As the world’s socities move into an era of globalization,educators should develop their skills with the available technology to uplift the quality of education in the country.But here’s a nagging question: How can the teachers become aware of the latest technology adoptable for effective teaching?
The fact is that there are teachers that are not yet familiar with computers and how they work.Balancing the present situation, it is only necessary for aggressive efforts to make teachers computer literate.Educators should be made fully aware of the significance of learning the basic computer knowledge.
Computers have come a long way.They used to be big, bulky, and very expensive. In the early years, one computer filled up a classroom, and required energy equivalent to that of a small factory! At that time, only large companies and big universities can afford to have one.But with entry of the microchip, they become smaller and less expensive. And these present computers called microcomputers have 50 times more computing power with the price of hndred times lower.
Since, they are now less expensive, the use of computers become widespread.It is used in almost every aspects of human endeavor-manufacturing,administration,commerce,medicine,leisure,home, and education.Computer was seen to revolutionize education.
Moreover, there are those who question the use of computers in teaching especially in early childhood education. One illustration of this is when using computer graphics as a substitute for a painting activity.Painting with the use of computer only means that the child draws pictures, and color them using the tools ans shades the program provides.What is lost is the experience of actual mixing of colors as well as the opportunity to see how different brush strokes will affect the drawing.According to child psychologists, a child should be given the opportunity to undergo sensory experiences in his physical environment.Varied and plenty sensory experiences will bring out creativeness and responsibility in a child.
On the other hand, there are three schools of thought that support the use of computers.These are behaviorism, Systems Theory, and Cognitive Theory. These theories promote computer use in education because computers can provide instant feedback. In Behaviorism, feedbacks are used to modify behavior,System Theory to monitor and alter functioning of the system; and Cognitive Theory, feedback is used as mechanism for supporting correct mental functioning.
After computer came Internet with its many advantages in teaching. Mentors are able to do extensive research about almost anything without barriers they normally encounter in old traditional ways. For one, Internet has no closing hours like a library.
Teachers are more comfortable in tasking their students. Exploring different countries, their customs and traditions can now be as simple as counting 1,2,3 through history. And yes, even keeping abreast of the latest trends, spanning fashion as well as new invented gadgets and machines.
Undoubtedly, teachers should not only have knowledge of running a computer but more so how using computers can affect the development of students. They should be trained for it. Nevertheless, the good news is that more and more schools are becoming fully aware in using computers and actually benefiting from it tremendously.
The road to achieve the quality education we want for the youth is within our reach. Modern technology when used wisely can be truly depend upon. In the realm of education, technology will always play important part in imparting knowledge to the youth.
By: Girlie F. Sanchez | MT-1 | Alasasin Elem. School | Alasasin Mariveles Bataan
