Monday, January 12, 2009


HOW IMPORTANT IS COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION ???
The incorporation of information technology in the education sector is important to meet the challenges presented by new trends, especially with the global communication of knowledge. It is essential that the students become familiar with the concept and use of information technology in order to equip them for future job market. Similarly, the faculty can achieve better quality in teaching methodology.

Information technology opens up prospects for a form for learning that can be customized to students. Using IT tools, such as multimedia, e-mail, presentation handouts, commercial, courseware, CD-ROM materials, computer simulations, computer lab/classroom, www-based resources, teaching can be organized so that the pupils can themselves control the learning process. Educational courses, based on the learners’ skills, can be designed in new and more effective ways.

A pool of information is globally available that enables teaching with real world situations, for example, a communication professor who teaches advertising requires students to locate various advertising agencies on the internet. The presentations are then critiqued according to the various principles taught in the course.

Collaborative activities among student can be facilitated using networked computer labs. Online discussion forums allow students to discuss topics specified by the instructor. Team projects can be completed where team members are located at different geographical locations. This education can be made available outside of working hours, on weekends and at remote locations.

Computer simulations are extremely useful, especially in scientific studies. Students can explore various facets of human anatomy by simulated dissection, learning how structures relate to one another. Visual tools enable students to better understand concepts.

Millions of people use home computers for education and information. Many of the educational software programs are used by the children and adults in home. Edutainment programs specific geared towards home markets combine education with entertainment so they can compete with television and electric games. Encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, almanacs, telephone dictionary, medical references, and other specialized now come in low-cost CD ROM version-offer with multimedia capability. More up-to-the-minute information is available from the internet and other online. Of course internet connections also provide E-mail, discussion groups, and other communication options for home users.

Most computer games offer great graphic simulations. The same technology that mesmerizes us can also unlock out creativity. There are many examples. Word processors help many of us to become writers, graphics software brings out the artists among us, and desktop publishing systems put the power of the press in more hands.

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