What is Technology? Why it is needed? How much it is needed?
Dr Rashpal Singh
Technology has been optimised in every walk of life now a days. Without technology we cannot imagine the progress of whole world. Remember your day when you don’t have internet pack in your smartphone even if someone has highly configurated phones. Dependency on Internet is increasing day to day. Social media is spreading like anything. But without proper technological support nothing is possible.
Around in mid 1990s when Phone industry initiated in India a small hand set without Internet was around 45000 to 50000 and outgoing call was Rupees 17-20 per minute and even Rupees 10-12 for listening incoming calls. Slowly and steadily time changed and technology improved, developed and upgraded. Smartphone industry took the lead by enhancing their technology with modifications in the software . Many of the jobs that didnot require technology in the past years now do require the use of technology. Many homes have computers than in years past and increasing numbers of people know how to use them. Technology is being used by children and adults on a daily basis by way of web surfing, texting, social networking, interactive games, and in more ways. We are an evolving technological society and in different ways have become dependent on its use. Thus, the use of technology and teaching students have to use it has become a high priority in the public schools. Today, there is a common focus on raising student achievement while integrating technology as a tool. Policymakers and educators are using technology at large scale. Concept of E- Office in Jammu and Kashmir Civil Secretariat yielded good results which is a great initiative taken by the Chief Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Dr Arun Kumar Mehta. Although a large Scale Population still needs help of skilled technicians to become equitant with latest Technology updates. Due to the large use of technology, and same revamped in teaching and learning process now a day with the onset of the Common Core Standards and their emphasis on technology, the use of technology will become an even bigger priority in schools, Colleges and Universities across the country. Technology may have a positive impact on student learning. But use of Technology should be optimum because this causes students to be more engaged before digital screens, avoiding Social relationships and getting behind Sports activities particularly in Urban areas, because of the arrivalo f new technologies rapidly, Students prefer Google Search Engines rather to consult Dictionary in order to find anything difficult in their studies. Spending much time on Smart Phones is also a great challenge for parents in these days. Smaller Children are more prone to smartphones who are playing online games like Papjii, Graney, mind craft etc. which is damaging Eye Sight, weaker muscles, spine pains in children etc are the side effects happening around the clock. COVID 19 was the triggered factor. Even Children are busy at Screen even taking meals. Mothers are choosing easier ways to get rid of their children while providing them smart phones. Technology is providing hands-on learning opportunities that can be integrated into all school curricular areas, including mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, languages, Arthematic, environment etc are the ways in which they engage themselves with the world. Technology can transform the classroom into an interactive and effective learnings.
Technology is a powerful contributor to learning if it is used properly and in meaningful ways and This can be a particularly effective tool for English language learners and can enhance the participation of children with disabilities. Children in elementary schools should begin to use familiar technology tools as a part of their academic program but limits are required. Teachers should model the use of technology in support of the curriculum so that children can see the appropriate use of technology and benefit from exposure to more advanced applications that they will use independently when they are older. Many studies have shown the advantages of using technology in classroom instruction. Technology can be used as a tool for establishing meaningful projects to engage students in critical thinking and problem solving. Technology can be used to restructure and redesign the classroom to produce an environment that promotes the development of higher-order thinking skills. Technology is a big part of people’s daily lives, and this has become a vital part of life as people are surfing on internet to get any details. Technology has become a great tool in increasing yield of crops across the country. Department of Agriculture is using this tool in both rural as well as urban areas. Technology is capable of unlocking keys of learning with all students. This includes students with special learning needs. One of the leading NGO Pratham Foundation of Education is using best usages of technology for the benefits of Students and Teachers across the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. The Etiwanda School in California USA has implemented a technology integration program. Teachers received technology training and then began integrating technology into general education lessons on a daily basis. This programme also included a practical technology support plan for teachers and works with students with special needs. This plan enabled teachers to help these students by weaving technology resources into instruction in meaningful ways. Ministry of Education Govt. Of India, NCERT New Delhi, SCERT Jammu and Kashmir are playing a very important role in the integration of technology with studies of Students.
(The author is Sr lecturer DIET Kud).
