Technology has revolutionised the field of education. The importance of technology in schools cannot be ignored. In fact, with the onset of computers in education, it has become easier for teachers to impart knowledge and for students to acquire it. The use of technology has made the process of teaching and learning enjoyable.
The Internet is a huge information base. It can be used as an effective tool for acquiring knowledge. All web user needs to do is to key in queries to search engines. Users are having thousands of search results. There are several websites and web directories that offer information on topics. And all this is just a few clicks away. Both teachers and students can a benefit from this.
Computers offer an interactive audio-visual medium. PowerPoint presentations and animation software can be used to present information in an interactive way. Owing to the audio-visual effects, this way of teaching invites greater interest for students. The method is equally helpful for teachers. The Projectors and screens facilitate simultaneous viewing of information by a large number of students.
Addressing systems using microphones and speakers make it possible for teachers to reach a larger number of students simultaneously.
These teaching aids have led to improvements in student attendance. Interactive media have proven to be useful in increasing students concentration levels.
Technology aids student expression. Students can use much more than just pen and paper to express themselves or present what they have learned. They can use software to make presentations and projects. This makes them more interested in the subject and leads to better retention of information. With technological aids, they can make easy-to-remember notes and a creative presentation of the information they have acquired. It won’t be wrong to say that application of technology has made a student’s life easy.
It’s easier for students to carry a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) than carrying big books to school. An iPad is less bulky than a pile of notebooks or an e-book reader much lighter than a book.
The importance of technology in education cannot be stressed enough. The introduction of technology in the educational field has made the process of learning and knowledge sharing, a more interactive and pleasurable experience. Perhaps, the greatest impact of technology on education is the change in perspective. The paradigm shift in thinking from local to global can be attributed to technology. Indeed technology is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind.
                    (Ahad Ali Khan, M Babar, Amtul Naseer and M. Azeem.)