Technology + education

Living in the 21st century, we can hardly separate our lives with the existence of technology. In educational field, technology has become one of the most basic things that both teachers and students must be able to apply in teaching-learning process. With the assistance of technology, students have more options and channels to gain more knowledge and develop their skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, ICT). Today, computers, laptops, flash drives, CDs and DVDs are part of technology devices that have actually been used widely at home, schools and high learning institutions. Through these devices, students can access information of different topics through internet besides being able to communicate with other students or even with their lecturers. These have made learning to be more interactive and fun. Compared to the olden days where chalk and board were the only things used in classroom, students can acquire knowledge whenever and wherever they are today as they have a wider and faster way to get a grip on the information that they are looking for. Technology is also able to help students to self-evaluate their own progresses from time to time by trying online exercises, games etc as well as connects students to the outside world and this gives them a wider perspectives.

In the mean time, as a teacher-to-be, to cope with the changes that happen in educational field, I have to keep myself prepared and well- trained in the use of technology. At the moment, the training that I gain in teachers’ training college before and now in this course have enable me to develop and improve my skills from time to time as I learn how to apply it in the ESL classroom. I realise that how important it is to make full use of the technology that are provided for the teachers by the government (this shows how serious and essential it is) as it is more practical in today's world. I have learnt to be more creative with the help from technology applications by making my teaching aids more exploitable and effective for teaching-learning in the classroom. It is essential for me as a teacher to master all the skills so that my students will not be left out from the IT world whether they are in urban or rural areas. At the same time, technology gives me the opportunities to share and contribute ideas with other educators on how to improve our teachings. I am very grateful that my friends and lecturers are always there to assist and guide me along the way. Thanks to everyone. This makes my learning more meaningful as i get to work together with the rest of my coursemates.