Training in the 21st Century: Connecting Instructors and Technology for Results

Face-to-face instruction has benefited from modern technology that presents professional development and corporate training in new and interesting ways.

In their report in the International Journal of Research in Education and Science, Simin Ghavifekr and Wan Athirah Wan Rosdy discuss information, communication, and technology, known as ICT—a broader term for information technology. ICT refers to all communication technologies, media applications, and services that enable users to access, retrieve, store, transmit, and manipulate information in a digital form. These technologies include, but aren’t limited to:

● Wireless networks

● Cell phones

● Computers

● The internet

● Software

● Video-conferencing

● Social networking

In the study, Ghavifekr and Rosdy note that the “integration of information, communication, and technology will assist teachers [with] the global requirement to replace traditional teaching methods with technology-based teaching, learning tools, and facilities.”

They go on to note that:

● ICT integration has a great effectiveness for both teachers and students

● Technology-based teaching and learning is more effective in comparison to traditional classroom techniques

● Using ICT tools and equipment will prepare an active-learning environment that is more interesting and effective for both teachers and students

● Students learn more effectively with the use of ICT as the designed lessons are more engaging and interesting

Successfully Integrating Technology

So how can we connect instructors and technology for meaningful results?

Successful integration of technology is achieved when technology is used routinely and transparently, in both daily classroom activities and in school management. Moreover, it should support the overall goals of the curriculum, help students effectively reach their goals, and be accessible and readily available.

According to Edutopia, successful technology integration is achieved when students have access to technology tools that:

● Facilitate the task at hand

● Provide an opportunity to build a deeper understanding of content

● Help them obtain information in a timely manner

● Allow them to analyze and synthesize information

● Help them present that information professionally

Technology and Corporate Training

How is technology changing traditional methods of corporate training, and what changes might come next?

As noted in the Purdue University Online blog, “interactive technology is changing the game of learning, and the benefits for corporate training are immense.” Business News Daily echoes this sentiment, noting that developing technologies are enabling new ways to learn while enhancing employee learning capabilities and making the experience more engaging.

And we’re not just talking about developing and emerging technologies like augmented reality and machine learning. The ability to regularly access the internet allows employees to engage micro-learning anytime, anywhere. BND notes that this increases the likelihood that employees “will begin developing skills and then bringing them back to work on a regular basis, especially if learning is internally tied to rewards or a gamification program.”

The Benefits of Technology Integration

We’ve already mentioned a few benefits of integrating technology into the classroom, but we’d like to leave you with a few more.

Connecting instructors and technology means students can have access to:

● On-the-job training

● Relevant learning

● Up-to-date, primary source material

● Ways to collaborate with students, teachers, and experts around the world

● Methods of collecting and recording data

● Opportunities for expressing understanding via different multimedia channels

● Training in order to publish and present new knowledge

● Authentic assessment

Additionally, it allows businesses to retain clients and employees, stay competitive, and help their team members maintain a firm grasp on company goals.