TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION

New and Emerging Technologies in Mainstream Education



New and Emerging Technologies in Mainstream Education

Introduction to E-learning

Technology has totally changed the face of the Earth. The world has become a knowledge economy where effective dissemination of knowledge had become imperative for the present and future generations. This effectiveness can only be established if we deploy technology in our learning systems. The need to make education accessible and convenient while being competitive and result-oriented; has led to the deployment of e-learning activities and modes within the mainstream educational sector.

The Context of Chosen E-learning Technology

Blended learning is a concept that has gripped the education sector world-wide and has created positive impact on the learning process. It involves mixing different learning environments using computerized learning systems for student facilitation and pedagogical innovation. Videoconferencing (VC) is a method of live, interactive communication, between two or more locations based locally, nationally or internationally.

The technology that we have chosen in the context of e-learning or blended learning is the application “Video Conferencing” to mainstream education. This falls in the given category of a group activity in which a new and emerging technology should be used. Video Conferencing is not a novice technological mechanism. It has streamlined the usefulness of technology in learning and teaching practices across the world. In U.K, it is being extensively used to facilitate teachers and students through the implementation of audio and visual aids that enable distance learning to flourish easily.

The application of video conferencing to teaching in schools has been especially effective. It enables students from all the urban and rural areas to come together on one platform and access their individual instructors. Video conferencing has made education accessible while also, not compromising on its quality and application (Olson, 2000, 139-178).

From learners' perspective, video conferencing has been very useful and convenient. Students expect their instructors to be with them anytime anywhere. Hence, education, at any point of time, is not restricted to traditional classroom boundaries anymore. This has transformed the teaching and learning experiences and provided a new opportunity for students across the world. It has also resulted in access to multiple instructors from different countries of the world, increasing students' exposure and outlook (Olson et.al, 2000, 139-178).

Making Use of “Video-Conferencing” for Students' Engagement

Given the importance of education, it is not surprising that various technologies find some of their best uses to be in the classroom. A technology that has seen plenty of use in schools and colleges is video conferencing, which is a method of transferring audio and video in real time between people in different places (Erickson, 2003, 119-145). Videoconferencing allows students to talk with journalists, politicians, scientists, and a variety of other influential people, and to enable teachers and professors to interact with students who are in classrooms in schools different, sometimes even in different states or countries.

When most people think of video, they think in terms of big companies talking with foreign partners or offices that are located across the ...