The intervention of technology in the education sector cannot be overlooked, especially considering the current situation of a global pandemic. Not only has technology seamlessly made its way in our lives but also thoroughly changed its course. From getting groceries to attending meetings across the globe, it has perhaps reduced that distance between the ends of the world. Entering into our personal and professional spheres and leaving no stone unturned, the education industry is no longer isolated from its ramifications. Changing trends in technology facilitate newer teaching and learning techniques that encourage students to be lifelong learners.
The conventional method of teaching using chalk and a blackboard has proved to be effective, however, emerging technological trends open a new doorway to learning, through video lectures, graphical illustrations, and games among others. It is imperative to understand that understanding is not limited to a classroom. Instead, it finds its way outside of the school’s premises. A report published by National Literacy Trust in April 2019 claims that “Most respondents saw technology to have a positive impact on reluctant readers (68.5%) and boys (64.8%), followed by reluctant writers and less able readers and writers.” There is a wealth of technological devices in the market targeted towards young learners, to make the process enjoyable and resourceful. The potential that technology provides its learners with newer ways of learning like gamified learning, video lectures, and text-speech software remains unprecedented.
The idea of literacy extends beyond its conventional understanding, that is, one’s ability to read and write. In a world that is so skill oriented, Calkins and Ehrenworth suggest that in the past “most jobs required low literacy skills, but children who leave school today without strong literacy skills will not find a job”. The generation which is so competent in using these devices from such an early age, it becomes nearly impossible to detach their process from it. Technology motivates them to learn and engage with the subject matter creatively and critically and develops their reading and writing skills. With e-readers and various writing tools, learners today are motivated to read by the mere idea of doing so on a device. Features like built-in dictionaries, dictation, and video lectures help them polish their vocabulary, research, and retention abilities.
While technology has entered into the domain of education only to change its course, it is up to us to decide if its for better or worse. Considering the digital gap in countries like India, a stable internet connection or a mobile phone is a thing of privilege. So to say that technology has significantly increased the literacy rate would be appealing until we delve into its socio-political modalities.
Work is Worship 