The Importance of Information Technology in Education

Education has many different topics and areas which can cause huge debates on why this or that happens. Working in education, just over three years now, I frequently get asked the question "but why do schools need such fancy technology and all these devices? They are just distractions for students to take away from school." This is one of the most challenging questions to answer, but one I frequently LOVE answering.

The role of education is changing alongside information technology. The biggest thing in my mindset is within education we have to determine the "needs" from the "desires" of technology. There are numerous ways in which schools can demonstrate how technology benefits education. 

• Learning can be made available anywhere
• Studies can be completed anytime
• Collaboration
• Instant availability of information
• Ability to connect long-distance
• Availability of multiple learning platforms (video, IM, forums, etc)
• The ability to connect with learning-impared students
• Reduction in time consuming tasks

The ability to make learning available anywhere is a huge boundary leap in education. Remember the days where the class went to the creek to learn about water flows and water depth? Now teachers can take an iPad, access a USGS website and click on the feature they want to share information on and have it right at their finger tips. 

Studying and the time spent on homework can add up quickly. Maybe the basketball teams have a long road-trip on Tuesday night. Students used to take their books with them on the bus and try to complete homework or study while on the bus. Today, schools are installing wireless internet on school buses allowing students access to online materials so they can complete their work while they travel. Another huge step forward in technology within education. 

However, my biggest accolade for technology in education is that technology challenges education daily. Information is available at the touch of a button. How we education students to gather, develop, and present that information is the challenge in education. Students must understand digital citizenship while understanding the gained knowledge they acquire. 

Sometimes that flashy laptop isn't a "toy" or a "personal entertainment device" but more the key to a super highway of information available out there in the world. Now we just have to bring those highways of information to the classroom. "Students, please pull up a browser on your laptops....the world is at your availability, what will you do with it?"