A vision for technology in education: learning in the 21st century

Abstract

Given the realities of globalization, knowledge work, and accelerating societal change, it's obvious that what students learn—as well as how and when they learn—is changing. Technology influences learning in three significant ways. A synthesis of recent research and national skill sets shows that technology can be: • a driver of change, • a bridge to academic excellence, and • a platform for informed decision making and accountability: A change is there in the role of teachers from "sages on the stage" to mentors, researchers, publishers, technology users, knowledge producers, risk takers and lifelong learners. Administrators and managers need professional development as much as their staff. Managers need to provide teachers with adequate training and support to effectively use the technology in their classrooms. In effect, managers must provide the vision of change that includes empowering teachers and learners in new ways and then must learn how effectively to manage these empowered teachers and learners. Education technology has been found to have positive effects on student attitudes towards learning and on student self-concept. Students felt more successful in school, were more motivated to learn and have increased self-confidence and self-esteem when using computer-based instruction. This was particularly true when the technology allowed learners to control their own learning. Moreover, information technology is the force mat revolutionizes business, streamlines government and enables instant communications and the exchange of information among people and institutions around the world. Technology can be the "revolutionary force" that instigates and supports reform by teachers and administrators at the school level.