Education in the information age
Education before the Information Age
Changes to education in the Information Age
The first change to the classroom came when the calculator
was invented; it was the first computerised way of doing sums. This changed the
classroom criteria completely; math lessons would now entail a calculator based
lesson where students would learn how to use the calculator efficiently and
effectively to work out sums. Then came the calculator exams, which tested
students on their hard maths with the aid of a calculator. But to do well in
the exams you had to be able to use the calculator well.
The Photocopier which was invented in 1959, allowed teachers
to be able to photocopy interactive sheets or work that the class required,
this meant more paper but less time organising. Things were made a lot easier
for teachers as they could print multiple sheets of the same thing.
Then came the change in the way the exams were marked,
instead of each paper being marked by hand in 1972 came the invention of the
scantrons which were able to automatically grade multiple choice tests.
Then In the 1980’s came the movement of computers in school,
this changed nearly everything. ICT became a part of the school curriculum and
everyone was expected to know how to the use the basic software and to have
some sort of keyboard knowledge. Simple documents could be written up on a
computer and printed out instead of having to write things out.
One of the greatest changes in education came in 1999. The
chalk boards and whiteboards were to be taken over by the SMART board. They
were able to use a more interactive type of whiteboard in the classroom, with
the touch sensitive white screen and projected computer screen.
Thus came the advances in the type of technology sued I the
lessons, teachers would form then on teach their lessons through a PowerPoint
which allowed teachers to present different slides and would be able to
interact with the class without just using the textbooks, also be able to watch
videos and play class games using the SMART board. It also made the teachers
life a lot easier as they were able to type up work once and never have to type
it again.
Education Now
Due to all the quick changes in the information age
education for me is a lot different. As I entered primary school registers were
still recorded on paper and stayed like that for the 7 years that I was there.
However things did change in the classroom, for example every so often we would
go to the small computer room that we had and would spend an hour doing a
typing lesson or spend an hour using paint to create art of some sort.
Then things changed completely when I went to secondary
school. I had timetabled lessons of ICT
from year 7; they were often and would teach us how to use the basic software
on the computer. We were also given an email address and login, which allowed
us to interact with our peers and our teachers. Teachers could send us work and
we would reply via email.
In every classroom there was a SMART board, in every lesson
they were generally used. Teachers would display a PowerPoint of which we would
take down notes, we stilled had textbooks and still used them regularly for
revision etc. Registration was also done electronically and all the records
that the school has of me are stored electronically.
When I started all the documents in the school were just
saved on a drive, which was then known as the W drive. However things changed
and we now have what we know as FROG. This is a VLE (Virtual Learning
Environment) which allows us to access learning resources through the school.
You need a log in to get into the VLE and can access all of the work you have
saved onto your drive and any resources you need for your subject; you are also
able to view your timetable. I often have to submit work on FROG as well, as
teachers set classes work via FROG.
For revision most of my work was typed up instead of hand
written, I also used and still use a
memory stick to make sure that all my work was safe and that I did not lose any
of it on the school system. Instead I am able to take my work home and use my
stick anywhere.
Registration in school is also done electronically, the
school uses SIMS which is an electronic way of keeping records on which
students are present and why students may be off. It is a much easier way for the
school to track the student’s whereabouts and our parents are now able to
access the registration data to see if we have signed in and are at school.
Scopes of Education in the Information Age
·
Students have access to their online work wherever
they are, limiting excuses on
not being able to find work.
·
Teachers are able to set work electronically and
can track who has handed it in on time.
·
Teachers and students can also contact each
other via email. A form of communication which can be used out of school hours.
·
The school can save a lot of room and time by
keeping all the students information stored on computers. They are able to
easily access any information they need.
·
Students are able to access learning resources
over the VLE’s to help with their subjects.
·
Increases possibility of employability
·
Saves time for teachers and students
·
Can make the classroom more interactive and
interesting for students to attend.
Limitations of Education in the Information age
·
When sitting exams they require you to do a lot
of writing instead of typing, we are having an increasing lack of practice. We
have good keyboard skills but our handwriting is suffering.
·
Cost is expensive in school; unless the
computers are updated regularly they will become slow and will not be able to
be used.
·
Security is also a concern, as student can
access each other’s data.
·
Students can lose data as they are not 100%
reliable.
·
Can be a great distraction in education
·
Plagiarism is easier to do now.
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