Convergent Education

            Technology has been moving faster than many of us can grasp. The way teachers teach is still semi stuck in the traditional ways of teaching. The educational field is slowly moving towards using more technology, but still in the linear teaching stage. In many schools, the use of technology during the school hours can be frowned upon. The problem with this issue is that students can leave school and learn more than what they learn in the typical school day.

            Online learning has many positive values. Many online textbooks contain interactive simulations that students can use rather than just looking at a picture and reading the caption. The student is then able to see the process of a concept. Simulations online can cost less money and offer a quicker way of completing an activity. For example, there are online simulations to dissect frogs; this version could be cheaper than having to purchase frogs to dissect in the classroom. Another example would be teaching probability; online simulations go quicker than performing a spinner or flipping coin probability activity by hand.  

            The virtual and distance education classes are being offered more frequently. This allows students to work at their own pace, with some guidance and due dates. It also allows smaller schools who do not offer advanced courses to give those students who want a challenge the chance to get that challenge.

            The concept of using technology in education is moving faster than we know it. The education field needs to adapt to help coincide what society does outside of school and what is done in school so students can learn to their fullest and be engaged in what they are learning. The way we teach needs to reach out to all cultures and learning abilities. Technology can assist in the way we achieve this goal. We must also remember it is not important to be able to memorize the most amount of information, but it’s important to better understand the concept. This is because students can quickly access the information anytime via technology. Teachers should be teaching in depth about the concept instead of getting as much information in the student’s brain.