Goodman (1972) stated that:
Technology is that complex of human activities concerned with using the findings of science to solve the problems of human society. A technology is therefore a social activity involving people and ideas, methods and machines, dynamic structures, communications, values and tools; but always people. Its objective is to achieve an efficient and rational division of labour, subject to human control, between people and the support systems they evolve, to amplify human creativity, not to replace it (p. 204- 205).
The definition emphasizes that technology involves people that it is a set of human activities which uses a systematic principles to come up with more efficient and effective way of doing things. As we can see, the world we are living now is upgrading. Everyone uses different devices and gadgets in order to satisfy their needs and wants. Like fast communication among distant person, instant foods and drinks, high-tech devices and quick searching engines are just few of the advantages of technology. However, there are their disadvantages and even though we are experiencing the risk of this advancement, we are still enjoying and making the most of what it gives to us. In addition, modern life leads also to a high standard education. And I believe that there is more on learning through the use of technology. Learning can be more exciting, enjoyable and knowledgeable because of the different activities done online. Mitchell (1978) point out that “educational technology is an area of study or practice (with in education) concerned with all aspects of the organization of educational systems and procedures whereby resources are allocated to achieve specific and potentially replicable educational outcomes” (p. 206) Improvements and revisions of instructional materials were made to enhance the learning of every student. Nowadays, universities and colleges are making the teaching process and learning to be more creative and knowledgeable.
According to Robert Llewellyn (as cited in Orlich, 2004) the use of high-tech equipment in the classroom can be a helpful extrinsic motivator. It is said that children and adolescents view the use of personal computers and other peripheral equipment as a game or challenge. And that qualifies technology as an external motivator (p. 21-22). Through Educational Technology it helps individual to be taught and gain understanding about online stuff. With this kind of learning, new experience and new knowledge and ideas will be acquired. As days goes by, more advancement in training and teaching, the more education we will get. Innovative technologies like blogging, audio conferencing; instant messaging and other online communication were commonly used and most teenagers are engaging with these activities. There are lots of advantages that innovative technologies brought to us. Using different web sites help the students, teachers and workers in many ways. Like fast searching of reports, up-dating news, viewing social web sites, online selling and the most exciting is the online games. And everyone is interested with it.
Regarding on my experience on learning community through online class, I would say that it was the coolest and newest way of learning. As to the article Defining Learning Community, “learning community is any group of people connected by sharing common interest, purposes or goals which learns from its experiences and those of others in order to develop vibrant and socially cohesive environment while respecting a variety of perspectives through active promotion of lifelong learning to enhance the potential of all citizens that may create new knowledge” (Kilpatrick et al.,2002.).
To the definition alone, it explains that learning community is a great help to communicate and socialize people with different perspectives. Throughout the experience, I felt the excitement because it was my first time to have an e-learning. Probably, the best part of it would be socializing and expressing my self, sharing the insights and ideas of one another and learning each others point of view. The Gestalt Theory (as cited in Corpus & Lucas, 2007.) stresses that “learning is essentially experiencing, reacting, doing and understanding. It is an active process and is possible through self-activity. Learning is also transferable and it is a social process” (p. 133-135). And aside from that, I felt the eagerness to learn and discover more on the world’s of wonders. Even though I think this is a challenging one, still I’m trying my best to play a part of it. Besides, learning communities is somewhat like a teaching strategy of a professor or teacher and it is of course designed primarily for use in courses of instruction for those preparing to become elementary and secondary school teacher and professor in colleges and universities. It cannot be denied that today, all of education is encountering change, creating new challenges for teachers and students. Both groups must master the tools of the information age and prepare the unknown opportunities it offers. Teachers must respond to demands for greater professionalism and reform, and they must help an increasingly diverse mix of students prepare for life in an ever more global and competitive world. It should be noted however that teacher as leaders are essential decision makers and must master techniques that enhance greater student achievement.
In general, teachers and the use of innovative technologies will allow students to develop different skills and work independently. This time of globalization of education, teachers must enhance their skills in using the modern technologies. We are thankful for the reason that we are experiencing the advantages of having this technology in our lives. Technology helps in expanding learning opportunities to learner and computer will just an aid to enhance our learning not to replace teachers. Teachers can improve their skills and strategies, and learn to blend technical competence with artistic sensitivity as they change and grow as professionals. And that’s the reason why, learning community is fitting especially in the modern days where technology is in the heart of the world. Moreover, I believe that learning is not just through books and paper works but it is also through your personal experiences. You gain knowledge because you’ve tried and experienced it.
As what Maria Montessori learned from her observations, children learn best by being given the opportunity to discover and learn by manipulating objects. And she said that “education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences in the environment” (as cited in Tulio, 2008, p. 97). With Educational Technology, the opportunities to explore and socialize with people from the different walks of life will help learners too. Education can be more proficient and creative with the help of different technologies. And every learner must experience working on the different materials available in order to have an effective learning. The relationship of the external world, the mind and knowledge molds the learning and as a whole personality of a human being. This only explains that we must be able to experience that certain thing in order to appreciate its real beauty.
References:
Aquino, Gaudencio V. et al., (1998). Principles of Teaching and Educational Technology (204-205). Philippines, National Bookstore, Inc.
Corpus, Brenda Ph. D. Lucas, Maria Rita D. Ph. D. (2007). Facilitating Learning: A Metacognitive Process (p. 133-135). Lorimar Publishing. Quezon City, Manila.
Kilpatrick, Sue. Barrett, Margaret & Jones Tammy. Defining Learning Communities. Retrieved from www.aare.edu.au/03pap/jon03441.pdf
Ortich, Donald C. et al., (2004). Teaching Strategies: A Guide to Effective Instruction. (p. 21-22). (7th ed.). Houghton Mifflin Company. USA.
Tulio, Doris D. (2008) Foundations of Education (p.97). (2nd ed.). Philippines, National Bookstore, Inc.
