How Technology Improves Education

Technology has improved education in many ways for example, computers can be used to type up documents instead of having to write them by hand. This makes it easier for people who have trouble writing or injured hands. It can also allow people to produce spreadsheets, powerpoint presentations and databases more easily. This also makes it easier for people to share information and documents.

The internet can be used to research information rather than having to use books from the library or textbooks. This is because the internet has a vast amount of information. This is a huge advantage for students and teachers. However, some websites are unreliable so it is important to check the information on a website because it may be incorrect. For example, I like to use Wikipedia which contains a lot of information, but it can be unreliable.

MyMaths is a website which we use in school to revise maths. It contains virtual lessons and online homework on each topic and I find it helpful. However, subscription is needed and not every school subscribes. I often use the free site www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize which contains less information than Wikipedia, however, it is run by the BBC so the information is reliable. It is set in different key stages, so easy to navigate. When I studied chemistry, I used the internet to find information about elements and their properties. At school, we use a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). I used YouTube for revising mirrors and lenses.

Source: created by virtualschooluk

distributed on youtube under creative commons license

Teachers can use iPads to check when the next lesson they are teaching is and for checking their e-mails. Teachers can also use the internet for research. There is also a website named 'TeachersPayTeachers' where they can buy, sell and share original content and lesson plans. Exam boards include information for teachers about their courses and past papers that students can use to practice for their upcoming exams.

There are many online learning courses set up for adults such as:

• BBC has online learning courses (http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/onlinecourses/);
• www.learndirect.co.uk which was originally set up by the government;
• Open University (http://www.open.ac.uk/);
• Other universites have online courses;
• Other training organisations;
• Some museums have online courses. The Science Museum includes a course on the making of the modern world.



Source: openclipart.org

Some basic courses are free but more advanced will be charged. Online learning sites allow students to work wherever they choose - in their own homes, workplace or at a library or study centre. They can plan their study around their other commitments such as work and family. Businesses can use online training for their staff.

However, there are also disadvantages of using technology for education. Computers can't be used if there is a power-cut and the internet can't be used if you aren't connected. Some websites can contain malicious software such as viruses, worms and trojans so you need to make sure that you use anti-virus software. Some websites contain inapproriate information or images.