(Image source: Google.com)

Correlation between Social Media, Technology and Education

Aside from bitLanders’ innovative financial benefit that puts it on a level above other social media sites, there is another amazing thing that often goes unnoticed. Some members may not realize this, but we actually learn a lot from each other. Since membership to the site has no geographical limitations, once a member of different race, culture, heritage, shared something unique to their ethnicity or location, we obviously pick that up and learn it. The knowledge we gain is different from the ones we see on TV or read at books. What we learn has some form of personal effect that it sticks and makes us go “wow, I didn’t know that! Thanks for sharing”

For instance, because of one of my bitLanding buddy from Netherlands, I learned that there is a thing called Tripoint. A Tripoint is generally defined as a location or point where borders of three countries meet. Philippines being an archipelago, I am not that much familiar of such aspects.

When one is to think about it, isn’t it astonishing what social media can do to one’s knowledge. Because of communication advancement, a person can learn and appreciate things not possible in previous generations because of technological limiations. As a parent who grew in an era who learned things through conventional means, I can't help but be astonished on the positive effects of technology on education.

 

Technology and Benefits for Education

Modern technological innovations have such a huge impact for human’s quest to make life easier and more comfortable. Breathtaking discoveries and revolutionary inventions have numerous effects on the way people live their lives – not to mention in the field of education.

The fact cannot be denied that modern technology has a remarkable impact on the way people study. Students of all levels (from pre-school to collegiate) have plenty of advantages and benefits not enjoyed by previous generations. But of course, it is not all in the positive side. Although cutting-edge technological aspects can also be utilized in a way that is disadvantageous or unfavorable, what one needs to do is to practice careful consideration.

Anyway, as much as I want to tackle both sides of the coin, the information found on this post will mainly deal with the pros and advantages technology has over education.

 

Knowledge starts at a very young age –

(Image source: Google.com)

Let’s start with the kids. Nowadays, most people are exposed to technology at a very young age. Some may argue that this is not entirely a good thing but what these people fail to realize is the plethora of benefits this will have for the child. A desktop computer with internet access and decent portable speaker can be a good educational resource for a child.

Thousands upon thousands of educational sites and videos can be found on the internet. On YouTube alone, millions of video tutorials can be used by parents to educate their child. When watching such videos online, be sure to zoom the view appropriately. This is advisable so that the child’s vision will not be stressed out focusing on the small screen.

In terms of sound, make sure to moderate the volume and use a portable speaker that can output clear audible audio.

 

To build confidence –

(Image source: Google.com)

This section is more suitable for college students. It is no surprise that some students are concerned with how to fit in with the crowd. Technology may be of some help in this regard.
In this day and age, some gadgets are like jewelries or can be considered as a fashion statement. A powerful smartphone, high priced tablet, or an ergonomically designed wireless Bluetooth headphone can turn heads, pique the interest of peers, and could be a conversation starter.

 

Increased social activities –

(Image source: Google.com)

As mentioned above, a unique gadget like a cool wireless headphone can increase confidence and interaction with peers. Aside from this, another advantage of technology on education is increased social activities.

Group studies in dorm rooms is a common thing – especially now that wifi or wireless internet access is virtually everywhere. Photography sessions are also becoming quite popular with the price drop of many cameras. FYI please that even though the price of some gadgets has significantly dropped, it would still be advisable to take extra care of this sensitive gadgets. Relatively inexpensive pouches / bags / case are widely available that can fit similar sized mobile devices and will certainly protect it from accidental bumps or fall.

 

Improved communication –

(Image source: Google.com)

Another positive effect of technology in education is near real-time communication. With the type of communication technology we have now, teachers, parents, and students are no longer confined with radio and TV for important updates and announcements. A simple group text or email broadcast can spread school news or urgent public announcements between each member of the school community.

 

No longer bounded by classroom walls –

(Image source: Google.com)

Lastly, technology’s positive effect on education is the availability of online courses or programs. A person can enroll on such course as long he / she has a computer (or any similar device), reliable internet connection, and compact speaker or headphone that can produce clear audible sound. Online courses eliminates the need of the student to be in the classroom physically. Online programs removes the time wasted during travel as well as transportation hassles.

There might still be other advantages and benefits technology has on education. The ones listed here are just the common ones.

Let’s end this post with these two interesting videos – the first video showcase a history of technology’s role in education while the second one highlights five technologies that will change classroom education (Please be informed that both videos are from YouTube)