Technology as an academic subject

Technology and design lessons allow children and teenagers to be creative while also developing new skills and grasping an understanding of how things work. Technology education can provide students with a wealth of information and knowledge, which they can then use in the future to purse a related career or simply as a subject of interest and intrigue. Technology is an increasingly significant part of the society children are growing up in today, so it is only natural that they should learn about the appliances and systems they rely on on a daily basis. Technology, like science, also inspires students to think and form questions based on what they see and learn; this leads them to want to gain further knowledge and understanding which they are them able to pass onto others.

The use of technology in schools

Technology is an increasingly important aspect of modern school life and has dramatically changed the way teachers and students go about their daily activities.

Computer technology

For children

For children, computer technology has provided an indescribable wealth of resources, information and knowledge; since the introduction of the internet, students are now able to access information on whatever subject they want, wherever they want. Resources include journals, articles, e-books, practice tests and examinations, model answers and research findings. Research has also suggested that computer technology has helped students to improve their grades in other subjects, most notably science. Practically, students can work much faster using a computer which enables them to do more study in the same period of time.

For staff

Computer technology has enabled teachers to make their lessons more interactive and therefore more interesting and rewarding; this method has also been shown to improve pupil performance as lessons are more memorable and therefore students are able to retain information more effectively. Teachers, like students, can also find a whole host of resources on the internet which can provide inspiration and advice for classes; teachers are also able to recommend good resources to student to further encourage and stimulate their learning.

Practical improvements

Computer technology has enabled systems of obtaining and recording information much more efficient and effective; computer records are much harder to misplace than realms of paper records. Additional changes such as submission of work via email and responding to enquiries online save time and energy.

Media technology

In addition to computers, many schools and colleges are using new methods of technology to enhance the learning experience; these include digital television channels, DVDs, digital radio and sophisticated forms of communication technology. Digital radio and television allow students to access a wealth of different channels which cover a vast range of different subjects including languages, science, history and geography to name just a few. Children are used to new technology as they have grown up with it; it is therefore undoubtedly beneficial that they have the option to use it to increase their learning capacity and pursue their interests. Educational programmes and podcasts are now widely available to download to your computer or MP3 player; this makes education more modern and multi-faceted.

Scientific technology

Science and technology are closely linked and often become intertwined. In schools, new technology can help students to understand science and make ideas that were previously banished to the pages of books, a visible or tangible reality. Technology undoubtedly makes the learning process more interactive and therefore more interesting and memorable. Research has also shown a positive correlation between computer technology and better results in scientific subjects. Technology in constantly evolving which means that we are able to understand more; this is also true in schools where students are able to access the newest technology to explore new concepts and ideas.