Think about how often you use technology in your career. Now think about the fact that technology is not used as much as it should be in education. It seems ironic, doesn’t it? The truth is education is the last thing on many schools’ budgets. However, there are so many ways technology can be used to better any course imaginable. Either way you look at it, technology is important in the education field.
How Technology Courses Are Currently Viewed
Most schools in America, especially public schools, put technology at the bottom of the list. They feel that technology isn’t an important expense and for that reason technology-related courses are often elective courses that can be done away with at a moment’s notice. There’s a chance that schools feel this way because the equipment and software needed to teach these courses, or just use technology in any class, is expensive. Not only is it expensive, but it needs to be updated regularly. Many public schools rely on donations and grants to obtain any equipment and software.
Why These Courses Should Not Be Expendable
Most careers now require using a computer in some form or fashion. Even fast food cashiers use computers to take orders. Professionals use computers throughout their day to complete their jobs. In other words, students need as much hands-on experience as possible to help them be successful in their careers. There’s more to it than that though. Access to the internet can greatly expand the amount of information a teacher is able to share with her students. Computers attached to projectors can be used to access libraries across the country, websites devoted to subject material, and much more. Classes devoted to word processing should also be mandatory in today’s technology driven world instead of being an elective.
Ways Technology Can Be Used in Each Class
It doesn’t matter which class a student is taking, technology can always improve the experience. For example, software could be used to help students improve their math and English skills. Software can provide immediate feedback so that students know what areas to work on. Interactive class rooms could also be used so that students could take courses that weren’t offered at their school. There’s so many ways technology can improve education and the sooner school board officials realize this the better; you can read more about that here.
The technology is available for students to get the most from their education. Unfortunately, many school systems aren’t willing to hand over the money to make it happen. Sadly, technology could make a huge difference in the life of each and every student.
