In the newspapers last week, I came across an engaging article about students’ views of learning with digital technology. Undoubtedly, the young Internet-savvy generation prefers to engage with digital learning.
Will this digital technology replace the conventional chalk-and-talk method of all these decades? Or is digital learning the best way?
As we sail through the 21st century classroom, the use of technology is evident. Smart board, tablet and chrome book have slowly began to replace the textbooks.
During a recent visit to Geelong College, in Melbourne, Australia, I saw the teachers using a smart board during an English lesson. It captured the students’ attention and helped them learn the language easily.
Some students say they still need the “human touch” of a teacher to keep them motivated to learn. They reiterated that digital learning will not completely take over the role of teachers as technology itself cannot fully engage the learning process.
BiIl Gates once said: “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.”
Inevitably, teachers should know how to utilise technology and make it part of the learning process
in the classroom. In a nutshell, technology has shaped the way
how teachers teach and how students learn.
Even toddlers are busy playing with the tablets and smartphones these days. Gone are the days when children go out and play. Like their parents, they are hooked up to the digital world. This is one of the repercussions of being too attached to digital devices.
I don’t see many getting hold of printed reading material. Most people are contented with having a sophisticated smartphone. The need for a library for physical content is slowly diminishing.
I would love to have printed media, such as newspapers rather than reading the news online. Despite many attempts of trying to read online, it has failed to satisfy me. I’d rather grab a newspaper and read.
No doubt, digital learning has impacted my teaching. After all, teaching is not about memorising and regurgitate the facts and figures but also being able to resolve problems and collaborating with the workforce.
Many say technology has its benefits. I could not agree more. Research has shown that learners retain information better via digital learning. They are also able to learn at their own pace.
Being tagged as “digital natives”, the students are somehow more advanced as far as technology is concerned.
As educators, we should not lag behind.
Teachers should harness digital devices in the classroom. The digital learning enriches the teaching content and improves efficiency.
Online courses are mushrooming and we only have to be there virtually to conduct or participate in the courses.
SUMATI MUNIANDYJohor Baru, Johor