Access to more/better sources of information - there are brilliant resources out there, some of which have been developed with big budgets and experts in the field. Others have small production value but offer an object of learning value. In both cases computers and the internet offer access to these on demand.
Greater flexibility in how/where/when one learns - there has been a recent major shift in SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) from google that promotes in its results those sites that are 'mobile friendly'. There is a constant and growing shift to the ability to be able to access information on all devices at a time that suits. Education and learning has to move with this shift to maintain relevancy. #mobilegeddon
More collaborative learning / New/better ways of learning using Web 2.0 tools - I'm linking collaborative learning and web 2.0 together as there are many features that are open learning tools that encourages collaboration and the learning through this activity
Better/more tutoring / Better assessment methods - these final two have the potential to be enriched through technology but it is not to say that they can't be done well without it. I work for an FE college and with huge cuts in funding we have really struggled but it has meant we have reviewed on schemes of work. For instance in my area, through the use of technology we have reduced our tutoring visits from 24 to 11 and from length of course from 24 months to 18. There may be less face to face tutoring but there is now more blended learning, more communication and our assessment is more focused with increased gaming and formative assessment to ensure learning. So in my experience technology has improved both the quality of teaching and the individual learning experience. Interestingly though, this only really came into effect and supported by SMT when there was a financial need. Maybe an example of 'every cloud has a silver lining'.
I think all types of learning can benefit from technology in learning. I deliver with Further Education and Apprenticeships and both have gained significant benefits with the use of technology and the internet. Historically they have been reliant on day release or significant college attendance. This restriction has been removed and learning can happen in any environment and anytime - that is liberating for both learner and tutor.
The internet can offer some wonderful social interaction. You may have a child who loves a subject that has a small number of interested individuals. The internet allows them the opportunity to meet like-minded people who have a similar interest, people that they wouldn't have been able to interact with before the internet. Therefore children and people generally can follow and learn about subjects they would like to know more about and not just what is available within their street/village/town.
I do recognise though that balance is everything so yes there needs to be some time outside, exploring nature - that is truly brilliant too - Example being National Trust 50 Things to do before your 11 3/4. A balanced life. The future is a world that is smaller, comfortable with virtual interaction - we need to ensure that children feel comfortable in multiple communication worlds. You can love the outdoors, be healthy, be sociable and use the internet to enrich your life be it learning or communication
ICT Impacts on Learning
Access to more/better sources of information - there are brilliant resources out there, some of which have been developed with big budgets and experts in the field. Others have small production value but offer an object of learning value. In both cases computers and the internet offer access to these on demand.
Greater flexibility in how/where/when one learns - there has been a recent major shift in SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) from google that promotes in its results those sites that are 'mobile friendly'. There is a constant and growing shift to the ability to be able to access information on all devices at a time that suits. Education and learning has to move with this shift to maintain relevancy. #mobilegeddon
More collaborative learning / New/better ways of learning using Web 2.0 tools - I'm linking collaborative learning and web 2.0 together as there are many features that are open learning tools that encourages collaboration and the learning through this activity
Better/more tutoring / Better assessment methods - these final two have the potential to be enriched through technology but it is not to say that they can't be done well without it. I work for an FE college and with huge cuts in funding we have really struggled but it has meant we have reviewed on schemes of work. For instance in my area, through the use of technology we have reduced our tutoring visits from 24 to 11 and from length of course from 24 months to 18. There may be less face to face tutoring but there is now more blended learning, more communication and our assessment is more focused with increased gaming and formative assessment to ensure learning. So in my experience technology has improved both the quality of teaching and the individual learning experience. Interestingly though, this only really came into effect and supported by SMT when there was a financial need. Maybe an example of 'every cloud has a silver lining'.
I think all types of learning can benefit from technology in learning. I deliver with Further Education and Apprenticeships and both have gained significant benefits with the use of technology and the internet. Historically they have been reliant on day release or significant college attendance. This restriction has been removed and learning can happen in any environment and anytime - that is liberating for both learner and tutor.
The internet can offer some wonderful social interaction. You may have a child who loves a subject that has a small number of interested individuals. The internet allows them the opportunity to meet like-minded people who have a similar interest, people that they wouldn't have been able to interact with before the internet. Therefore children and people generally can follow and learn about subjects they would like to know more about and not just what is available within their street/village/town.
I do recognise though that balance is everything so yes there needs to be some time outside, exploring nature - that is truly brilliant too - Example being National Trust 50 Things to do before your 11 3/4. A balanced life. The future is a world that is smaller, comfortable with virtual interaction - we need to ensure that children feel comfortable in multiple communication worlds. You can love the outdoors, be healthy, be sociable and use the internet to enrich your life be it learning or communication