Some educators feel that distance technologies will greatly improve education; some feel education will suffer if they are overused. What are factors you can cite in support of each of these positions?
Distance technologies can improve education by making research materials quicker to locate. Distance learning is often constructed, which puts the student as the person responsible for the product. The speed in which information is exchanged between students and teachers is greatly increased. The use of the virtual classrooms has broken down the confinements of walls that a traditional school setting has been constrained by. Technology has allowed some people to advance educationally where in the past it might have been impossible due to time restraints, transportation, etc. Distance learning creates the flexibility that some students require. Distance learning has changed how teachers teach and how students learn. Teachers guide the learning process, but the students construct knowledge, are motivated and take responsibility for their learning.
Some experts argue that too much interaction with technology has been detrimental to the social and interrelationship development of children. There is research to support this and the advice given is to limit the use of media to 1- 2 hours a day. In this ever changing technological society, I do not realistically see this becoming a reality. We must teach these “people” skills and use technology effectively to teach students.
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Nancy, I like your comment on how "the virtual classrooms have broken down the confinements of walls that a traditional school setting has been constrained by." Distant learning has provided opportunities for people to obtain a degree without going into a traditional classroom. Since many businesses have been created from the home, distant learning can give these individuals the practice and credentials needed to start up an at home business. Distant learning is also very family friendly because parents can obtain their degree without leaving the home on a regular basis. It also helps clear the roads, because people do not have to drive to a college regularly.
ReplyDeleteI agree Nancy, with technology being so prevelent for todays kids, it is hard to limit the amount of time they spend using it. Instead of focusing on how much we limit their time using it, we should focus more on how to implement it into lessons correctly, and spend more time on showing students the importance of social interaction and physical fitness.
ReplyDeleteNancy, you are right about students taking responsibility for their learning. That’s the way it has always been. I think it starts at home with the parents or guardians setting the example of being responsible. Technology will be awesome in a few years and this conversation will entirely different. Distance learning has opened the door for so many people and will continue to do just that. The idea of cutting down time for kids to be entertained without technology is ridiculous. I cannot image a day that I do not look at some sort of technology within one hour. It completely saturates our lives. Good post Nancy.
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