ENABLING CONDITIONS FOR EFFECTIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
The article by Shuchi Grover on ‘Enabling Conditions’ to support effective technology in schools is a dilemma faced by most institutions today.
The questions are-
· How effective is the use of technology in our schools today?
· Is technology=computers?
· How do we manage technology?
Reality
There are multifold issues in the state of technology in Indian Schools today.
There are Air-conditioned Labs for computers which are normally used one day in a week by a batch of students. The machines are not maintained, upgraded. There is very little or no integration between subjects taught and computers. Technology input is limited to one lecture by the Computer teacher in a week. Moreover teachers are resistant to this alien ‘computer’.
An average child of today loves using the computer, but for What? Playing games, chatting, downloading music….???????
There is hardly any Learning from this intricate web of information.
A teacher personally probably uses the computer for e-mail.
The school uses it for accounting, maintaining data of students and staff.
Change in thought Process
The computer and other technology gadgets can be made more productive to bring about a sea of change in the way we learn, share and understand. It can become an effective mode of communication between the teacher and student, student with student, teacher with teacher and parents with the school. It can become a platform to develop group sharing skills in this world of single children. It can be used for more than just achievement of grades by students.
How do we make that change?
There should be integration of all subjects with technology.
Teachers should undergo training and become comfortable with the use and benefits of technology.
Technology should not be limited to the labs but be portable and become available at all times to the teacher.
Students should get free access to the computer labs.
Computers should be maintained by proficient staff.
Investment in gadgets like a projector, GPIS system etc will enhance the useability and portability of computers.
Small changes in the way we think of and use technology can bring about a Sea of Change- in acquiring skills of a different world altogether!!!
The questions are-
· How effective is the use of technology in our schools today?
· Is technology=computers?
· How do we manage technology?
Reality
There are multifold issues in the state of technology in Indian Schools today.
There are Air-conditioned Labs for computers which are normally used one day in a week by a batch of students. The machines are not maintained, upgraded. There is very little or no integration between subjects taught and computers. Technology input is limited to one lecture by the Computer teacher in a week. Moreover teachers are resistant to this alien ‘computer’.
An average child of today loves using the computer, but for What? Playing games, chatting, downloading music….???????
There is hardly any Learning from this intricate web of information.
A teacher personally probably uses the computer for e-mail.
The school uses it for accounting, maintaining data of students and staff.
Change in thought Process
The computer and other technology gadgets can be made more productive to bring about a sea of change in the way we learn, share and understand. It can become an effective mode of communication between the teacher and student, student with student, teacher with teacher and parents with the school. It can become a platform to develop group sharing skills in this world of single children. It can be used for more than just achievement of grades by students.
How do we make that change?
There should be integration of all subjects with technology.
Teachers should undergo training and become comfortable with the use and benefits of technology.
Technology should not be limited to the labs but be portable and become available at all times to the teacher.
Students should get free access to the computer labs.
Computers should be maintained by proficient staff.
Investment in gadgets like a projector, GPIS system etc will enhance the useability and portability of computers.
Small changes in the way we think of and use technology can bring about a Sea of Change- in acquiring skills of a different world altogether!!!
posted by malini at
7:59 AM
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