Technology in Education:

Benefits
Educational technology is intended to improve education for the 21st century learner. Students today
are considered "Digital Natives" who were born and raised in a digital environment and inherently
think different because of this exposure to technology.[18] Some of the claimed benefits of
incorporating technology into the classroom are listed below:

Easy-to-access course materials. Instructors can post their course material or important
information on a course website, which means students can study at a time and location they
prefer and can obtain the study material very quickly.[19]

Student motivation. According to James Kulik, who studies the effectiveness of computers
used for instruction, students usually learn more in less time when receiving computer-based
instruction and they like classes more and develop more positive attitudes toward computers in
computer-based classes.[20] Teachers must be aware of their students' motivators in order to
successfully implement technology into the classroom.[21] Students are more motivated to learn
when they are interested in the subject matter, which can be enhanced by using technologies in
the classroom and targeting the need for screens and digital material [18] that they have been
stimulated by outside of the classroom.

More opportunities for extended learning. According to study completed in 2010, 70.3% of
American family households have access to the internet.[22] According to Canadian Radio
Television and Telecommunications Commission Canada, 79% of homes have access to the
internet.[23] This allows students to access course material at home and engage with the
numerous online resources available to them. Students can use their home computers and
internet to conduct research, participate in social media, email, play educational games and
stream videos.

--> Using online resources such as Khan Academy or TED Talks can help students spend more time
on specific aspects of what they may be learning in school, but at home. These online resources
have added the opportunity to take learning outside of the classroom and into any atmosphere that
has an internet connection. These online lessons allow for students who might need extra help to
understand materials outside of the classroom. These tutorials can focus on small concepts of large
ideas taught in class, or the other way around. Schools like MIT have even made their course
materials free online so that anybody can access them. Although there are still some aspects of a
classroom setting that are missed by using these resources, they are still helpful tools to add
additional support to the already existing educational system.

Wide participation. Learning material can be used for long distance learning and are
accessible to a wider audience.[24]

Improved student writing. It is convenient for students to edit their written work on word
processors, which can, in turn, improve the quality of their writing. According to some studies,
the students are better at critiquing and editing written work that is exchanged over a computer
network with students they know.[19]

Differentiated Instruction. Educational technology provides the means to focus on active

student participation and to present differentiated questioning strategies. It broadens
individualized instruction and promotes the development of personalized learning plans in some
computer programs available to teachers. Students are encouraged to use multimedia
components and to incorporate the knowledge they gained in creative ways.[25] This allows some
students to individually progress from using low ordered skills gained from drill and practice
activities, to higher level thinking through applying concepts creatively and creating
simulations.[26] In some cases, the ability to make educational technology individualized may aid
in targeting and accommodating different learning styles and levels.

Overall, the use of internet in education has had a positive impact on students, educators, as well as
the educational system as a whole. Effective technologies use many evidence-based strategies
(e.g., adaptive content, frequent testing, immediate feedback, etc.), as do effective teachers.[27] It is
important for teachers to embrace technology in order to gain these benefits so they can address the
needs of their digital natives [28]

"Additional Benefits":

The Internet itself has unlocked a world of opportunity for students. Information and ideas that
were previously out of reach are a click away. Students of all ages can connect, share, and learn
on a global scale.

Using computers or other forms of technology can give students practice on core content and
skills while the teacher can work with others, conduct assessments, or perform other tasks.[27]

Using technology in the classroom can allow teachers' to effectively organize and present
lessons. Multimedia presentations can make the material more meaningful and engaging.

"Technologys impact in schools has been significant, advancing how students learn, how
teachers teach and how efficiently and effectively educational services can be delivered, said
Carolyn April, director, industry analysis, CompTIA. With emerging technologies such as tablets
and netbooks, interactive whiteboards and wireless solutions gaining ground in the classroom,
the reliance on IT by the education market will only grow in the years ahead.[29]

Studies completed in "computer intensive" settings found increases in student centre,

cooperative and higher order learning, students writing skills, problem solving, and using
technology.[30] In addition, positive attitudes toward technology as a learning tool by parents,
students and teachers are also improved.

Cons:
Harmful Effects of Digital Devices
There are concerns from the EPA about long-term exposure to wireless devices and computer screens.
While there is no direct evidence of harmful effects, the EPA would discourage too much exposure for
students who have video screens in front of their faces or computers in their laps. If students frequently
use these devices at home, additional exposure at school could be viewed as harmful.

Inappropriate Materials
While schools can limit the availability of websites that can be viewed on their network, students may find
links that slipped through the system. There will also be times that students will not be accessing the
Internet through a monitored network.

Child Predators and Cyber Bullying

Child predators are a problem everywhere. Using digital devices at school creates just that much more
exposure and potential danger for students. In addition, cyber bullying is also an increasing issue.
Permitting use of digital devices in the classroom could potentially lead to more of it.

Child Predators and Cyber Bullying

Child predators are a problem everywhere. Using digital devices at school creates just that much more
exposure and potential danger for students. In addition, cyber bullying is also an increasing issue.
Permitting use of digital devices in the classroom could potentially lead to more of it.

Digital divide[edit]
One of the greatest barriers[citation needed] of integrating technology into the school system deals with
the digital divide. The concept of the digital divide was originally defined as a gap between those
who have access to digital technologies and those who do not.[66] This access is associated with
age, gender, education, income, ethnicity, and geography.[66]The first deals with the onset of
integrating technology into the curriculum and the gap between the digital haves and have-nots.[67] In
most cases, this form of the digital divide means that those who have access to a computer and the
Internet are considered digital haves, while on the other hand, those who do not are considered a
digital have not.

Teacher training
In a study to investigate how teacher preparation programs are preparing future K12 educators to
effectively use technology to enhance learning, the results demonstrated a gap in understanding the
appropriate uses of technology in a learning environment.[70] Similar to learning a new task or trade,
special training is vital to ensuring the effective integration of classroom technology. The current
school curriculum tends to guide teachers in training students to be autonomous problem
solvers.[67] This has become a significant barrier to effective training because the traditional methods
of teaching have clashed with what is now expected in the present workplace.

Case Study 2: Social networking in our lives

The 5 Impacts
News- Social media has become an important source of news. While the credibility of some sources
can clearly be contested, news channels tweet or give updates on significant happenings all over the
world. Their availability on social networks makes news more accessible. Additionally, news quickly
gets passed around the networks in ways never experienced before.
Interaction- Social media has furthered interaction by such a massive scale that is hard not to
notice it. It allows people to keep in touch in a more regularly, and sometimes, more intimately, than
was ever before because of time and space constraints. People cities or continents apart can keep
in touch so effortlessly, creating an opportunity to experience different cultures.
Political Landscapes- Social media has enabled greater political awareness and organization,
which has in some cases rewritten entire political landscapes. It has particularly played a large part
in the Iran elections, and Obamas reelection for a second term as US President, and inspired the
political unrests in Egypt.
Learning- Social media has also played a large part in fostering literacy. Children who start using
the platforms develop early communication skills, and generally become more literate. This is an
encouraging trend, and thanks to the huge availability of information, both simplistic and complex on
the internet, anyone can become as smart or intelligent as they desire.
Marketing- The whole dynamics of marketing have been changed, and rather than investing in
mass channels ads, companies are becoming more consumer-centered through interactions made
over social media. They are able to understand the needs of the market from the market itself,
greatly altering the way marketing has been done in the past.

In the last ten years the use of electronic communication devices has boomed. Most of us have
mobile phones and the majority of under 30 year olds have smart phones. The use of computers has
become an integral part of our lives. Instant messaging and emails have overtaken letters as the
most popular way to keep in touch.
These new forms of communication have benefits but can also cause anxiety, poor self esteem and
can be all-consuming to the detriment of work and friendships. Are you more stressed since you
joined a social media site? Everyone is always on the end of a line but this instant availability can
also be intrusive. The jury is out on whether texting and emailing is addictive, but for some their lives
do seem to be controlled by social media.
When was the last time you were out for a meal and either you or someone at the table had their
phone on and responded to a text? Have you ever gone out to lunch and discovered that you had
left your mobile on your desk? How did you react - panic or acceptance? Do you scroll and stroll and
ignore others on the street?
For some social media affects their self esteem. Knowing what friends are doing, where they are
going, what they are seeing is a bit voyeuristic (but with their permission). You may end up
comparing yourself to them and feeling inadequate. If you are not doing something as great or
exciting you may feel worthless. Your self esteem becomes dented. In some cases, to counteract
this, you may then make stories up and, if not careful, get trapped in a web of lies.
We all need time out. We need to be able to recharge our mental batteries. This hyper-state of
involvement in others' lives that technology brings can train us to be constantly online so that we
dont miss out. Even at work there is an expectation that we are on-call. Some employees feel that
they have to check work phones and emails during their holidays so that the boss knows they are
dedicated. Not much of a break.
Holidays are useful ways to rest the brain. To give it time to recharge. These time-outs are very
beneficial and help to prevent stress and breakdowns. So if you cant turn off your phone, do you
think you may have become dependent on knowing what others are doing? And if so, why?
Some have difficulties putting technology into place and not let it take over their lives. More and
more clients are coming in because they feel inadequate. They compare and contrast their lives with
the electronic friends and dont feel as exciting, as perfect, as fulfilled. Their lives are becoming
stressful because of technology not better.

Case Study 3: FDI in Indian retails- Boon or Bane?

---------------------------------------------------------------------- What is the meaning of FDI ?

The Foreign Direct Investment means cross border investment made by a resident in one
economy in an enterprise in another economy, with the objective of establishing a lasting
interest in the investee economy.

FDI is also described as investment into the business of a country by a company in another
country. Mostly the investment is into production by either buying a company in the target
country or by expanding operations of an existing business in that country.

Such investments

can take place for many reasons, including to take advantage of cheaper wages, special
investment privileges (e.g. tax exemptions) offered by the country.
Why Countries Seek FDI ?
(a) Domestic capital is inadequate for purpose of economic growth;
(b) Foreign capital is usually essential, at least as a temporary measure, during the period when the
capital market is in the process of development;
(c) Foreign capital usually brings it with other scarce productive factors like technical know
how, business expertise and knowledge

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)

What are the major benefits of FDI :

Improves forex position of the country;
Employment generation and increase in production ;
Help in capital formation by bringing fresh capital;
Helps in transfer of new technologies, management skills, intellectual property
Increases competition within the local market and this brings higher efficiencies
Helps in increasing exports;
Increases tax revenues
Why FDI is Opposed by Local People or Disadvantages of FDI :
Domestic companies fear that they may lose their ownership to overseas company
Small enterprises fear that they may not be able to compete with world class large companies
and may ultimately be edged out of business;
Large giants of the world try to monopolise and take over the highly profitable sectors;
Such foreign companies invest more in machinery and intellectual property than in wages of the
local people;
Government has less control over the functioning of such companies as they usually work as
wholly owned subsidiary of an overseas company;