Education and Technology

Education and Technology

People in this modern age live in a technology and utilized this as a tool in education of higher learning. It is likewise to be observed in the 21^st century the following  marked by various characteristics, including: 1) access to an abundance of information, 2) rapid changes in technology tools, and 3) the ability to collaborate and make individual contributions on an unprecedented scale. It is said that to be effective in the 21st century education, faculty and, students must be able to exhibit a range of functional and critical thinking skills related to information, and technology particularly in the classroom instructions.

The recent trends in education today is that there is a collective vision for learning known as the Framework for 21st Century Learning. This Framework describes the skills, knowledge and expertise students must master to succeed in work and life; it is a blend of content knowledge, specific skills, expertise and literacies (www.21st century skills.org2009).

            It is envision that students of the 21^st century education in relation to technology   will attain specifically the following: the information literacy, media literacy and ICT literacy.

Information literacy.  When there is an access of information efficiently (time) and effectively (sources) and evaluate information critically and competently then, information literacy will be attained.

Use and Manage Information. The information is used accurately and creatively for the issue or problem encountered at hand. The information followed the management flow of information from a wide variety of sources and the application of a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information.

          Media Literacy. The media is being analyzed. It is important to understand both how and why media messages are constructed, and for what purposes. There must be an examination of how individuals interpret messages differently, how values and points of view are included or excluded, and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors. Observe the application of a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of media

           Create Media Products. In creating media products, we must understand and utilize the most appropriate media creation tools, characteristics and conventions. Likewise, an understanding is needed to effectively utilize the most appropriate expressions and interpretations in diverse, multi-cultural environments.

ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) LITERACY

Apply Technology Effectively.  The use technologies  (computers, PDAs, media players, GPS, etc.),  as a tool to research, organizes, evaluate and communicate information is the most efficient and effective   specifically in the field of research is very effective in the preparation of proposals, and in publishing it online after a series of upstream and downstream researches conducted. The gauge of its effectiveness is when the researcher had been awarded and receiving royalty pay from published work through the computer, internet and the use of latest technology like GIS, in the said research field.

I strongly believed that the said framework will be realized if this is being supported by the government, with the proper monitoring and assessment of the curriculum, instruction, equipped with the modern classroom instruction facilities like the laptops or computers and related ICT equipments in classroom instruction 

With these conditions, the following goals of education in relation to technology and its framework   such as information literacy, media literacy,  ICT (information, communications and Technology) Literacy will be expected to be effective program in the 21^st century and be realized soon. 

On Virtual Socialization

On Virtual Socialization

 Filipinos have been characterized as culturally sociable and as frequently keeping in touch with family and friends (Salazar, 2007). The   Great Soviet Encyclopedia definition of socialization is that it is a process by which an individual acquires specific knowledge and values and accepts standards that enable him to function as a full and equal member of society.” With the present technology generated in our society, virtual socialization is the trends of the times.

Virtual socialization is an interaction with an individual or group of people through the use of social media such as the internet, Facebook,yahoo messenger, twitter,  skype and now using blogs as diary for many   or an avenue for releasing stress or tension for a few by immediately sharing their sentiments or appreciation for the accomplishment done for a day. With the evolution of social media technology like iphone or digital camera whose updated applications such as video, digital , media can be produced in a matter of minutes and can be uploaded for everyone to see and be entertained with it.

             Most teenagers and children really enjoy this kind of virtual interaction, where they can research for their assignments, relax by playing online games, and explore some videos or chatting with individuals online that sometimes below the belt or I mean not appropriate for their age or not in accordance to the norms of Christian living. Others are victims of immoral act or misbehavior by this kind of social media interaction. I supposed parents must be aware of this situation and must be address properly for this will affect our children s brighter future.  

           The effect of virtual socialization had been the focus of study of social researchers. They said that there are positive and negative effects of virtual socialization. Some of the positive effects are observed such as an avenue for socializing; an alternative way to get students interested in learning with a new and previously unconventional medium. Likewise, it can also help with assignments and group projects. Further, it provides an avenue for them to keep in touch with their friends whom they met in school, church or through their hobbies like sports. This is also a place for our teenager to share their hidden talents or skills like, arts, music, or even a place for playing games. Parents or an expert on their field of profession can tutor or coach students in this way while some adolescents ask for advises on their .challenging experiences .Likewise, adolescents who usually use Face book have been noted to show empathy virtually as well as  it  also provide medical support. 

            On the other hand, the negative effects of virtual socialization such as it affect the mental health of teens. Likewise, their level of contentment can decrease, and their likelihood of getting into trouble or being depressed can increase Further, teens that use Face book tend to be more narcissistic, antisocial, and aggressive as noted by Rosen, of 2011. Just like also the many forms of cyber bullying are also a problem and can lead to the victims experiencing depression and anxiety and the cause of many suicides in young people (Kowalski, 2009).

        

             As concerned parent, with these good and bad effects virtual socialization should be used appropriately and properly.  For it was proven by Rosen, 2011 that adolescents and even college students who are using Face book too much have lower their grades.

                                                                                                                                                                                

Missing The Snail Mail?

Missing The Snail Mail?

It was in 1980’s when I enjoy receiving mails from my pen pals, high school crushes, but now living with the age modern technology only Philhealth check money order mail and credit cards notices or billing statements I usually received from the post offices as registered mail.

"Snail mail" is a term used to refer to mail that is sent in the traditional way — through the postal service - rather than by fax or email, or other electronic means of communication. It is given this name because it can be very slow, as is a snail. Postal mail generally takes two or three days to go from origin to destination, if not many more, whereas email can be sent instantly from a user's mail program to another person's email address. Though many email messages simply contain words, they may also include photos or other digital files, such as songs, or links to websites.

Surely, snail mail or normal post I really miss. Why? Postal service has gone through a lot of changes in the last several years. I can't help but think that email and technology have played a big part in that case. Our delivery service is also quite slow and some days we don't receive our snail mail due to inefficient services aside from the fact that the cost of postal stamp increases with time.

 What I really miss with the snail mail is that the personal touch of the handwritten mail of loves ones, family and friends from the different part of the world. But I think email is more efficient, especially in our daily works for we send email communications from offices to different agencies concerned. Just like in my studies, applications, and important documents are now sent online. The use of something like email to keep everyone up to date and sharing a good joke with everyone would have been a lot of fun for me too.

Just like the assignment or requirements of professors, tutorial, or advises of a mentor, friend or classmates, and  keeping the relationship or bonding of relatives   where it is sent thru email really is quite economical and efficient. But, seldom had I made a birthday greetings, cards on special occasion where I sent through email but I still prefer to send it through snail mail because of the personalized notes attached so it will be a touching gesture of love for our love ones. Would you agree too?