Date Posted: 11/14/2013 1:38:45 AM
Posted By: wishstar Membership Level: Gold Total Points: 7507
Education is the key to growth and development, socially, religiously and economically. The level and quality of education being the determining factor. As technology develops, so is the need of education to flow with it. Presently, we have tried to flow with technology in our education system. We are trying, only that we have not yet reached the level, but can, and also that some technology is implemented in the not-so-relevant areas. One instance that should adhere to the idea that Education of the present will determine our future is the laptop project initiated by our government. Its a good idea but not given that much of a thought. In order for development to start now, say economic, we should shift the project from targeting primary school kids to a more higher level like say those joining high school or better yet, those leaving! You know why? Simple. High school students can be taught more complex computer stuff that can lead to employment. Picture this, a lower primary school pupil will only be taught basic computer stuff. Before he gets to the more complex ones, a lot of time would have been wasted. Also look at this. When a high school student gets the laptop, he can be taught such stuff as programming, web design and maybe graphic design. How would that go? Good. Lets take the odds and look how the laptops project would have done had it been implemented in public universities, specifically to government sponsored students. First, students at this level can use the laptop in diverse areas. Some, at this level, have already got the basics of complex computer stuff, the likes of programming, graphic design and web design. Not this only, but some are also using the power of the internet to make themselves cash. Some, definitely not all, do their computer work, at least in their first year of study, by borrowing from their friends, using the limited school computers or even going to internet cafes. What would the laptops mean to them? A lot. They would be more efficient in their work and this would be able to improve on them. If they were making some cash, then an increase in their income would be detected. Okay, so we have looked at the laptops project being implemented on three levels of students. But is this the only case, definitely not! You see, teachers can also be fit into the equation. Why you may ask? We can answer you by saying that a number of advantages may arise from teachers being given laptops like for instance information sharing. At this level, lets look at the advantages that may arise if laptops are given to one of these four groups. 1. Laptops being given to primary school pupils. Advantages. - Its a good long term goal to ensure the future generation is adequately equipped with technological know how. - People will get technological knowledge at an early age. - The learning process will be more intuitive and exciting. Disadvantages - The project would cost a lot more since the number of students at this level is more. - The impact of the project would take a comparatively longer period of time to be felt. - The training of teachers would add extra cost.- Some pupils may be hooked to the laptops so much that they don't concentrate in other areas of learning. - It is hard for the government to sustain the project once the lot that has got the laptops moves to the next class. 2. High school students. Advantages- More manageable as they are fewer. - Can easily grasp computer knowledge. - Can take advantage of the versatility of the computer. Disadvantages.- Students may use the computer for other purposes thus dilute the learning process. - Additional costs are incurred in the training of teachers. 3. Campus Students Advantages - Can make use of the laptops to generate income and sustain themselves. - Can learn more complex computer stuff like programming- They don't need that much of training by tutors as they can do their own research via the internet and other sources - They can easily combine their know how and create a computer idea that may be beneficial to the nation. - The laptops may assist them in improving on their career by helping them in intense research. - They are comparatively fewer, if we consider the laptops being given to government sponsored students. - Access to a lot of information via the internet since most higher learning institutions have got free internet connectivity. Disadvantages - Theft cases are rampant in institutions of higher learning, especially for laptops and other electronic gadgets. 4. Teachers. Advantages. - Manageable since they are fewer. - It can assist in information sharing - Cheaper since they are directly trained. - More security of the laptops is guaranteed. - Improving the knowledge base of the teachers will also improve that of students. Disadvantages. - A number of teachers are not fully literate about computers. Though each group has its own benefits and limitations, the most successful ones, In my opinion, are campus students and teachers. What say thou?
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