Technology in Education

Integrating Technology in the Classroom Can Ensure Quality of Malaysian Education
By: Mohamad Syamsul Izwan Bin Md Fauzi

In this modern era, much type of technologies was applied in order to achieve a high level of quality and productivity of something. In Malaysia nowadays, the Ministry of Education integrates technology in the classroom to ensure the quality of Malaysian education. Technology has revolutionized the way society operates as most everything we do or see has some sort of technical component running in either the forefront or background. Many scholars have variously defined technology (Chen, 2001, p.2). Fashola (1969) defined it as “scientific study of industrial arts, including the art by which through the medium of materials, scientific knowledge and skills are transformed into practical use". The Encyclopedia Britannica submitted that technology involves the application of reason to techniques and is a rational activity steaming from the tradition of modern science.
Technology invigorates classrooms and creates new and, often times, more efficient methods of teaching students the standards the state requires them to learn. Using technology in classroom is also beneficial for the simple reason that this exposure will familiarize students with technology that they will encounter in the work place (Wong, 2003). It is the responsibility of all educators to prepare today's students for tomorrow's world. To produce productive, employable Malaysians we must recognize that technology is an integral part of society and begin weaving it into our curriculum. Teachers must learn to use technology and find creative ways to include it in their classroom lessons.
In order to teach students effectively it is necessary to reach all learners. Teachers often make the mistake of only teaching in a style that suits them. This is great for the students who learn in that particular style, but this can be quite frustrating for those that do not. Technology offers methods that apply to all styles simultaneously interactive programs provide visual, auditory, and kinesthetic information. Incorporating technology in the classroom allows students to take control of their own learning, rather than simply taking in information from one primary source, the teacher, and memorizing facts. Technology will not only help students learn to comprehend low-level facts, but also provide a means to utilize that information and complete projects that do require high-order thinking skills (CTGV, 1991).
According to Phil Race and Steve McDowell in their book “500 Computing tips for Teachers and Lectures”, there are plenty of options around when considering which type of technology is most beneficial to a classroom. Obviously, the Internet is a useful source; however, most school districts restrict Internet usage so much that it is difficult to take advantage of its full potential. With unlimited access to information, students could research countless articles and formulate opinions based on their findings. Students could learn to solve real world problems using information available from database searches. With a bit of training students could create multi-media digital projects rather than the old school reports. These projects could contain the same textual information they normally would be required, however, they could also incorporate video, photography, music, voice overs, or other digital effects to enhance their project.

As a conclusion, using technology in classroom is beneficial for the simple reason that this exposure will familiarize students with technology that they will encounter in the work place. By considering the numerous advantages of integrating technology in the classroom, I believe that the quality of Malaysian education will reach at a top level.