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Educational Technology

Q 2. Technology can make a difference to the teaching - learning process.

Elucidate the statement by citing appropriate examples.

The technology advances over the past three decades has brought massive

transformations that have significantly altered how teachers teach and students learn.

The drastic change technology has necessitated the modification of the teaching

process, arguably making it better. This is because the way people communicate has

changed, making it impossible to teach today’s students using the traditional methods of

past years. As the philosopher and educational reformist John Dewey puts it apply

yesteryears conventinal methods to today’s learning landscape, would be to rob today’s

learners of tomorrow (p. 2).It should be noted is that today’s learners have access to a

wide variety of technological gadgets. It is a massive part of their lives as they use their

phones, computers, etc in their daily routines. It is thus expected that teachers integrate

these technologies into learning to facilitate better grasping of concepts.

Technological advancement has made a monumental difference for teachers.

For those who were used the traditional methods find themselves playing catch-up on a

rollercoaster ride. While some teachers are tech-savvy, others are beginners, while

others possess some know-how (p. 12).In reality technology offers potential to aid the

learning process, for both students and teachers. This applies in areas, from planning,

imparting knowledge and receiving it (teaching), conducting assessments,

administrative duties, and engaging parents, guardians, and the community. Teachers

are challenged to keep abreast with technological transformation so they can keep their

students updated.
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Studies have shown that technology can be massively beneficial in the learning

process in numerous ways. Firstly, it motivates learners by engaging them and

increasing their curiosity. Compared to traditional methods, it has many ways to keep

students intrigued . Secondly, it helps improving learnng standards by inproving

attainments levels (p.12). Enabling access to educational resources and facilating

personalized learning enhances learning standards and attainment levels. Thirdly,

benefits of technology allows tailored instruction that fits the needs of individual

students. This is advantageous as it allows students to learn at their comfortable pace.

For example, in a random class of forty students, about five will be fast learners,five will

be slow learners, and the rest will be more or less at an average pace., Using

technology will allow tailored instruction as their paces differ.

Apart from personalizing instruction, introducing technology allows students to

grasp difficult, abstract concepts fairly easily. Technologies like virtual reality (VR)

enable students to grasp abstract concepts more easily saving time for both teachers

and students, by enhancing their effiency. Opening an easier channel of communication

between parents, teachers, and students. This extends learning and enables any issues

to be resolved fairly fast. Communication with parents,students and teachers through

one platform like Zoom, the learning process is greatly facilitated. It is important to

understand that today’s learners are vastly different from yesteryears learners (p.13).

They want to be challenged more and want to work with their peers compared to the

students before them. Technology enables teachers to challenge them, thus improving

the means of instruction.

Q 4. How would you create a Virtual Learning Enviornment (VLE) to engage your

students in a more holistic and interactive learning process?

Virtual learning environments are widely misunderstood. Whenever that term is

brought up, many people assume that virtual learning is a space in the AI world that is

intended to replace traditional learning spaces in the real world. However, it is vital to

understand that virtual learning environments are not meant to replace traditional

classrooms nor are they intended to substitute conventional educational practices. On

the contrary, they are spaces meant to buttress traditional learning spaces by extending

the physical space of the learning environment This provides a platform for both

learners and teachers to amplify their imaginations beyond what physical spaces afford

them. Virtual learning environments (VLEs) need to be understood as web-based

platforms that enable interactions, sharing of resources, and undertaking activities

within a course structure within them (p. 38). When used correctly, VLEs can empower

students to participate in an increasingly interactive and holistic process of learning,

which may then prompt them to perform better in their studies.

To understand how best to craft a VLE to engage learners in a more holistic

learning process, it is essential to first understand its different components. First, a VLE

has a section for content management. This section is used in creating, storing,

accessing, and using the requisite learning resources. Second, it has a section for

mapping and planning the curriculum. This section is used to plan lessons, tailor the

different learning experiences to suit the students and assess the performance of the

students. Third, a VLE has a section for administration and learner engagement. This

section is used for gaining managed access to information and resources pertaining to
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the learners and also to track the achievements and progress of the learners. The fourth

section is used for communication and collaboration. It allows for communication to

occur between the teacher and learners via emails, blogs, chats, and notices. Finally, a

VLE has a section for real-time communication, where live video conferencing takes

place.

VLEs are usually designed and integrated to fit the physical space of traditional

classrooms in order to get the best of both worlds. There are numerous other

components contained within a VLE. As a teacher, in order to create a VLE that would

allow for engagement in a more holistic process, I would take certain steps. I would

begin by designing a small space within the VLE specifically for the purpose of group

learning. This space will be created in such a way that sub-groups within my class can

interact and collaborate with each other to complete the projects I have given them. Is

space will contain numerous different tools like options for content presentation (eg

videos, slideshows, photos, etc.) It will also have the capability for file sharing to allow

students to share information freely. I will also create the space to have discussion

boards where discussions will be carried out, and this will be alongside referencing

websites. I would create a virtual library that allows the students to access textbooks

and other resources like journals.

Within this VLE, it will be necessary to set ground rules early on so that it would

not be used for purposes other than learning. The VLE will also include simulations that

will act as a tutorial to teach students how best to exploit the virtual environment. The

course syllabus will also be available within it so students can follow the predetermined

curriculum. When learners are able to share whatever ideas they may have and readily
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access information, this exponentially strengthens their learning experience (p. 41). It

must be mentioned that even though students might be willing to embrace this type of

technology, its implementation can be substantially time-consuming and costly.

Therefore, I would first encourage my school to set aside enough funds and time for the

implementation of this vital piece of technology.

Reference

Educational Technology. (n.d.).