Technology in education has the potential to transform education and learning for all learners. In particular, the World Wide Web has revolutionized learning opportunities and provided educators with the tools to adapt their lessons and present information in new, accessible formats. Students can find tutors and models online, and the Internet also helps them to access the best massive open online courses, created by some of the world’s leading universities and instructors. A number of new technologies have also been created to improve teaching and learning methods, resulting in higher student performance.
The late eighties and early nineties were awash in excitement about the promise of computer technology. Many visions focused on how technology could solve education’s many problems. Some were radical, proposing to scrap schools and teaching altogether. Others were less dramatic, proposing computerized tutorials and freeing teachers from routine tasks. Today, technology is transforming education at all levels. Learning and teaching are now faster and more efficient. Regardless of its benefits, there are several key points that educators need to consider.
A high level of technological competence is only possible in an educated society. It may take some time to mature, but an educated society is less likely to suffer self-justifying constraints. The high correlation between technological success and educational achievement suggests a democratizing bias toward modern technology. Technology can help bring people closer together, but it can also create social barriers. For that reason, it is important to ensure that education is at the forefront of educational policy.
