is interdependent. Through this way, they are able to
develop their confidence in communicating with other people.
Our handy computer also enables
us to be updated with the happenings in the world. As 21st
generation learners, it is a necessity for us to be informed with the new
happenings as well as the new discoveries in our world. Through this, we will
be able to improve our general knowledge thus extending our opportunities to
learn even more.
The capabilities of our mobiles
are truly hard to measure. That small device can be a teacher, a facilitator, a
buddy in studying - a perfect tool to become better a better student. However,
despite of this good benefits, disadvantages are still present if not properly
used. Thus, it is a challenge for us, as digital natives to make us of our gadgets appropriately.
Technology is improving better
in every minute. This fact alone proves that educational technologies are
changing the way we learn. Because of the change brought by our technology,
learning has become more flexible and fun. Interactive learning which students
nowadays prefer is possible. Collaboration and interdependent learning are made
possible too, in and outside the classroom contexts.
Technology is taking a big role
in establishing learning. Some might not yet fully understand the benefits
brought by the emerging technologies, but let us not be condemned with the
disadvantages. Let us try to make use of what we have right now.
Technology is helping to change
education in a positive way which the world needs. Technology is already part
of the learning process. It continues to shape both teachers and the learners
in becoming better. The main goal of technology in education is the BECOMING of
today’s learners, and that BECOMING is in the hands of both teachers and
learners respectively.
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