Technology – having been seen as evil and promise the same time the truth probably lying somewhere in the middle. Similar might be the situation if it comes to the question of how the role of technology is considered within educational settings. Such consideration is the purpose of this research paper. To do so the term technology in education is distinguished from the term educational technoloy/technologies as well as technology education. As soon it is clear what we are talking about the pros and cons – and the challenges – can be discussed, and will be discussed.
Table of Contents
TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION
Introduction
Finding an appropriate definition
What is technology in higher education?
Examples for technolgy in higher education
Advantages of use of technology within educational settings (pros)
Motivating effects on students
Technology may support collaboration
Easy access to almost anything
Low cost, highly efficiently
Disdvantages of use of technology within educational settings (cons)
Pressure on non-users
Dominance of technology over didactics
Human interaction is mediated by using technology in education
Historically minimal effects
Further commercializing of education
Not all students having access to new technologies
Challenges if using technology within educational settings (challenges)
The human factor keeps beeing the one making the difference
Producing kind of compatiblity and support for all levels of competence in technology
Constant raising of competence in technology of all individuals
Freedom of choice and non-choice
Not just for the sake of using it
Braveness to stop
Discussion
Justification of perspective
Neither Good nor Bad
It depends on…
Research Objectives and Themes
The research paper aims to define the role of technology in higher education by distinguishing between "technology in education," "educational technology," and "technology education" to provide a balanced analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and professional challenges associated with its implementation.
- Conceptual definition of technology within higher education settings.
- Critical evaluation of the pros and cons of digital integration.
- Analysis of pedagogical challenges and the human factor in e-learning.
- Discussion on the commercialization and access issues in modern universities.
Excerpt from the Book
Dominance of technology over didactics
„It appears that these types of products [multimedia projection carts for power point presentations, Internet connections for digital classrooms and hardware and software updates; M.E.K.] may be driving, rather than supporting instructional decisions.” (Grineski 1999, 47). This is likely if not the student and his or her goals are in the center of attention (typical question: how can the student be supported to meet the agreed goal the best way?) but technology (typical question: what way can I integrate weblogs into my course (as I am a big fan of weblogging)). Also the focal point of training my result in the dominance of technology over didactics, as “[u]nfortunately, most technology training focuses on the technology. It is often assumed that faculty will be able to adapt their methods in such a way as to include each new and fashionable technology tool.” (Diaz 2001)
Summary of Chapters
TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION: This section introduces the author's background as a technology enthusiast and sets the stage for a critical examination of e-learning, highlighted by the failure of the British E-University project.
Finding an appropriate definition: This chapter clarifies technical terminology by defining educational technologies, technology education, and the author's specific criteria for "technology in education," while providing examples like weblogs and WebCT.
Advantages of use of technology within educational settings (pros): This chapter outlines the positive aspects of technology, including increased student motivation, enhanced collaboration, improved access to resources, and potential for cost-efficient education.
Disdvantages of use of technology within educational settings (cons): This chapter addresses critical issues such as the pressure on non-technical staff, the potential for technology to overshadow pedagogy, mediated social interactions, and the digital divide.
Challenges if using technology within educational settings (challenges): This chapter focuses on the human element, arguing for the necessity of continuous teacher training, balancing technological integration with pedagogical freedom, and the courage to discontinue ineffective digital tools.
Discussion: The final section synthesizes the findings, concluding that technology is neither inherently good nor bad, but rather a tool whose value depends entirely on the specific educational context and implementation strategy.
Keywords
Technology in education, E-learning, Higher education, Educational technology, Student engagement, Virtual environments, Weblogs, Digital divide, Instructional design, Didactics, Educational commercialization, Human factor, Distance education, Online pedagogy, Technology acceptance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research explores the role and impact of technology in higher education, analyzing the benefits, drawbacks, and inherent challenges of integrating digital tools into learning environments.
Which key areas are examined regarding technology?
The paper covers conceptual definitions, motivating factors for students, the collaborative potential of digital tools, the risks of over-commercialization, and the pressure technology places on faculty members.
What is the core research goal?
The goal is to provide a balanced perspective on whether institutions are truly prepared for virtual education or if existing digital environments are failing to meet the complex needs of students and teachers.
What methodology does the author employ?
The work utilizes a combination of literature review, analysis of historical case studies like the British E-University, and reflective professional practice to evaluate technology's impact.
What does the main body of the text address?
It systematically reviews the pros (motivation, access, efficiency) and cons (pressure, technical dominance, mediated interaction) followed by specific challenges like maintaining technical competence and professional standards.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include E-learning, digital divide, instructional design, technology acceptance, online pedagogy, and student engagement.
How does the author define "technology in education"?
The author defines it as devices or processes driven by power that support the learning process, excluding those cases where the learning of the device itself is the primary goal.
Why does the author suggest that "backpaddling" is an important professional skill?
The author argues that educators must have the courage to discontinue technology usage if it is proven ineffective, as clinging to tools that fail to enhance learning is detrimental to the educational experience.
How does the paper view the commercialization of universities?
The author highlights this as a significant concern, questioning whether education can maintain its quality and unique purpose when treated primarily as a business or product.
- Quote paper
- Monika E. König (Author), 2005, Technology in education, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/43480
