TECHNOLOGY IS DRAMATICALLY changing every aspect of society, and mostly for the better. This is why the recently introduced Flow Study initiative may turn out to be such a significant driver of innovation for our education system.
There are still many who are apprehensive about new technology, but after years of application, the positives outnumber the negatives and it has become a transformational tool. There is, of course, always the struggle to keep up with the consistent technological infrastructure upgrades, but today’s reality is about finding solutions to undertake more complex applications, including the use of streaming video and audio. The adoption of digital tools to solve problems in the classrooms must become a critical factor in education in the next five years if we are to remain relevant.
This is why much of what are now classified as hurdles and impediments because of physical space or even limited human capital, can be overcome with the correct application of technology. The Flow Study programme is the right step ahead and is on the cusp of major changes in the delivery of knowledge.
The advent of the smart classroom has arrived and will change the way education is made available, be it at nursery level or in the expansion of sixth form schools. Not only will textbooks go away, so too will the need for more bricks and mortar given the ability to create things like virtual biology laboratories once issues such as restrictive Internet filtering and adequate bandwidth are resolved.
Everything is going to change and, admittedly, it can be a bit frightening. Online learning in its many forms will take shape even in the traditional schools, with the hybrid education approach offering the best possible win-win solution.
We accept that technology alone is not the only determining factor, but rather how it is applied that will make the difference, as does getting educators to fully accept new ways of imparting knowledge.
We need critical analysis of what’s happening but must be cautious not to condemn the technological changes by seeking to understand the evolution taking place in education in many societies. We cannot be left behind.
The changes must meet the expectation of today’s students who don’t want to power down when they enter the classroom. Neither should they remain in the analogue age with one-way activity. Yet, it’s not just about putting more technology in schools, but rather pushing students to reap the benefits in the classroom by becoming more mobile and analytical.
Technology and education are a great combination when used for the right reasons. Let us open the doors to real possibilities and innovation.
