Saturday, August 29, 2009

Media Technology in Education

In the twenty-first century, technology is constantly changing, evolving and improving connectivity between individuals and their culture. It may seem daunting to try to grasp these new modes of communication but in learning to use them, one will gain access to an unlimited flow of human knowledge. Which is why integrating new technologies into the classroom becomes essential to education. It is important not only because technology becomes vital in the workforce but also because it gives students more access to varying ideas and opinions.

In high school, the use of computers can aid in gaining access to a plethora of academic knowledge. Sharing their ideas on the web can help students speak freely with little opposition, providing a safe environment for an intelligent discourse to take place. In my own school experience, sharing journal entries online has allowed me to speak to my fellow students in a more open forum. Without the pressure of public speaking, which can be intimidating for many, a student can express their opinions in a productive way.

However, college has helped me make the most of the technologies at hand. With online classes that often require more thought than sometimes sitting in a stuffy lecture hall, I have felt that more than my physical attendance has been required of me. From posting feedback to other students on WebCT to find academic articles online, I am able to gain much more knowledge through the use of computers and they have made my academic experience much more fulfilling.