LEARNING+SPACE

= **Access to Technology and Your Future** = =What is the Impact of Technology on Our Society=

How has technology affected society? How has it influenced life?

When we speak of the impact of technology on society, we always talk about the [|positive effects of technology] and about how technology has made life easy. We talk about the Internet as an information resource and a communication platform and conveniently ignore the fact that an overexposure to it leads to Internet addiction. We often discuss how technology has made life easy but easily forget that it has made us overly dependent on it. Have you thought of the impact of technology from this point of view? I am sure, most of you haven't. Let us look at this aspect of technology here.

Think of the days when there were no computers and no modern means of transport. Human life was highly restricted due to the unavailability of technological applications. Daily life involved a lot of physical activity. Life of the common man was not as luxurious as that of modern times, but he was more active. Exercise was integrated into routine physical activities. It was contrary to the sedentary lifestyle of today, which leaves no time for exercise and fills days with inactivity and laze. Today we don't want to, and thanks to technology, don't even need to, walk, move around or exert physically to get things done. We have the world is at our fingertips.
 * Impact of Technology on Our Society**

We think of technology as a boon to society. I am afraid; it's not completely a boon. The Internet has bred many unethical practices like hacking, spamming and phishing. Internet crime is on the rise. The Internet, being an open platform lacks regulation. There is no regulation on the content displayed on websites. Internet gambling has become an addiction for many. Overexposure to the Internet has taken its toll. In this virtual world, you can be who you are not, you can be virtually living even after you die. Isn't this weird? Children are spending all their time playing online and less or almost no time playing on the ground. Youngsters are spending most of their time social networking, missing on the joys of real social life.

Think of the days when there were no online messengers, no emails and no cell phones. Indeed cellular technology made it possible for us to communicate over wireless media. Web communication facilities have worked wonders in speeding long-distance communication. On the other hand, they have deprived mankind of the warmth of personal contact. Emails replaced handwritten letters and communication lost its personal touch. With the means of communication so easily accessible, that magic in waiting to reach someone and the excitement that followed have vanished.

Moreover, we have become excessively dependent on technology. Is so much of dependency good? Is it right to rely on machines to such an extent? Is it right to depend on computers rather than relying on human intellect? Computer technology and robotics are trying to substitute for human intellect. With the fast advancing technology, we have started harnessing artificial intelligence in many fields. Where is the digital divide going to take us? How is our 'tomorrow' going to be? 'Machines replacing human beings' does not portray a rosy picture, does it? It can lead to serious issues like unemployment and crime. An excessive use of machines in every field can result in an under-utilization of human brains. Over time, we may even lose our intellectual abilities. You know of the declining mathematical abilities in children due to use of calculators since school, don't you?

The impact of technology on society is deep. It is both positive and negative. Technology has largely influenced every aspect of living. It has made life easy, but so easy that it may lose its charm one day. One can cherish an accomplishment only if it comes after effort. But everything has become so easily available due to technology that it has lost its value. There is a certain kind of enjoyment in achieving things after striving for them. But with everything a few clicks away, there is no striving, there's only striking. With the developments in technology, we may be able to enjoy all the pricey luxuries in life but at the cost of losing its priceless joys.

Article by [|Manali Oak] Last Updated: 1/3/2012, Buzzle.com Intelligent Life on the Web

==Technology comes in all forms: **Accessibility Software-- Instructional Software**-- ** Technological Software **== URL: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-technol...room.html
 * Types of Technology in the Classroom **

=Types of Technology in the Classroom= There are different types of technology which can be used in the classroom that are slowly becoming popular with the education system today.

Whenever we think of a classroom, all we can imagine is a teacher and students, where a teacher is lecturing students and students are taking down the notes. It comes to our mind naturally because we all studied in that manner. But the scenario has changed today as many schools are incorporating technology in the classroom that is making the learning process more effective and more entertaining. The different and easy types of technology in the classroom makes the education and learning a fun experience for children.


 * __Types of Technology Used in the Classroom__**

Given below are some of the most basic types of technology to use in the classroom that would help you understand the importance of technology in the classroom that is appreciated by many teachers.


 * Whiteboard:** We will name it 'magic board'. Does the name sounds interesting? Imagine how thrilled children would feel when they hear this name than the usual, boring blackboard. Whiteboard is one of the most basic types of technology in schools that makes education an interactive process. It is an easy to use device that is used in combination with computer and a projector. Your board can be quickly transformed into a computer screen which can be viewed by all the children in the classroom. Movable objects, sounds, and pictures can make the lessons as well as teaching interesting and easy to understand.


 * Projector:** A projector is again one of the types of technology that has wide applications in the classroom. A teacher can present a lesson using meaningful and colorful transparencies that grabs the attention of the students immediately. A teacher can also present notes in the similar manner, where a student can read everything from the last bench as well. Apart from this, using a projector with computer has more benefits. You can show students many documentaries, short study films, or PowerPoint presentations that contribute to increased retention. This is one of the types of technology used in psychology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and many more such streams.


 * Sound Amplifiers:** Sound amplifiers are very useful and are widely used in big classrooms. At times, many students cannot grasp what the teachers are saying because they cannot hear them. At such times, sound amplifiers are useful as they make the teacher audible to all the students. Many research studies have concluded that a clear and audible voice can grab the attention of the students that results in better learning. After realizing the importance of technology in schools, many schools also use mike system where a student can ask the question sitting on his own desk without having to shout.


 * Software and Computers:** Imagine, students have to carry no books to schools, just wear the uniform and take the lunch box, and they are ready for school! Well, it is possible now with the inbuilt individual personal computers that many schools provide their students with. Students can access books, notes, dictionaries, encyclopedias on their PCs with the help of Internet technology and special educational software that are extremely user-friendly and promote better learning process. Some educational software are fun to use as they teach children through games, pictures, charts, and graphs etc. Such things hook the interest of a student for longer time and make even the boring subject an exciting one.

These were some of the types of [|technology in the classroom] that are easy to use. These technologies are beneficial as students can use them for learning, practicing, and expanding what they have learned. The advanced technology allows students to access course material or a syllabus easily. It also encourages the participation of each student in the learning process which is crucial for better understanding of the subject. These technologies also help teachers in better classroom management. Today, when children are so tech savvy and love spending time with gadgets, these various types of technology in the classroom can provide them with stimulus, making learning or studying a fun activity.

By [|Geeta Dhavale] Last Updated: 9/20/201

Buzzle.com Intelligent Life on the Web

=Importance of Technology in Schools= How important technology is? Is it necessary to make it a part of schools? Read on to know all about the importance of technology in schools.

Technology is the need of the day. The technological advancements have made society take a leap towards success. Every technological reform is a small step towards advancement. Every invention in technology is a step towards the progress of mankind. Centuries ago, hardly anyone would have even dreamt of working on a computer. Generations of the past would have hardly imagined being able to communicate with people on the other side of the globe. But there were some intelligent minds to dared to dream of such revolutionary discoveries and they made the 'impossibles' possible. Ours as well as our future generations are lucky to be able to witness the technological reforms. We are fortunate enough to lead a life of luxury and comfort. Since ours are the times of technology, why not let the technological reform spread far and wide? Why not make the masses aware of the new technology? Why not equip the entire society with the knowledge of the new inventions in technology? The need to introduce technology at an early age in life, illustrates the importance of technology in schools.

As technology is bound to rule our present and future, it is good be obtain a know how of the technological reforms at the earliest. Children learn faster and can adapt to changes relatively easily. If they are trained during their school years, they have high chances of becoming experts in technology. An early beginning is always beneficial in the long run. When we know that technology is bound to be a part of their future, it is best to introduce them to it during school life. Instead of seeing them, struggle with learning later in life, it is advisable to give them a basic idea of the technological reforms.
 * Technology in Schools: How Important It Is...**

Studies have shown that children conversant with technology show improvements in their writing, reading and math skills. Technology has also contributed to the decrease in drop out rates, improvement in student attendance and enhancement in their learning abilities. Technology in school benefits the children during their higher education. It lays a strong foundation of a successful professional life of an individual.

Computers can offer livelier explanations of various subjects. The Internet is an ocean of information, which can be harnessed for the rendition of information in school. The inclusion of technology in the process of learning makes learning an enjoyable activity, thus inviting greater interest from the kids. The knowledge from all around the world can be better brought about for the children and can be better assimilated by them.

The admin processes, the official procedures of school can be simplified by the means of technology. School records, the information about all the students and the teachers as also other school employees can efficiently be maintained by means of the advanced technology. The data pertaining to the school employees and students can effectively be stored in a school database. The school could have a library system, which by the utilization of technology can be maintained in an efficient manner. On similar line, the attendance records of the pupils and teachers can be maintained by means of a student database. Moreover, the school can host a website of its own holding information about the school. The introduction of technology in schools can thus result in a decreased use of paper and in bringing most of the school office work in an e-format.

Thus we see that technology not only benefits the school students but also eases the office work. It makes possible, a more effective way of storage and distribution of information. The realization of the importance of technology in schools and its successful implementation is a necessity. The introduction of technology in schools is the means to bridge seemingly log distance between the present and the future.

By [|Manali Oak] Last Updated: 9/22/2011

Buzzle.com Intelligent Life on the Web

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