IT In Education

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Racism Regarding IT in Education

“Any large social movement is shaped by the technology available to it and tailors its goals, tactics, and rhetoric to the media of its time.”

Now in 2016, students have immediate access to what is happening in their society. Whether it be through social media or newsfeeds, students are tapped into the world in which they live and what is happening globally. With this perpetual connection to what is happening all over the world, students have begun to realise that structural racism - something that was believed to be in the past - is still very evident in modern society.

An example of this is the Black Lives Matter Movement, which originated as a hashtag on social media. Student activists are said to be the main driving force, which propelled the movement to where it is today. The Black Lives Matter Movement in itself was shaped by the technology available in its era, as well as those it allowed access to.

Ultimately, technological resources and IT in education is beneficial in more than just in an academic sense. Because of students’ envelopment in social media and their encouraged liberalism, structural racism is being brought to the forefront. Not only is it being acknowledged, but it has also become much less taboo as a topic of discussion. Students now have a chance to openly stand in solidarity with those of the same race, which evokes a sense of pride and a willingness to fight for their portion of equality. The information they have access to has and is currently changing society.

Resources:

http://www.wired.com/2015/10/how-black-lives-matter-uses-social-media-to-fight-the-power/

http://blacklivesmatter.com

Contribution submitted by Kayla Mitchley, 1396307.

References:

Anderson, M. D. 2015. The Other Student Activists. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/11/student-activism-history-injustice/417129/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Barnhardt, C. L. & Reyes, K. A. 2016. Embracing Student Activism. [ONLINE] Available at: https://higheredtoday.org/2016/03/02/embracing-student-activism/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Black Lives Matter. 2015. DOJ: Protect Black Activists from White Vigilante Violence, Investigate Shooting As Hate Crime. [ONLINE] Available at: http://blacklivesmatter.com/doj-protect-black-activists-from-white-vigilante-violence-investigate-shooting-as-hate-crime/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Rafter, L. 2015. Can technology help address structural discrimination in the US?. [ONLINE] Available at: https://lindaraftree.com/2015/01/31/can-technology-help-address-structural-discrimination-in-the-us/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Rethinking Schools. 2015. Black Students’ Lives Matter Building the school-to-justice pipeline. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/29_03/edit293.shtml. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Stephen, B. 2015. Social Media Helps Black lives Matter Fight the Power. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.wired.com/2015/10/how-black-lives-matter-uses-social-media-to-fight-the-power/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Tanaka, M. 2014. How could social media transform racism?. [ONLINE] Available at: https://japansociology.com/2014/01/30/how-could-social-media-transform-racism/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

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Unhealthy Addiction Or Powerful Tool?

Over the last decade social media has begun to rise up like a phoenix, dominating every avenue of society. It has become a world phenomenon, sinking its deathly teeth into anyone whose interest it could pique. It wasn't long before this craze would spread to the likes of teenagers worldwide and with it, following global criticism. Instead of the benefits technology had promised, educators were faced with youngsters who were glued to their phones making them constantly distracted and unable to focus in class.

It was soon realized that social media would not detach itself from society, leaving many educators in constant fret and without option. However, it was soon realized that “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”. Rather than shunning the “plague”, it could be used as a powerful tool. 75% of students admit to being on Twitter “all the time”. Social media therefore provided a more liberal environment for students to learn with one another.

Apps such as YouTube and Facebook provides alternate examples for students. These apps create a larger community, connecting students worldwide to assist and support one another; an environment which even allows better communication between teacher and student. Twitter is an excellent example of this, as students can tweet their questions to lecturers or be reminded of tests. Pinterest is another interesting social media app which is used as a tool for “show and tell”. Intriguing projects can be posted, displaying the ‘fun’ side of the classroom.

Yes, social media has been found guilty for luring and trapping millions of students, but if used correctly, we could spark the match to the most creative and durable way of teaching in history. Learning is more than a textbook and pen; it’s about creating a lasting impact which students will carry with them forever.  

Contribution submitted by Jessie Lloyd, 1395803.

References:

BBC Active. 2016. How Social Media Is Changing Education. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.bbcactive.com/BBCActiveIdeasandResources/Howsocialmediaischangingeducation.aspx. [Accessed 8 May 2016]. 

O Brian, L. 2012. Six Ways to Use Social Media in Education. [ONLINE] Available at:https://cit.duke.edu/blog/2012/04/six-ways-to-use-social-media-in-education/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Daniels, L. 2014. 10 Social Media Sites For Education. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/technology/10-different-social-media-sites-for-education. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Edutopia. 2013. Social Media in Education: Resource Toolkit. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.edutopia.org/social-media-education-resources. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

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Applications Available For Education in South Africa

South Africa is still ranked 136 out of 205 countries in the world in terms of the amount of people 15 and older that can read. This unnerving statistic does not necessarily mean that the South African government does not make an effort to mitigate the consequences of mediocre literacy rates. The problem comes into play when we use obsolete techniques to counter the effects of mediocre education. More alternative forms of education are an imperative for a more prosperous South Africa. 

We can use the power of technology to solve real world problems, like inadequate education. Technology fills the chasms in our current flawed system. It allows for more flexibility in learning and teaching, and by doing so, creates a platform for students to achieve a level of unprecedented creativity and proficiency. To aid this viewpoint I will use an actual and apt example of applications in education.

 EduTree

Edutree is a resource intensive application that helps students in their attempt to conquer the Matric syllabus. Resources include, videos, revision material, and past papers.

 The Advantages

Allows users to work at their own pace.

Makes revision more seamless.

Gives students the ability to discern their deeply rooted problems in each topic of study.

Videos can be replayed.

Eases the burden of painstakingly searching for appropriate past papers.

 Limitations

Not all users have access to internet

Some users have low levels of computer literacy  

 A common misconception is that one single standing application can be an all-encompassing solution. However, we need to make a concerted effort to weed out all the limitations mentioned above. For example, including sufficient computer classes in primary and tertiary institutions. Education is not only the government’s problem - it is our problem too.

Contribution submitted by Qaasim Ganey, 1448483.

References:

Gillingham, A. 2012. Future of South Africa Depends on Education. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/education/2012/11/26/future-of-south-africa-depends-on-education. [Accessed 8 May 2016]. 

Edutree. 2016. Edutree. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.edutree.co.za/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

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The Disadvantages of IT in Education.

Although the use of technology and IT in education can prove to be very effective, the use of such – like everything else - has its disadvantages; such cons I shall be covering in this contribution.

The use of technology in classrooms – such as cellphones, tablets, i-pads and laptops - can prove to be a problem because it acts as a distraction to students due to the huge and ever growing social media frenzy. With many social media apps easily available and used daily by students it has been proven that students feel more distracted knowing that they might have received a notification from one of these apps and are then tempted to check their devices instead of what would have been used as learning time.

Another disadvantage would be the fact that the information on the internet can’t always be considered as valuable as the source might not be considered or credited as a reliable source.

One of the downfalls of having information at our fingertips is that it makes people lazy when searching for information and they usually tend to take whatever information they find first instead of doing a more in depth search in order to compare and analyse information, therefore resulting in either incorrect or ambiguous information concerning whatever they are trying to find out.

Another disadvantage according to Amy Pearson would be that “students may use computers to plagiarize or cheat” (Pearson) due to the easy access to information and other students and peoples work placed online.

To conclude the use of IT in education would have to be analysed in depth before initiating it in an institution due to the large amount of both advantages and disadvantages.

Contribution submitted by Meeca Longhow, 1118936.

References:

NAVAJOCODETALKERS. 2015. 12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Education. [ONLINE] Available at: http://navajocodetalkers.org/12-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-technology-in-education/. [Accessed 8 May 2016]. 

Pearson, A. 2016. The Disadvantages of Computers in Education. [ONLINE] Available at:http://education.seattlepi.com/disadvantages-computers-education-1390.html. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

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Advantages of IT in education

Education is a life-long process; therefore at any time and any place it would be effective for people to have access to gaining information as it is a need in today’s world. Education should meet the needs of the diversity of students and learners and; therefore, IT is important in helping meet this need. It is a requirement of our society that individuals are technologically capable and computer literate because in our day and age we live in a world that is more dependent on technology and the use of technological systems is much more time effective.

The importance of IT in education:

Access to the source of information

Time effective

Available at any time and any place

Advantages of IT in education.

Us as students and technology users have the advantage of finding information and educating ourselves at any time of the day, right away. Accessing information in order to gain knowledge is an easy and fast task. We are now able to study despite the time of the day or place; whether in a library, in your car or even on a plane on the way to another country.

Technology has also made it easier for children and students with disabilities to learn with. Many children have a neurological plasticity which has the length of 7 years which affects them from birth causing a delay in learning language and can have a huge effect on the child’s academic progress; technology however is helping to bridge this gap through learning apps.

The use of visuals with using technology also creates a vivid, vast and interesting experience for students, which encourages learners to regard computers as a learning tool to be used in all areas of education.

Contribution submitted by Melikhaya Mjada, 1502593.

References:

iansyst. 2015. Top Five Benefits of Assistive Technology in Education. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.iansyst.co.uk/news/assistive-technology/top-five-benefits-of-assistive-technology-in-education/801736048. [Accessed 8 May 2016]. 

OccupyTheory. 2014. Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Education. [ONLINE] Available at: http://occupytheory.org/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-technology-in-education/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

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The Use of Simulation in the Classrooms: The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Instructional simulation is defined as “the simulation of some type of reality (systematic or environmental) which also includes instructional elements that help a learner explore, navigate or information on the system or environment that cannot generally be acquired from mere experimentation”

Simulation based training, came about during the 1930s but has since gained more popularity with the use of the internet and is now a major component of many VLEs in practical studies like medicine, military and aviation. With the ever decreasing costs of computing, the fusion of the two, (simulation based learning and the virtual world) is one of the greatest advances in training.

The purpose of simulation based learning is to properly educate learners where literary material cannot and to acquire a valid source of information on the behaviours of users in specific situations through experience. Studies have shown that learners who have been trained through a simulation based E-learning interface have increased performance and greater retention rates than those taught with traditional methods of learning

In recent years, the use of simulation has also extended to the training of staff, for example, The Carana simulation which was developed by the United Nations to equip their staff for dealing with fragile and conflict- affected people, showing that simulation based learning has a place in technical and in social industries.

The importance of integration simulation based learning into our classrooms is supported by the distinct advantages including, less cost, time efficiency, less personnel being required and the introduction of a digital and automated process of performance history. Simulators in the classrooms are at the heart of the advancement of learning

Contribution submitted by Bonolo Kekana, 1383942 .

References:

Education World. 2014. Simulations Engage Students In Active Learning. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr391.shtml. [Accessed 8 May 2016]. 

Lateef, F. 2010. Simulation-based learning: Just like the real thing. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2966567/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Thoughtstorm. 2013. Historical Timeline of Virtual Learning Environments. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.designstorm.in/thoughtstorm/historical-timeline-of-virtual-learning-environments/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Graby, T. 2014. Hull Training & Adult Education VLE. [ONLINE] Available at:http://hullvle.blogspot.co.za/2014/02/history.html?m=1. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

BBC Active. 2010. Why you should use a Virtual Learning Environment. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.bbcactive.com/BBCActiveIdeasandResources/WhyyoushoulduseaVirtualLearningEnvironment.aspx. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Wikipedia. 2016. Simulation. [ONLINE] Available at: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulation. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

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Special Needs Students

Throughout the years, a lot of technological changes have occurred. People are always trying to find new and innovative ways to help us with our daily lives through technology.

Education is the key to success, so everyone is trying to get a good education in order to prosper in life. For many years, there has been an imbalance in schools on the quality of education that students receive. Children with special needs struggled with the traditional ways of accessing information. They found it difficult to stay on the same page as other students because of their disability. They were denied equal and quality education because of lack of resources and means to help them understand work. So how could they receive a proper education?

The biggest evolutionary changes that Education has seen throughout the years is in Technology. Information Technology in education is one of the ways in which we try to bridge the gap between able students and disabled students. It has been an effective method so far, and with our evolving technology, it will continue to be. For many years, children with disabilities received unequal educational opportunities, but with more improved technology, no longer will they have to suffer.

Assistive computer technologies have been designed to make it easier for disabled students to access material, communicate their ideas and participate in educational experiences. Blind students no longer need to use Braille reading because of technology. These Assistive Computer technologies include:

Mobility

Hearing Aids

Visual Aids

Physical Aids

Speech-recognition Software

Text-to-Speech software 

These are just a few of many ways in which IT in Education has managed to bridge the gap. One of the best examples on how IT in education has helped in Education is Stephen Hawking.

Resources:

http://www.Hawkingvideos.com/

http://www.useoftechnology.com/information-technolody-education/

Contribution submitted by Nokwanda Mbongwa, 1470874. 

References:

Pinantoan, A. 2012. Learning Difficulties: What Can Technology Do for Disabled Learners?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/what-can-technology-do-for-disabled-learners/. [Accessed 8 May 2016]. 

Job, J & Zorigian, K. 2013. Learning Difficulties: What Can Technology Do for Disabled Learners?. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/6917?ref=search. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

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#BringBackMxit!

One of the few Apps we as South Africans can proudly say that it was developed by us. Before BBM, WhatsApp and Twitter took the world by storm, we had Mxit.

Due to the fact that GPRS was not so popular/common back in the early 2000s and the cost of each SMS was high, it took longer than expected to establish the Mxit concept.

Basically Mxit is an instant messaging application developed by Mxit (Pty) Ltd that allows easy and fun communication between you and your family or friends at a much cheaper cost then today’s Apps.

Sadly, due to a large decrease in users over 2-3 years. Mxit announced that it is shutting down last year (October 23rd 2015).

My reason and objective as to why I think Mxit should be brought back or reactivated is the fact that it enabled one to have Educational ‘contacts’. What I mean by this; once logged onto Mxit, one could easily go to one of these ‘contacts’, for example ‘Mindset Learn’ which is a well-known South African basic education system of learning. There are of course many educational ‘contacts’ you can have on the Mxit App.

It was almost like having an App within an App because your ‘contact’ had various other options in which you could go to. Whether it was Science/Math, the information was sent to you as if it were on Google but at a much cheaper cost.

This of course was very convenient as a young Primary learner where having R2 Airtime meant you could still get your homework done.

Contribution submitted by Esethu Boti, 1375455.

References:

Wikipedia. 2013. MXit. [ONLINE] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MXit. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Shezi, L. 2014. THE DIGITAL CLASSROOM BY MXIT: HOW UKUFUNDA TURNS THE SIMPLE SOCIAL NETWORK INTO A TOOL FOR TEACHING. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.htxt.co.za/2014/09/12/the-digital-classroom-by-mxit-how-ukufunda-turns-the-simple-social-network-into-a-tool-for-teaching/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

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Advantages of IT in Education

Information Technology is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and plays a role in almost every part of our lives.  One of the areas that IT plays a major role in is Education. The role of Information Technology in Education is exploring the potential for technology to redefine the terms of teaching and learning. My personal opinion is that the use of Information Technology will benefit the education industry for many generations to come.

IT is already benefitting education in present times. As classroom computer technology is being used for different types of activities, students are required to be readers, writers, editors, and publishers and must be willing to collaborate and work closely with others. These are critical skills for students to learn as they grow and enter the workplace. Technologies such as podcasts provide students with the opportunity to learn at their own pace and the chance to go back and re-learn content whenever they want. This is especially helpful to ESL students and students with learning disabilities.

Here are some other benefits of the use of IT in education:

Access to information - Many years ago, our only source of information were books, which we’d have to painstakingly find in the sections of the library we all hated. Today information is easily accessed thanks to the internet. Also, online courses are accessible to the students who are unable to attend traditional educational buildings because of health, finance problems or any other complications.

Ease in teaching - Thanks to the technology, teachers now have more than one way of keeping an eye on the student’s progress. Moreover, audio-visual presentation, wide-screen televisions and projectors can be used for improving the delivery of instruction to improve learning and increasing the comprehension level among the students.

Technology makes education enjoyable – Most modern students enjoy it when teachers and lecturers make use of white board or touch screen technology. They find these classes more interactive and interesting, and their increased interest results in better comprehension and the absorption of more knowledge.

My opinion is that the advantages IT bring in to education are too great to ignore or downplay, and that we need to embrace it and make the most of the resources available to us in order to fully benefit from the advantages I mentioned earlier, and countless others! IT in education? Yes please.

Contribution submitted by Shakeel Abdul Kalick, 1434382.

References:

The Hitachi Foundation. 2015. “The Role of Information Technology in Education.” [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.hitachifoundation.org/our-work/business-and-work-grants-program/initiatives/past-initiatives/24-the-role-of-information-technology-in-education. [Accessed 8 May 2016].

Boundless. 2015. “Advantages of Using Technology in the Classroom.” [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.boundless.com/education/textbooks/boundless-education-textbook/technology-in-the-classroom-6/edtech-25/advantages-of-using-technology-in-the-classroom-77-13007/. [Accessed 8 May 2016].