Ahmad Faizuddin, Selangor, Malaysia | Education |
Technology | Opinion
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest consumers of
technological gadgets. When a new “smart” product is launched, Indonesians are
most likely the first in line to get their hands on it. Despite the high price,
many have high-tech televisions, smart gadgets and other advanced
devices.
Everything today is “smart”. Smart phones, for
instance, have surely increased the smartness in our daily life.
Likewise, in the field of education, smart learning
and smart classrooms have been implemented at smart schools. Here students are
engaging with computers, smart-boards and the latest — smart books.
Does all this supporting equipment help students
perform better? What are the challenges in implementing this kind of
innovation? Should technology be integrated into the new curriculum?
Quoting EducompOnline, let us imagine “What if books
could talk, numbers could form equations, Achilles could fight the Trojan War,
Caesar could die saying ‘Et Tu Brute’, Earth could tilt planes?”
Through such 3D multimedia modules and animated
lessons, students do not just read a book or calculate a formula or learn
history and science, but they are involved: Constructing and reinventing
subjects in the classroom. Wouldn’t learning this way will be better and more
fun?
Why make learning fun? It is because the essence of
learning is the joy. Moreover, learning is about exploring new things. The new
age learner is also tech savvy. We can see people everywhere busy with gadgets
exploring the Internet and other new innovations.
Information and communication technology has also
solved the space limitation issue, especially at schools. The machines grow
smaller, yet contain more information. We used to bring many books to school,
but now most of them are online or are eBooks.
The Internet and eLearning are among the new visions
in education that will become common in the future. They change our boring
system into smart and interactive environments. But are educators ready to take
part in this new innovation? This is actually one of the challenges facing
educational managers.
Some might argue that our education is incompatible
with technology and innovation. We can see it at the university level, with
many educators continuing to hold on to print and deliver lectures without a
computer presentation.
They might question the need to change the old
methods: “I enjoy teaching this way as my students do”.
Indeed, technological innovation has shaken old
traditions, yet one thing to remember is that it cannot exist without theory.
Therefore, the old philosophy remains, but the method should be modified as
technology advances. Why should we resist?
Another challenge is putting the right man in the
right place. In Indonesia, as is true in many countries, we tend to talk about
“technicality” but rarely touch on the issue of “expertise”. For example,
assigning a librarian to resource center might change the effectiveness of the
center.
The uphill challenge is whether students can afford
sophisticated technology such as smart books? Schools actually could provide
the stuff if they manage their budgets.
Educators need creativity to use their available resources.
Even with a simple word processor we can develop creative learning
activities.
Regarding the new 2013 curriculum that eliminates
science, some parents have expressed concern that it will lead to technological
underdevelopment. Science is a practical subject and students understand new
things through science. But of course we should instill good values into its
teaching and content.
I agree that smart gadgets will help students
improve their learning experiences, although it does not mean they will become
smarter. Hence, let us use smart gadgets smartly.
Consider those with diverse needs, but do not forget
those with no needs as well.
The writer is a graduate of Ar-Raniry State Islamic
Institute in Banda Aceh and Ohio University, the US.
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