What's the BETT?

The Bett summit opens today in the ExCel Arena in London offering an insight into the future of technology within education.  Its purpose is to inspire and open our minds to the possibility of innovative technological breakthroughs that could be seen in future learning environments.

 

 

This planned arena conference offers all persons working or interested in educational technology a plethora of innovative breakthrough products that are believed to enhance learning allowing the learner an infinite learning space.

But, is technology necessary in education, and does it benefit the learner in any way?

Teachers plan for every lesson and within that plan, the intended use of technology is incorporated.  However, Aubusson et al (2014) explain that this can be dependant on the teachers technological ability and efficiency, and the schools regulations and policy.  Aubusson, et al (2014) study on technology in education found that technology has a positive learning impact and an enjoyable rich task experience for the learner.

Atis (2013) disagrees, arguing that technology in school is rapidly growing to meet the learners needs, educationally and socially, however its over use in the classroom was noted as having a negative affect on the learner.  Atis (2013) further explains that computer use does not always meet the need of the learner's engagement especially when the technology is not used to its best advantage.

However, Yanez and Coyle (2010) explain how multi-modal technology; using audio, visual and tactile products cater to all learning styles and provide an interesting and enjoyable learning experience.  The learner is said to have the ability to visualise problems rather than misunderstand verbalised direction and have increase cognitive visual recall after learning with technology.  However, the authors go on to explain that technology in education can come with problems of their own.  There is the problem with internet access or a slow connection, or calibration difficulties on interactive whiteboards. Studies have revealed that new technology in schools are, in some cases, not used to  full advantage.  Teaching professionals could use the new equipment as a simple replacement to the old and some do not allow the learner to use the technology therefore the teacher remains to deliver learning, not allowing the learner to take learner ownership. 
The authors call for more research for a deepening of understanding of technology learning and state that teaching professionals should be instructed on soft wear and usage to implement the intended use successful learning in this manner.

We live in a technological age where even the youngest children can use I Pads, mobile telephones and use a mouse on a lap top.  The internet holds an infinite amount of knowledge to learn from and allows communication from contacting friends, following iconic people or to people in other counties around the world.  Educational software and applications can engage the learner, making the learning experience fun and hands on, more than a book or having a lesson delivered.  There is, nonetheless. a call for a balanced learning environment, one rich with many different learning resources, however, technology as a cognitive and tactile learning tool that offers a rich and meaningful learning experience can not be ignored in todays technological age.