Impact of Technology on Learning - Essay Example

Mobile technologies have revolutionized the educational system by allowing greater opportunities and greater exposure to new forms of learning which can be beneficial to not only traditional students but also those returning to school to earn their degree.

From a historical context, the development of mobile technologies such as the Internet has been slow. Text messaging and email would have been looked at as science fiction about a hundred years ago. The first type of “e-mail” was done through Morse code. The research was done in the library by reading over many journals and papers. The smallest computers would take up entire buildings. Compared to the cell phones and palm pilots we have today, the original cell phones were often so big they would have to be carried in a bag. The rudimentary internet technology could only be accessed with minimal functions. The development of all these technologies has increased exponentially over the last century.

Greater communication technology and the development of technology, in general, have led to a more diverse educational experience. Now, many lectures and lessons that are done in traditional schooling, both at the elementary and higher education levels, are all technology-enhanced. In particular, this allows schools which have limited academic resources the chance to have access to resources and notes from other schools/institutions. Also, technology allows greater diversity in learning, which in children can be essential because children respond to many different types of learning. Mobile technologies also add to the flexibility of learners, especially non-traditional students who are returning to school. It allows them to access and submit assignments from phones or computers rather than the traditional handing in hard copies because many of these people work full-time jobs and have families. Additional developments in this technology and data processing have allowed for greater cooperation and communication in politics, research, education, and in many other areas as well.

Personally, this technology has greatly affected my life. In my short time in society, I have seen the growth and expansion of technology, specifically in the last few years. The internet has revolutionized the way I study for school. I can now research topics on multiple databases as well as type up reports. Mobile media and streaming videos/music have also served an entertainment purpose. If I miss an episode of my favourite show or want to download the new top song, I can access it not only from my computer but also from my cell phone. The most important part of the development of mobile technology is the ability for me to stay connected with everyone. Not only can I call my parents and friends, but I can also send them text messages from my phone. Social networking sites also allow me to keep up with all my friends. Even though the development of this technology has the greatest effect on learning and education, I believe that it has mostly impacted my social life.

Even though we can use and function with the technologies we have today, in the next few years they will become obsolete as better and more efficient technologies take their place. On every side of the coin, there are benefits and consequences to the development and use of more advanced technologies. There is a greater benefit to this development. Our technology is what allows society to communicate and cooperate. Through cooperation and learning, we can educate ourselves better on aspects of culture, nature, and many other disciplines.