Technology In Higher Education

First of all, we have to know what is the word ‘Technology’. It is derived from ‘Techniques’. Technology is the study of finding and implementation of techniques which are helpful in an activity”.

We have been using technology so much these days in each and every domain of our lives. We apply different techniques for different activities like sports, study, cooking, business, travel, music etc.

What is Higher Education?

Higher education is a process of transmitting knowledge and talent from one person to another. Higher education is 3rd level education after you leave school. It takes place at universities and further education colleges and normally includes undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Higher education gives you the chance to study a subject you are interested in and can boost your career prospects and earning potential.

Higher Education System

Higher education system consists of schools and colleges. Young kids at early ages are sent to school till they become youths. These schools are governed by a few boards which make and implement several standards for the operation of schools.

After school completion youths have to select one branch for career selection, which is offered in colleges. This phase is called Graduation. During college, an individual gets training for the specific field which he/she can choose as their career ahead. Further specialization can be done through:

• Post-Graduation
• Research level study can be obtained through Ph.D. (Doctorate in Philosophy )
• Foundation degrees

Why Technology is Important in Higher Education?

Education helps in spreading the result of research into society. Hence it is a tool for the advancement of society. Higher education can be seen as a focal point of knowledge and its application, an institution which makes a great contribution to the economic growth and development through fostering innovation and increasing higher skills. It is looked like a way to improve the quality of life and address major social and global challenges .

Some of the following reasons clearly state how beneficial technology can be for education and educational institutions.

• Enables diversity in learning styles

Students learn differently, and a teacher cannot be able to meet the needs of all his students. The availability of technology in education has made it possible for learners to move forward at their own pace.

• Breaks monotony in learning

Teacher-centrism to change the learning of integrating technology by teacher-centric. Most teachers work as a facilitator rather than a coach.

• Learning has made flexible

With integrated technology in the education curriculum, students do not have to know about the same thing at the same time. A student can read about plants while reading about another animal.

• Educators are able to prepare learners for the real-world environment

The world is turning towards technology at the neck speed. In this way, it is mandatory that the students are being equipped with skills so that they can cope with the change.

• Ability to learn increases

Technical tools make the classroom fun, so learners are excited to learn.

• Distance learning facility

The technology world has enabled people to do their course online while working at the same time. No need for physical contact with the instructor.

• Savings

Buying a laptop or tablet is less expensive because you can get all your information on the internet than buying many textbooks for different courses, which is expensive.

• Access to the most up-to-date information quickly and easily

The Internet has enough educational information, which is updated regularly. The learners can find information on the website and compare the views of various authors.

• Enhances cooperation

Students and trainers can now easily share information from any place.

• Less burden of work

Students data can be stored on a computer, including classroom attendance, courses taken by students, school enrolment and others. Computer records are not easily lost, thus, they can be accessed at any time, as opposed to traditional methods of recording on papers which can be easily misplaced.

• Leads to globalization

Students can learn, understand and appreciate various cultural approaches, so globalization is necessary

• Sharpens student skills

Complications such as communication, self-direction, research, and choice for complex problem-solving are acquired and enhanced through the use of technical equipment.

• Multi-Media approach for education

Using an audio-visual approach in education, using filmstrips, audiotapes, computers, etc. makes assumption easier.

• Ease of updating information

It is not cumbersome to update educational content on the Internet and it is also cost-effective.

• The retention rate has improved

Students learn rather than listen, it helps them remember that they learn more easily.

So, a question arises “If Education is also an activity then can we use technology for better education system?”

Role of Technology in Education

In this long history of the evolution of education process, technology has given us several methods for better learning. Let us consider them one by one.

• Computers

The recent evolution of computers is helpful everywhere. Nowadays all universities and schools use computers. By means of graphic designing and animation, we can present complex structures. We can store photos and videos references for the future. Soft copies of books can be stored. Transfer of information from one computer to another is very easy.

• Internet

The Internet is very useful as we can access a collection of vast data. Also, it has proved beneficial in ease of sharing information from one corner of the world to another corner. We can approach experts over there. All recent researches, inventions, and discoveries are updated inside the internet. We can move on par with the moving world with the help of the internet.

• Smart Classes

Smart classes are a very new concept came up a few years back. It consists of a projector and screen with a computer and internet connection. Any topic can be taught by means of presentation slides being projected on the screen. Teachers can have pre-prepared notes compiled from different sources all at one place and organized according to the teaching methodology of the teacher. Hence there is no chance of missing any point.

Also, it is easy to present topics in form of images and videos. For Example- Sine Wave teaching becomes easy in smart class.

• Telecast Classes

This concept has been implemented by some institutes. Live ongoing class is being captured in camera and it is telecasted to other distant places. This means one teacher can give a lecture to many places at the same time. Also, there is a provision for video conferences that allows students to clear their doubts simultaneously.

• Calculators

This device is very helpful in calculations. Even complex calculations can be done by using scientific calculators. They also have a program for different mathematical functions and trigonometric functions.

• Camera

We can take picture or record video of the subject and show to the students for better learning. These media can be stored for future references. For Example, Microscopic structures like bio cells and tissues can be seen and captured in-camera. Stars and celestial bodies can be captured and their movement can be recorded.

Conclusion

In the end, I would like to conclude by saying that “Knowledge is that asset which once gained can neither be taken back nor be spend. It only can be shared or utilized by means of Education ”.